When friction occurs in the veterinarian-farrier relationship the likely culprit is failed communication. That’s a large umbrella. Poor communication in this dynamic could be failing to return a phone call. 

Through my work at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, I work closely with the college’s veterinarians and veterinary students, as well as the farriers whose cases come to the hospital. This has given me the perspective of seeing how both sides work best together — and how either can hinder this relationship.

The heart-bar shoe is arguably one of the most used and recognized therapeutic shoes used in modern farriery. The late Burney Chapman popularized the use of the heart bar.