During the December 2019 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, a session featured two prominent equine veterinarians leading a discussion on pre-purchase examinations (PPE). The veterinary audience drove the discussion, covering all aspects of the PPE. When an audience member asked the two practitioners how they utilize farriers, both stated that they do not.

One veterinarian also is a farrier, so there is no need to have a farrier pull shoes or consult on the horse’s hoof-care concerns when he presides. The other veterinarian isn’t a farrier, but can competently pull shoes. Communicating with the farrier before the PPE didn’t usually occur with this veterinarian; however, if the buyer purchases a horse with problematic feet, he will alert the farrier about what awaits.

Considering the farrier is a crucial member of the horse’s care team, should the farrier consult during PPEs? After all, the hoof care of a horse is one of the largest cumulative costs over the animal’s lifetime. This is due to the fact that the farrier should see the horse every…