There are a handful of farriers who have a unique perspective on the veterinarian-farrier relationship. Fewer than 10 of the veterinary colleges in the United States have full-time farriers. These professionals have regular workloads in the clinics, but also serve the veterinary schools in other capacities. In many cases, they teach veterinary students in interested in learning more about podiatry, and in a few programs, also instruct students enrolled in the complementary farrier schools.

Thanks to their frequent work and interactions with veterinarians, they understand the dynamic between the two professions and what it takes to maintain a good relationship. We asked several of them to share their advice related to the subject.

What are the attributes of veterinarians you have worked with that help them relate well with farriers?

“When dealing with lameness cases, being practical and objective with diagnostics is time efficient and also allows farriers to provide tailored solutions to the problem.”

— Diego Almeida, CJF (EE, FE), AWCF; Farrier and Instructor; University of Illinois

“I think an open mind and ability/commitment to communicate are some of the best attributes.”

— Travis Burns, CJF (EE, TE), FWCF; Chief of Farrier Services and Associate Professor of Practice;
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

“Understand, we are both part of a team for the betterment of the horse, not our…