Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital debuted an equine podiatry unit for veterinary students, according to the Rocky Mountain Collegian. The 4-year elective program consists of lectures, labs and clinicals led by a variety of farrier and veterinarian instructors, including: Ric Redden, DVM, Raul Bras, DVM, CJF, Jaret Pullen, DVM, CF, Brian Buckner, CJF, Carlos Carvajal De La Cerda, MVZ CF and others.

“One of the standout skills I gained from this class was working with a farrier to take radiographs,” veterinary student Jasmine Blattner tells the Collegian. “Having the opportunity to collaborate directly with a farrier in a hands-on setting gave me a deeper understanding of how radiographic imaging can be used to assess hoof balance and inform corrective shoeing decisions.”

Farriers and other equine professionals are flown in to teach students about proper hoof care and working with veterinarians.

“It’s been amazing to listen to farriers who are leading in their field,” veterinary student Anna Merritt tells the Collegian. “Developing an appreciation and respect for the art of shoeing a horse is something I think is lost in the general public and a majority of veterinary professionals.”

Though the program is aimed at graduate students, undergrads can assist in clinicals, allowing veterinary students to get early career experiences in hoof care that those who came before them did not.

Year 1 of the program includes distal limb anatomy, conformation, farrier tools and horseshoes and an introductory lecture on mechanics, taught by Karen Blake, DVM, DACVS, Raul Bras, Brian Buckner and Lexee Maestas and Ric Redden respectively. This totals 5 lecture hours and 40 minutes of lab time.

Year 2 includes information on pathologies, diagnostics, therapeutic shoes and mechanics. A more in-depth understanding of anatomy is taught by Ric Redden. Radiology is taught by Raul Bras. The mechanics of motion and healing is taught by Ric Redden. Common pathologies is taught by Raul Bras. Concepts of shoeing is taught by Jaret Pullen. The importance of veterinarian/farrier relationships is taught by Ric Redden and Brian Buckner. Case studies are taught by Jaret Pullen. This consists of 8 lecture hours and 2 lab hours.

Year 3 includes 8 lecture hours and 12 lab hours on critical thinking related to hoof care and practical diagnostic techniques. Students understand important anatomical features and the many ways to treat cases. They also learn how to shoot proper radiographs — including taking measurements and the value of pre-, during and post-shoeing images — and the importance of venogram technology. At the end of the week, they shoe a horse with various materials and run a mock case to practice good vet/farrier communication.

The final year of the program includes the most hands-on practical work. Students work with a farrier and a veterinarian instructor to identify a hoof problem and use diagnostic skills to make a plan for the client, horse and farrier.

To learn more about the equine podiatry education program through Colorado State University, visit their website here.

Related Content:

How a Successful Farrier and Veterinarian Relationship Should Flow

Enhance Healing by Understanding the Mechanical Thought Process in Equine Podiatry

Iowa State University Offering Hands-On Personalized Farrier Clinics