Monique Craig

It is an absolute pleasure to speak about my experiences while working with Epona Institute Founder Monique Craig. Our introduction began 7 years ago while working on my undergraduate senior project regarding Metron Software and elimination of magnification error during radiographic interpretation. At that time, I could have never fathomed the degree of impact this incredible woman would have on my equine lameness and podiatry cases as a Holistic Veterinarian. Her insight, wisdom, experience, ethics and integrity are unrivaled. Her extensive research and dedication to the field of equine podiatric medicine is farther encompassing than any other farrier with which I have worked. I can count on her for accurate interpretation of equine distal limb radiographs that may have previously been misinterpreted by other well-respected veterinarians. I am able to consult with her on my toughest cases of laminitis, denervations and tenotomies where owners were horribly misinformed and subsequently resulted in dreadful repercussions that required immediate, corrective veterinary and podiatric teamwork.

She always provides an honest, scientific and evidence-based analysis on complicated cases. In the face of severe cases where I am overwhelmed, or feeling lost or hopeless, she is able to draw upon her vast experiences and on occasion has an identical case for comparison. This has helped save many horses from continual suffering when their outcome was grave and has also given me courage to fight for the horses that can make it through the most extreme challenges. I could not be as powerful, determined and well-directed if it weren’t for her presence. Having Monique Craig as a mentor, fellow colleague and friend has unquestionably been an invaluable asset for improving the lives of equines in my scope of practice.

— Dr. Rhiannon Fenton, D.V.M., C.A.C., C.V.A.
President of Vital Equine

If you don’t know Monique Craig, inventor of the Epona Shoe, you should. 

I was told Monique shod and kept many horses sound, including a famous Olympic dressage horse. I called her for help. I was skeptical that someone who treated million dollar horses would be open to accepting mine. Then I called her. She was very open to listening to my horse’s issue and reassuring that she could get him sound. 

Her stature is mini, but her vigor for shoeing perfection with soundness results is mighty. She’s unique in that she is an engineer, inventor and artist rolled into one. Her shoes and shoeing strategy for each horse at every shoeing is backed up with data that confirms her approach is correct. Her success with soundness solidifies her knowledge and approach. If seeing is believing, watch some severe, lame horses come into her barn and watch her transform them into sound, happy horses. I can’t believe what I see walking (or trying to) into her barn. There are horses who would be put down by many, but the next time I see them they are sound and happily walking. It’s exciting to see them so greatly improved. Unbelievable transformations happen with her at the Epona Institute. I drive 6 hours in a day every 5 weeks for my horse to be shod by her. Once when I could not make my appointment, she sent one of her apprentices to my home. She will give the extra effort and is extremely caring of the horse. 

After 4 years of “no foot, no horse” we are sound! Last month, we showed Fourth Level dressage and brought home two blue ribbons thanks to her. So, if you don’t know Monique Craig, inventor of the Epona Shoe, you should.

— Audria Spano