Three hoof-care professionals were honored at the third annual Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, held during November in Palm Beach, Fla. All three were recognized for their efforts in battling laminitis.

The Spot Courage Award was presented to Peggy Gurske of Kennewick, Wash. The award, is named for a horse that once belonged to John and Marianne Castle. The horse suffered from severe laminitis and the Castles were inspired to found the conference by their experiences with Spot. The award goes to a person who has experienced laminitis first-hand and has had the courage to try and improve that animal’s life and in doing so has improved the overall understanding of the disease.

When Gurske’s horse came down with laminitis, she went to farrier school so that she would learn how to help the animal herself. She has learned how to use the EDSS system and has continued to help her own and other laminitic horses even while battling breast cancer herself.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to equine veterinarian Ric Redden of Versailles, Ky. Redden, a member of the Equine Veterinarians Hall Of Fame, has been a pioneer in treatment and shoeing techniques in the fight against laminitis.

This year’s Pfizer Scientific Award was presented to Harold Garner in recognition of a lifetime of research primarily at the University of Missouri. He has authored more than 120 articles and has greatly advanced the understanding of laminitis.

Central Coast Farriers Holding Raffle