WORKING WITH DONORS, Texas A&M University equine researcher David Hood is organizing the Hoof Project Foundation to concentrate on funding new opportunities for education, rehabilitation and research of the foot. Combining scientific research with real-life case management, Hood hopes to work closely with the horse-owning community to treat and prevent laminitis while relying on owner observations and management in the overall study of hoof disease.

Hood says raised monies will be used strictly to fund the foundation’s mission and no funds will be used for veterinary fees. However, some funds will be set aside to help financially strapped owners rehabilitate their laminitic horses. Another aspect of the program is allowing owners of foundered horses to showcase their horses via a Web-site photo gallery.

Hood will continue his research work on the horse’s foot. This research includes numerous biomechanical studies that are expected to lead to a much clearer understanding of hoof structure and the impact that hoof balance and nutrition can have on soundness.

More information about the foundation programs can be found at the organization’s Web site: Hoof Project Foundation

OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS...

• Pat Mullins was recently named president of the North American Riding for the Handicapped organization. The executive with Markel Insurance Company in Glen Allen, Va., says the organization is composed of 650 therapeutic riding centers in all 50 states with more than 30,000 disabled riders. The program also includes 32,000 volunteers and 5,100 therapy horses.
• Marion Martin, the wife of Scottish farrier Edward Martin, passed away…