When it comes to providing the best possible footcare for clients, nothing is more important than exchanging information. The horse owner needs to communicate hoof-care concerns effectively so you fully understand the problems. At the same time, you must let clients know what you are doing to help their horses.

Not only will providing effective communication lead to happier clients and better hoof care for horses, it may also play an essential role in reducing the liability risk for your footcare work. Plus, it can have a big impact on how clients carry out recommended daily footcare needs once you leave the barn.

Physicians, Vets And Farriers

At last winter’s American Association of Equine Practitioners meeting, Kathleen Bonvicini said 75 to 95 percent of the human medicine information needed by physicians to make a correct diagnosis comes from the patient-reported medical history.

The staffer with the Bayer Health Communication Project in New Haven, Conn., said research conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association has shown veterinarians believe the ability of clients to carry out animal health orders was as high as 75 percent. Yet in reality, the average was only 50 percent.

“This means one out every two clients seen in those practices actually followed through on treatments recommended by their veterinarian,” says Bonvicini.

Watch Your Back

There is also evidence to indicate that poor communication is linked with your risk for liability. Bonvicini found 71 percent of human malpractice claims were initiated due to an unfavorable physician and patient…