In early August, the American Association of Equine Practitioners hosted a meeting in Fort Collins, Colo., to share the latest published and non–published information on equine lameness issues. The event featured 13 brief abstract presentations and an in-depth discussion on research needs that was conducted with a blue ribbon panel of lameness researchers.

“The goal of this meeting was to share collective knowledge, current and future plans among multi-disciplinary equine lameness researchers and to help develop a strategic plan to most effectively and economically address important scientific issues regarding diseases that cause lameness,” says equine veterinarian and conference coordinator Nat White.  “We hope to develop a plan for collaboration and identify specific areas in lameness research that are priorities during the next 5 to 10 years.”

OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS...

• In mid-July, the Indiana Racing Commission banned the use of toe grabs of a height greater than 4 mm on the front hooves of all Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses racing at the state’s tracks.
• Jon Bonci has been named executive director of the American Farrier’s Association in Lexington, Ky.
• Brian Quinsey has joined the staff of Farrier Product Distribution in Shelbyville, Ky., as general manager of operations. He was the former executive director of the American Farrier’s Association.
• John Foust is named product manager for farrier products at Cooper Hand Tools in Apex, N .C.
• Hannah Galantini-Homer has been appointed to the position of senior research investigator for the recently created laminitis research initiative at the University of Pennsylvania School of…