Three-year effort pays off as farriers, veterinarians get specific mention in state’s revised equine activity statute

MOST FARRIERS generally aren’t big on government involvement in the horseshoeing business, but farriers in Louisiana are reporting some good news in that area. After a 3-year effort involving farriers and veterinarians, the Louisiana Equine Activity statute has been strengthened and now specifically mentions veterinarians and farriers as being covered under the statute.

Farrier Jimmy Gifford of Alexandria, La., says the act was passed with the help of state senators Joe McPherson and James David Cane, as well as Speaker of the House Charlie Dewitt. The revisions were recently signed into law by Louisiana Gov. M. J. “Mike” Foster Jr.

After sitting through a presentation on farrier protection needs at the 2001 American Farrier’s Association convention in Kansas City, Mo., Gifford checked into the need for changes in the Louisiana statutes. Since the speaker had indicated that Montana had one of the best laws in terms of protecting farriers, Gifford received additional guidance from Steve Eastman of Great Falls, Mont.

The Louisiana law, like many others around the country, provides limitations on liability for equine activity sponsors and equine professionals. The definition of “farm animal professional” was expanded to specifically include those who provide “veterinarian or farrier services.” “Providing farriers services” is included in a section of the law that defines engaging in equine activity.

While the changes in the Louisiana law are a good thing for farriers, Gifford says it still makes sense…