Equine hoof-care practitioners were asked to anonymously provide their thoughts about the American Veterinary Medical Association’s proposed Model Veterinary Practice Act. Here are some responses from the exclusive American Farriers Journal survey:

A:

“Leave well enough alone. A good farrier will catch a problem and be more than willing to work with a vet to help solve the problem. I had a Thoroughbred I owned and trained at the track that had hoof problems. The track vet wanted to nerve block him to run, which is illegal. My farrier fixed my horse over several months’ time.”

A:

“I’m suspicious of a dramatic change like this when there’s no clear reason.”

A:

“It seems that if, in fact, there is a problem that needs to be addressed that all parties would be better served by establishing training and certification requirements for all farriers.”

A:

“The two professions have a lot of work to do in order to work effectively together.”

A:

“The proposal is a clear power and money grab. The care of horses and their well being is at stake and frankly the average vet has zero knowledge about the goings on of good care compared with a professional farrier. I believe the American Farrier’s Association should take advantage of this time to finally solidify…