NEWS AND NOTES

November 1, 2013

Amy Rucker, an equine veterinarian from Columbia, Mo., and farrier Jim Keith, of Wingate, Ind., recently joined the Christian Veterinary Mission for a 3-week trip to Romania. The group, organized by South Bend, Ind., veterinarian Marty Langhofer, includes farriers and veterinarians who travel to Romania to work on horses and lecture at several universities.

The Christian Veterinary Mission volunteers held a hands-on clinic at a Romanian university.
The Christian Veterinary Mission volunteers held a hands-on clinic at a Romanian university.

Since most of the Romanian farriers are self-taught, Indiana farrier Jim Keith shows them different techniques to help achieve hoof balance.
Since most of the Romanian farriers are self-taught, Indiana farrier Jim Keith shows them different techniques to help achieve hoof balance.

“Some of the horses were sport horses, while others were working horses from the village,” Rucker says.  “It was really fun! The Romanians were wonderful.”

Keith has been volunteering for these trips since 2002. A minimum of five volunteers is needed for the trip to take place. The cost is $3,500 per person, with many paying for the trip out of his or her own pockets. The cost covers airfare and lodging, which is at the universities, but does not cover shipping tools and equipment (forges, anvils, anvil stands, etc.) Keith pays for much of those additional costs himself and receives some donations.

Many horses are used as work horses or for transportation like this cart horse.
Many horses are used as work horses or for transportation like this cart horse.

Jim Keith observes the rasping technique of a local farrier in Romania.
Jim Keith observes the rasping technique of a local farrier in Romania.

For information on volunteering for a trip, contact Jim Keith at jameskkeith@yahoo.com or call (765) 275-2685.