>>>> It is really one of the only farrier schools that lets you work on horses feet, and a lot of them.......of course Sally is also a Doctor as well, she had a primary care practice in Seattle...so she takes her research to a whole new level when she is learning something.
You know, I don't have a problem believing that a strong knowledge of anatomy is a good start for becoming a farrier...but what surprises me is how many of the so-called "barefoot" followers are so insultingly disrespectful to our equine veterinarians. That has always seemed odd to me. Equine vets not only know anatomy, but they also specifically know equine anatomy, and a good many are life-long horse owners. That's just an ironic observation. >>>> Of course again my Main point was about 'Master Farrier'...it is really about Forge work, almost all the tests are about forge work, making eggbar shoes....etc etc.... You need to re-check that. I've talked to the farriers in our area many times about the tests and certifications they must go through, and anatomy is a big part of their testing. So is knowledge of equine diseases, good farm management, and overall horse care. Plus, to attain the "master" status, they have to have been so much time apprenticing with other senior farriers, watching and participating first-hand in the treatments of various hoof and limb ailments, including laminitis, founder, navicular... I know that many of these farriers have attended national healthcare seminars, like the Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium. I know that my farrier knows a who's who of FARRIERS and VETS who are on the forefront of Laminitis research. He's certainly not "all about forge work" - not at all. In fact, there are full days when he doesn't even pull his supply trailer, because all his work that day is doing trims-only. I've known him for about 15 years, maybe longer, and his preference for barefoot horses is not new. He's estimated that about 60-70% of his horses are barefoot, and that more could be, if their owners would give it a shot. These buys sponsor all sorts of educational events for horse owners, including an annual limb dissection clinic, so that they can teach owners some anatomy... Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.16.10/626 - Release Date: 1/14/2007 8:29 PM
