[Do we need a quality control for horse shoes and farriery].

This research discusses recent changes in the farriery field and highlights the urgent need for a regulating authority to ensure quality control for horse shoes and those individuals involved in hoof care.

Growth and Change in Farriery

• The researchers begin by discussing the transformation within the field of farriery in recent years. This transformation is evident in the emergence of new roles related to horse hoof care.
• Roles such as hoof trimmer, hoof technician, hoof orthopedist, and hoof naturopath have become more prevalent alongside the traditional farrier role. This indicates increased specialization and a diversification of the skills required for hoof care.
• Furthermore, there’s a wide variety of new hoof protection systems developed and increasingly applied to horses. This suggests an evolving understanding of hoof care and a move towards personalized and specialized approaches to hoof protection.

Lack of Quality Control and the Need for Regulation

• The researchers acknowledge an evident problem: the lack of regulation and quality control for these new specializations and hoof protection systems.
• There are currently insufficient regulations addressing alternative shoeing methods, thereby creating ambiguity and inconsistency across the field.
• Moreover, there’s an uncertainty about who governs the work quality of those involved in the varying roles of hoof care. As a result, there may be discrepancies in the quality of hoof care, which could negatively impact the health and performance of the horses involved.

Recommendation for a Neutral Quality-Control Authority

• The study concludes with a call to action: the establishment of a neutral authority to oversee the quality control within the farriery field. The research suggests that this body should be composed of both farriers and veterinarians, combining the practical knowledge of the farriers with the theoretical and medical knowledge of veterinarians.
• This body would be responsible for developing and enforcing guidelines about the education required for hoof care roles and for the distribution and application of various hoof protection products.
• By establishing this authority, the researchers anticipate an increase in the quality and consistency of hoof care, resulting in improved horse health and performance. It would also lend legitimacy and credibility to the new roles within the field, promoting further growth and specialization.