The relationship between a veterinarian and a farrier is commonly a difficult one because it’s like getting a scientist to communicate with an artist according to Dr. Mark Baus. That relationship can be difficult for a number of reasons and almost all of them are due to poor communication. The equine veterinarian takes pride in the relationships he has built with farriers, adding that it is too crucial for the health of the horse to not find that common ground

Baus launched his practice, Grand Prix Equine, in 2009. Along with two other veterinarians and staff, they serve the needs of sport horses in New York, Connecticut and Florida. Their success in helping horses recover from lameness issues often relies on the relationships they build with farriers.

Building bridges with farriers requires an effort from the veterinarian. To have a good working relationship, Baus identifies the critical point occurs at the first encounter when both parties work with the client. It is critical that how the farrier and the veterinarian are going to function together is defined at this first encounter.

There are no shortcuts. It has taken Baus his entire career to learn the lessons of how to effectively cooperate with…