Researchers from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are seeking farriers and equine veterinarians from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to participate in an online survey on hoof-care knowledge and therapeutic intervention education.

Proper hoof care and maintenance is essential for the equine, with upwards of 80% of lameness arising from an issue(s) emanating from the hoof. Farriers and equine veterinarians often work closely to assess and treat hoof pathologies. However, different knowledge bases can foster miscommunication between vets and farriers.

How much hoof knowledge does each group have, how was it gained and how do they define common phrases and terms often used to communicate on collaborative endeavors intended for the horse’s well-being? These are among the questions the study aims to help answer.

Topics include demographic information, hoof education and knowledge, perceptions of collaborative efforts between farriers and vets, questions on hoof mechanics — clarifying terms such as “balance” and “breakover” — recommendations for treating hoof-specific pathologies and/or injuries and defining associated terms.

Participation in the study is voluntary and all submissions will be completely anonymous. No personal identifying data will be collected within the survey, and all information will be stored according to the U.K.’s Data Protection Act and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation principles.

You can access the survey beginning June 10, 2024, via this link or QR code above until the survey closes on July 15, 2024.

This study has received ethical approval from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Human Ethical Review Committee (HERC) and has been assigned the following unique identifying number: HERC_2024_057

If you have any questions regarding this study, please contact the following researchers:

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