Effective communication is key to maintaining relationships. Working with veterinarians to assess and treat hoof pathologies is common, but verbal and nonverbal miscommunication can get in the way. Though an equine professional’s goal is to do right by the horse, a farrier and vet may disagree on the best way to accomplish that. This can occur because a farrier’s knowledge base is different from that of a veterinarian, so they approach the hoof differently, or it could be beliefs and attitudes that get in the way of open communication.

People interpret nonverbal communication differently based on their life experiences — or whether they had a bad day. Katie LoPresti, DVM, of Friendly Vet Clinic in Greensboro, N.C., showed a group of equine professionals at the 2024 International Hoof-Care Summit photos of various facial expressions to prove this point. While some people thought one face looked skeptical, others found it judgmental, proud or amused, which can lead to misinterpretation or a negative interaction. Included in nonverbal communication are body language, voice inflection and even texting. 

As with any professional relationship, being mindful of how you appear to others is important. Crossed arms may signal defensiveness, while short texts can indicate irritation. Overcoming these miscommunications or even barriers means understanding why they occur. 

Points of Conflict

When LoPresti surveyed audience members, she found that many did not have a good relationship with veterinarians. The consensus was that their skills and expertise were not recognized by vets, whether through a lack of engagement with farriers or disregarding their treatment plans. 

Discussing radiographs and creating a plan together before speaking to the owner can reduce friction between vets and farriers. Jeff Cota

As a veterinarian, LoPresti sees both sides. Farriers may disregard explicit treatment prescriptions, and vets may resist farriers’ input because they feel the other is intruding on their authority. However, when her interactions with farriers go well, it’s because both parties have strong communication skills. Collaborating on goals rather than explaining shoeing protocols, as well as trusting in each person’s ability and judgment, results in the most successful outcome for all involved. 

Building Trust Through Education

To kick-start a good relationship with a veterinarian, LoPresti recommends all communication take place over the phone or in-person to reduce any chance of misinterpretation. It’s also a sign of respect to make a phone call or visit instead of sending a text. Clear and respectful communication is key to overcoming barriers, especially when working intergenerationally. However, once a good working relationship is established, texting or email can be an efficient exchange. 

As a new or unknown farrier, another way to break through any initial rocky communication is to have a mentor in good standing with the vet act as an advocate. This trust-building can make it easier to work together going forward, especially in remote areas where vets are stretched across larger territories and switching vets isn’t always practical. 

Another way to do this is to create situations that result in mutual education. LoPresti points out that most veterinary schools don’t have “tracks” where students can focus specifically on small or large equids. While students get a well-rounded education, when they come out of vet school they have limited formal education on equine radiographs. 

Similarly, when a vet doesn’t understand why a farrier is requesting radiographs or they aren’t usable, it helps to understand that vets and farriers view the hoof differently. As a result, they have different priorities. 

“The disconnect arises because vets are looking at the hoof diagnostically,” one audience member says, “while farriers are looking at it as measurements for accuracy in our work.” 

To bridge this gap in perception, LoPresti suggests requesting a ride-along with a veterinarian. The farrier gets the chance to watch the vet shoot X-rays. For a vet who is consistently giving a farrier poor-quality radiographs, this is a good opportunity to ask questions rather than accuse. For example, ask if a spot on a scan is an artifact or something to be concerned about. Ask if the vet is concerned about the horn-lamellar zone or other specific issues seen on the radiograph to avoid diagnosing but also get more information from the vet’s perspective. 

Vets and farriers often collaborate on treatment plans to ensure the best outcome for the horse. Jeff Cota

LoPresti says most vets appreciate ride-alongs because they get free help and, to some extent, enjoy teaching. Asking questions about treating metabolic disorders, testing for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) or managing insulin resistance gives the farrier relevant information. It also opens the door for more specific questions about radiographs or other points of concern in the working relationship. In the meantime, the vet has the opportunity to learn more about the farrier’s work and priorities. 

Though understanding a vet’s perspective doesn’t excuse rocky vet-farrier relationships, it can help develop an effective communication style that leads to collaborative management plans and less friction. 

Collaborative Communication

One of the best ways to ensure that the horse is being cared for and no one is stepping on toes is to work closely with the vet from start to finish. If possible, be there when the X-rays are taken and ask questions. Or, meet with the vet separately from the owner and discuss the findings of the images before moving forward. 

If the vet talks to the owner before a treatment plan can be discussed, information may be lost in the shuffle from the vet to the owner and finally to the farrier. Because the vet is viewing the hoof from a different perspective and knowledge base than the farrier, some pathologies or warning signs may also be overlooked. 

To minimize these issues and maintain trust with the owner, opening communication between the farrier and the vet at all stages of the treatment process is critical. If neither party comes to an agreement or the relationship is too volatile, introducing a third party to the situation can help prevent any blowouts. 

“If there are repeated miscommunications and no matter what you do, the vet is not understanding what the farrier is saying, bring in a third person,” LoPresti says. “Maybe it’s something you’re saying, how you’re saying it or your body language that you can’t step back and see yourself.” 

Besides the owner, an apprentice, a trainer or another person who works with the horse are all appropriate to be present when emotions are high. When there’s an audience, people may restrain themselves, and a third person can help see the situation from a new perspective. However, if issues between the farrier and vet are chronic and cannot be resolved, LoPresti suggests finding someone new. Though this can be difficult depending on the region, the horse and the owner will be better off if the vet and farrier can work together effectively. 

“It takes three to tango,” LoPresti says, borrowing the phrase from a farrier. “You can’t have a successful outcome without the farrier, veterinarian and owner all on the same page.”