Two equine veterinarians are set for induction into the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame at the 2025 International Hoof-Care Summit in Kansas City, Mo.
The 2025 class includes Mark Silverman, DVM, of Honeoye Falls, N.Y.; and Tone Wien, DVM, APF, of Asker, Norway.
Mark Silverman, DVM, MS
Dr. Mark Silverman received his veterinary degree from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. He has been in the equine industry his entire life as a farrier, a saddler, a barn manager, a trainer and a veterinarian. Dr. Silverman’s extensive experience in the industry allows him to see multiple aspects of each equine patient and client.
Silverman has pursued knowledge and understanding of the equine foot for more than 40 years. Graduate studies in Sports Biomechanics resulted in an internship at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., working with elite human athletes, though his personal work involved the study of the relationship between shoeing and the function of the equine foot.
Following his graduate studies Silverman enjoyed a multifaceted career in the equine industry including biomechanical analysis of equine gait. In his Sporthorse Veterinary Services practice, Silverman applies his decades of years of experience in the use of composites for hoof reconstruction to the treatment of lameness and other conditions of the equine foot. His continued interest in the equine foot extends to his involvement with the evolution of adhesive shoe technology.
Silverman has tirelessly and selflessly devoted himself to not only excelling in the highest form of his craft but has also dedicated himself to furthering and bettering the care of horses. His constant willingness and devotion to elevating equine professionals in every area without reward or remuneration is absolutely something worthy of this level of recognition. Simply said, his depth of knowledge and understanding of the equine hoof, limb and whole horse, combined with his ingenuity and ability of application is amazing. Silverman’s willingness to share his knowledge and take an immense amount of time to educate and mentor farriers is unmatched. Many farriers owe much of their success to Silverman.
Tone Wien, DVM, APF
Horses and hooves are Tone Wien’s passion. She is the only Norwegian veterinarian working only with hoof-related problems. Horses with laminitis are especially close to her heart. During the past 20-something years, she has traveled all over the world to learn more about why they get sick, how to treat them and how to keep laminitic horses healthy. She is always up to date with all new research. People from all over Norway contact her to get help with their laminitic horses.
Wien is also passionate about hoof angles and symmetry. She frequently works to get horses up on their feet. She has radiographed thousands of feet and helped countles horses and farriers in Norway.
In 2019, she partnered with Kirsten Aasvang to start the first and only vet-farrier business in Norway. Wien frequently works on barefoot horses, and she is without a doubt the best barefoot trimmer in Norway. She also holds hoof-care clinics in Sweden.
Established in 1997, the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame honors veterinarians who have contributed to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses. Veterinarians are nominated in two classes: practicing equine vets who work closely with farriers in the field; and college and industry vets involved in teaching, research or other important aspects of hoof-care education.
Members are selected by current Hall of Fames members as well as members of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame.
Nominations for the 2026 class will be accepted from the public until May 31, 2025. To nominate, please complete the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame nomination form or submit 1- to 3-page summary explaining why your nominee should be inducted to the hall. To enter, send your nominations by May 31, 2025 to: Awards, American Farriers Journal, P.O. Box 624, Brookfield, WI 53008-0624. Fax: 262-782-1252. If you have any questions, please email info@americanfarriers.com.
The International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, during the International Hoof-Care Summit at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. The International Hoof-Care Summit is the largest equine hoof-care conference in the world with 60 educational sessions over 70 hours. The Summit also offers 9 uninterrupted hours of the world’s largest hoof-care trade show. Visit IHCS2025.com for registration and hotel information.
