This year marks the 50th anniversary (and 32nd year at Lessiter Media) of American Farriers Journal covering the farrier trade. We’re asking hoof-care professionals for a few words to include in a “From the Audience” section of our coverage – in the December edition.

International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Famer Renate Weller, PhD, DVM, MSc, FHEA, MRCVS, of the University of Calgary, shares her thoughts on the three questions we are asking hoof-care professionals.

Q. When you look back at the last 50 years of new technologies, what were the biggest defining moments that forever changed farrier and equine health as we know it today?

A. We have made huge progress in the diagnosis of foot problems in the horse. 1) The development and now standard use of MRI in the standing horse has allowed us to really differentiate between the different problems affecting the foot and tailor our treatment in a much more effective manner. 2) The development of portable, digital X-ray systems that allow relatively cost-effective use of radiographs for podiatric management in the field. This allows the profession to assess and optimize footcare in individual horses on a regular basis.

Q. For the newer generation, what are the biggest ways that farriery and equine health is totally different from that of 50 years ago?

A. The biggest shift I have seen in equine health is the shift to evidence-based practice in large parts of both, the veterinary and the farriery profession. Science-based decision-making rather than relying on anecdotal evidence has led to a more robust approach to the diagnosis and treatment of lame horses and also contributed to the prevention of problems in the first place.

Q. What are some specific ways that American Farriers Journal magazine impacted your business and staff?

A. The American Farriers Journal, especially through its annual conference, the International Hoof-Care Summit, has played a major role in the dissemination of information and thus bridging the gap between research and practice