I had a few minutes between clients and was engaged in a conversation with one of the vets at the clinic where I’m a resident farrier. I was profoundly struck by what I observed during a momentary break in our discussion. Another vet walked up to us, excused himself and proceeded to ask the vet I was talking to for some suggestions on a case involving a foal with breathing problems. The clinic had already sent someone out to see this foal, but this was to be this vet’s first trip.

Sharing Ideas

Before going out on the call, he wanted to discuss some of his ideas. I found myself admiring the interaction between the two vets. I thought how unique such a talk would have been in the farrier world. Actually, such a talk would probably have been phenomenal in the farrier world because the vet that was seeking advice was a male and the vet he was talking to was a female.

I’ve been thinking about this for a few days now and find myself wondering why it is so difficult for farriers to communicate with each other. I think one of the reasons is that all farriers don’t have the same educational level. Vets are required to attend the same classes, study the same books, hear  similar lectures, work in the field their senior year and often do a residency at a clinic for a year or two after they graduate. Are there any similarities here with…