National Farrier Week: Recognizing and honoring the skill and dedication of our hard-working farriers
July 11, 2023
As we celebrate and honor the skill of our farriers during National Farrier Week, we can’t help but think of the age-old adage ‘no hoof, no horse.’ Horse owners realize that our farrier is an important factor in our horse’s overall care and wellness.
Often with little notice, our farrier is there at the barn to save the day after our horse has lost a shoe, a pesky abscess has risen its evil head, or after our horse has damaged their foot during exercise or turnout. Observed in the second week of July each year, National Farrier Week gives us the opportunity to express appreciation to our hard-working farriers.
The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC) clinicians and Goodness Farrier Associates equine podiatry specialists have a synergistic partnership. Coupled with the availability of EMC’s advanced imaging technologies this team approach guides treatment decisions for technically challenging issues in the equine foot, resulting in the best treatment options using not only traditional farrier concepts but also novel materials and fabrication techniques.
“We enjoy the challenge of tackling difficult athletic limiting conditions in the foot to identify the most favorable and sustainable treatment solution for each horse under our care.” explains Amy Sidwar-Seaver, a professional farrier and member of Goodness Farrier Associates, about the group’s philosophy.
Therapeutic shoeing has made great advances in recent years, improving results in difficult and technically challenging cases. While a well-trained farrier is able to manage most problems on the farm, there are situations that require more in-depth diagnosis and treatment. This includes acute or chronic laminitis, persistent hoof cracks, navicular syndrome, and other serious athletic limiting hoof issues often seen in performance horses.
Leveraging advanced diagnostic imaging tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), computed tomography (CT), and digital radiography can shed light on difficult-to-diagnose foot issues and guide preferred treatment options.
EMC values and appreciates the knowledge and technical ability of the Goodness Farrier Associates team!
Thank your farrier today! A caring, knowledgeable farrier is a valuable asset to you and your horse.
