Contracting for care - the construction of the farrier role in supporting horse owners to prevent laminitis.
Authors: Lynden J, Ogden J, Hollands T
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Demographic shifts in Western horse ownership have created a concerning gap between owner knowledge and horse care practices, with overnutrition emerging as a significant risk factor for laminitis that extends beyond traditional veterinary oversight. This qualitative study explored how farriers—positioned uniquely through regular client contact—might leverage their professional relationships to influence owner behaviour around feeding and weight management. Through interviews with farriers and analysis of their interactions with horse owners, the researchers identified that farriers occupy a critical but underutilised space in preventative laminitis care, though many lack formal training or confidence in delivering nutritional guidance. The findings suggest that farriers could substantially reduce laminitis incidence by establishing contractual agreements with owners that embed discussions about body condition, feed management, and risk factors into routine shoeing consultations. For practice, this implies farriers should consider developing structured conversations around laminitis prevention as part of their professional remit, potentially requiring additional support from veterinarians and nutritionists to build confidence and evidence-based messaging around these discussions.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Farriers can leverage their regular farm visits to identify and counsel owners on overnutrition and inappropriate care practices contributing to laminitis risk
- •Consider developing a collaborative care model where farriers communicate nutrition and management concerns to veterinarians and horse owners
- •Recognize that farrier-owner relationships may provide a unique opportunity for preventive health education, particularly in populations where owner knowledge gaps exist
Key Findings
- •Demographic changes in horse owner populations in Western societies are contributing to complex owner-horse relationships
- •Inappropriate horse care practices, particularly overnutrition, are linked to laminitis development
- •Farriers' regular contact with horses and owners positions them to intervene in laminitis prevention