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Working closely together ‘could help prevent laminitis’
“The key is to ensure that farriers and owners can be ‘matched’ appropriately".
Study explores relationships between farriers and horse owners

Farriers who work closely with horse owners and take a holistic approach could help to prevent laminitis, new research suggests.

Researchers from the University of Surrey carried out in-depth interviews with farriers and horse owners, to learn more about their relationships with one another and their approach to equine care.

Findings published in the Equine Veterinary Journal suggest farriers who take a holistic approach place emphasis on building long-term, trusting relationships with owners. This approach and a commitment to the overall health of the horse could potentially reduce instances of the disease.

Researchers also found that farriers who are more technically-focused can work well with owners who already have knowledge and understanding of laminitis. However, these farriers are not providing the more welfare-focused support, particularly to new horse owners.

Figures suggest 75 per cent of horses in Britain are cared for by their owner, many of whom are new to caring for horses and may not have the knowledge or skill needed to care for those at risk of laminitis. In these cases, Surrey scientists say the farrier is invaluable in helping to identify potential risk factors, such as obesity.

Lead author Jenny Lynden said: “The relationship between a horse owner and their farrier is not to be underestimated. When more holistic support is required by an owner, farriers who want to and have trained to engage in this way, have a huge role to play in providing this support.

“The key is to ensure that farriers and owners can be ‘matched’ appropriately, so that owners who require more holistic-focused interventions can access farriers who can and want to offer this type of support.”

New surveys are now underway to find out more about how farriers and horse owners work together, to inform support for farriers’ CPD.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com