50/ MAY 2020 THE RIDER First published study from the RVC’s Graduate Diploma


in Equine Locomotor Research explores the impact of farriery interventions on horses’ symmetry


A peer-reviewed study,


by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), which ex- amines the effect of farriery interventions, in this case road nails, and demonstrates the impact on horses’ move- ment symmetry – including weight bearing and propul- sion – has been published. Key findings from the


study, which was under- taken as part of the RVC’s Graduate Diploma


in


Equine Locomotor Re- search (Grad Dip ELR), show that while there are many different shoes on the market and various ap- proaches to shoeing and trimming, it’s important to look at the effect of changes in ‘shoeing’ on the symme- try of movement, rather than the other way round. This evidence-based research can then be combined with owner and trainer observa- tions to help make more in- formed decisions. The study, which used


tungsten road nails, indi- cates that pelvic movement symmetry in horses trotting on tarmac can be altered by the application of a road nail to the lateral heel of a hindlimb shoe. Subtle asym- metry in pelvic movement can for example be quanti- fied as the difference in dis- placement


amplitude


between left and right tuber coxae (hip hike difference). The changes in pelvic movement symmetry – ob- served as a function of ap- plying a road nail – can be explained by increased weight bearing and propul- sion in the hind limb with the road nail. Using wireless inertial


measurement units, which were fitted to the poll, with- ers, sacrum and left and


right tuber coxae of each horse, the results indicate that this form of data collec- tion provides a valuable method of evaluating small movement changes of the horse in reaction to different shoeing protocols and shoe types. Movement symmetry is an important parameter influencing longevity and performance, and can be measured irrespective of the surface (firm or soft) the horse is worked on. Graduates of


the


course, Lee Collins and Peter Day, worked along- side academics at the RVC to conduct the research. The project is the culmination of the pair’s work on the course which offers profes- sional farriers the chance to develop the skill-set neces- sary to produce original re- search and increase the evidence base behind farri- ery.


Peter Day, who has


worked as a farrier at the RVC for over 20 years and studied for his Grad Dip ELR, said: “I have spent many years at the RVC providing equine foot care as well as teaching and supporting many re- search projects. With the ar- rival of the Grad Dip ELR, it was a forgone conclusion that I would be involved. “Within the farriery in-


dustry, we talk a lot about the changes we can achieve with different shoeing and foot trimming protocols and most, if not all, is anecdotal and purely based on subjec- tive visual observation.” “As part of my


diploma, I wanted to re- search something that was relevant to farriery and could be done outside the laboratory. My hope is that,


years to complete. Some of the programme is delivered during residential weekend sessions while some of the learning is self-directed, with continuous support from teaching staff.


having gained this qualifica- tion, I would like to under- take a master’s degree and will carry out further re- search to evaluate the use of traction devices and shoe designs for grip and propul- sion. It is my intention to re- late this work on upper body movement to the level of the hoof.” Dr.-Ing. Thilo Pfau,


Course Director of the Grad Dip in ELR, said: “It is very exciting to see the first peer-reviewed publica- tion that has arisen from work undertaken as part of our Graduate Diploma in Equine Locomotor Re- search. The publication de- scribes


the combined


outcome of two research projects undertaken by stu- dents – Peter Day and Lee Collins – as part of their de- gree at the RVC. “We always encourage


our students to create re-


search of publishable qual- ity and to contribute to the much-needed evidence-base surrounding


trimming,


shoeing and farriery. Peter and Lee have done exactly this, and we congratulate them for this achievement and are looking forward to others following in their footsteps.” The course allows far-


riers to develop such skills as referencing, communica- tion, presentation and aca- demic writing, with a key emphasis on teamwork and the value of a shared goal. More widely, the course aims to promote better com- munication between farriers and veterinary practitioners. The full paper, The Ef-


fect of Tungsten Road Nails on Locomotor Biomechan- ics in Horses Moving on Tarmac Surface, is pub- lished in The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science


and can be accessed here: https://www.sciencedirect.c om/science/article/abs/pii/S 0737080620300915 For more information


about the RVC’s Grad Dip ELR,


https://www.rvc.ac.uk/study /undergraduate/graduate- diploma-in-equine-locomo- tion-research


————


Overview of Graduate Diploma in Equine Loco- motor Research (GradDip ELR)


The new Graduate


Diploma in Applied Equine Locomotor Research from the RVC offers professional farriers the chance to de- velop the skill-set necessary to produce original research and increase the evidence base behind farriery. The course takes a minimum of two and a maximum of five


visit:


About the Royal Veteri- nary College • The Royal Veterinary Col- lege (RVC) is the UK’s largest and longest estab- lished independent veteri- nary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London. It was the first in the world to hold full accreditation from AVMA, EAEVE, RCVS and AVBC. • The RVC is the top veteri- nary school in the UK and Europe and ranked as the world’s second highest vet- erinary school in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2020. • The RVC offers under-


graduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nurs- ing and biological sciences. • In 2017, the RVC received a Gold award from the Teaching


Excellence


Framework (TEF) – the highest rating a university can receive. • A research led institution with 79% of its research rated as internationally ex- cellent or world class in the Research


Framework 2014. • The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire. http://www.rvc.ac.uk


Excellence


ASPCA Promotes Fostering and Adoption of Equines Amid COVID-19 Crisis


MyRightHorse.org makes it easy to help horses in need of temporary and adoptive homes


NEW YORK—As animal shelters and equine rescues face growing challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today an- nounced the launch of a nationwide campaign calling on the public to open their hearts (and barns) to horses in need. In advance of national Help a Horse Day on April 26, The Right Horse Initiative, a program of the ASPCA, is encouraging individuals to foster or adopt one of the many horses, mules and donkeys in transition nationwide as they move from one home, career, or owner to the next. Across the country, reduced staff and volunteer sup-


port, difficulty accessing resources and supplies, and the need to engage in social distancing have placed new chal- lenges on shelters and rescues as they continue to care for homeless equines. Additionally, financial uncertainty and challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis means many horse owners may be forced to rehome their animals, mak- ing both foster and adoptive homes more critical than ever. “Like dogs and cats, horses are also in desperate need


of fostering to both protect their lives and ease the stress on shelters and rescues caused by the pandemic’s unprece- dented impact,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. “We’re proud to support the many equine or- ganizations whose work and compassion will give count- less vulnerable horses lifesaving chances for placement in loving homes and new careers.” To help individuals more easily connect with horses


in need of temporary foster homes, the ASPCA is updating its online adoption platform, MyRightHorse.org, to spot- light horses available for fostering. The site, previously focused solely on encouraging adoption, now includes a re-branded homepage, opportunities to inquire about spe- cific horses and resources about fostering. Those unable to foster or adopt are encouraged to get involved by shar- ing an available horse from MyRightHorse.org on their social media channels to help spread the word and find a home. “The ASPCA is committed to supporting the many


groups around the country working tirelessly to help more horses find loving temporary or adoptive homes amid the devastating COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, vice president of ASPCA Equine Welfare. “By helping one horse find a home, multiple lives are saved by keeping the doors open to the next horse in need. Together, we can ur- gently improve the lives of countless horses through fos- tering, adopting and increasing public awareness.” To foster or adopt an equine, please visit


Josie May Peter Day Graduation Day


MyRightHorse.org and access tools here to advocate for horses in need of homes. For more information about the ASPCA’s efforts to help horses, please visit aspca.org.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52