Sparks may fly as veterinarians, farriers and footing experts gather April 26-27 in Texas to advance knowledge surrounding the proactive care and management of performance horses’ feet.
Presented by IGNITE, the From The Ground Up workshops and lectures are unique in bringing world renowned experts together and encouraging a 360°, team approach to managing the high-performance hoof.
The focus on preventing injuries, improving performance and career longevity distinguishes this event from educational agendas focused “putting out fires,” notes presenter Mark Silverman.
“There are plenty of events focused on pathology of the feet,” Silverman observes. “This is unique in that we are using clinically applied concepts to try to make things better.”
Given that attendees work with high performance horses in different disciplines and in different stages of the horse’s career, there will be differences of opinion to discuss – perhaps heatedly.
But it’s all in service to doing the best for the horse, notes Silverman, DVM and founder of the Southern California Equine Podiatry Center.
Considering All Angles
The vet caring for an Olympic prospect likely to peak in its early teens can learn something from the farrier managing the feet of a reiner or cutting horse that will peak much earlier in its life. And vice versa. And both can learn from the footing experts.
“The more you know, the bigger your tool kit to get the job done right,” Silverman asserts.
“It’s a super well-rounded meeting,” concurs Beau Whitaker, DVM, of Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, where the wet lab sessions will take place.
Radiologist Kurt Selberg bringing his experience from multiple Olympics will be an e-ticket attraction, Whitaker predicts. “We have an innovative new Twin Shoe to learn about, and foremost footing experts in Lars Roepstorff DVM, PhD, and Jim Kiser.”
These are just a few highlights — see below for the full agenda.
This is a RACE-certified program for continuing veterinarian education. (American Association of Veterinary State Board’s Registry of Approved Continuing Education)
Where & When
Location: Shady Villa Hotel and Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, Salado, Texas.
Dates: Friday and Saturday, April 26-27, with an evening welcome Thursday April 25.
Cost:
- $650 — includes attendance Friday and Saturday, a Thursday, April 25
- welcome gathering, Friday dinner and lunches both days.
- $100 student fee to attend Saturday’s workshops and presentations.
- IGNITE Elite Membership includes complimentary registration for From The Ground Up, plus all other in-person and online events through the year.
The Agenda
Friday, April 26 Agenda
Static and Dynamic Observation of the Foot. Mark Silverman, MS DVM
Can shoes allow heel expansion as in barefoot? A clinical trial. Bart Halsberghe, DVM DECVSMR; and Didier Rondelez, Farrier
Diagnostic Imaging Modalities of the Foot and Interpretation: What Matters? Kurt Selberg, DVM DACVR
The Role of Shoeing in the Rehabilitation of Equine Patients. Bart Halsberghe, DVM DECVSMR
Measurable Parameters for Footing and How Footing Relates to Injuries. Lars Roepstorff DVM PhD; and Jim Kiser, footing expert
A Team Approach for Western Performance Shoeing in Rodeo and Barrel Racing Britt Conklin DVM & Robert Jukes CF; Charlie Buchanan DVM; Pete May, Farrier; and Kyle Kukla, Farrier
Use of Amniotic Allografts via Regional Limb Perfusion and Intrasynovial Therapy for Disorders in the Foot. David Dutton, DVM DACVS
Food for the Sole: Advanced Nutrition for Podiatry. Matt Durham, DVM DACVSMR
Shoeing Tips for Horses with Pre-existing Problems. Brit Conklin, DVM; Tim Ober, DVM; Kurt Selberg; Steve Tiechman, Farrier
Strategies and Limitations for Nerve Blocks. Charlie Buchanan; Britt Conklin; Mark Revenaugh, DVM; Kurt Selberg.
Use of objective gait analysis in day-to-day practice for Vets and Farriers. Elin Hernlund, DVM, PhD, equine biomechanics and co-founder of Sleip
ArthramidVet Case Report & Tolerability of Concurrent use of Arthramid Vet and Betamethasone. Beau Whitaker, DVM
Farrier and Veterinarian Collaborations. Jim Meyers, DVM
How do We Make Ourselves Better at What We Do? Mark Revenaugh and Beau Whitaker.
Saturday April 27 Agenda – Morning Wet Lab Sessions in Rotation
Session 1: Dynamic Assessment Vets and Farriers compare notes.
Session 2: Clinic/Imaging Tour, Sponsor Display & New Products.
Session 3: Correct application of a split-toe shoe.
Session 4: Regional Perfusion.
Session 5: X-ray workshop on positioning and interpretation for shoeing
Session 6: Foot Ultrasound Wet Lab.
Session 7: Objective Gait Analysis with SLEIP.
IGNITE thanks our Foundation Sponsors – Boehringer Ingelheim and Hilltop Bio, and the sponsors of From The Ground Up – Arthramidvet®, Sound®, Adequan®, Twin™ Shoes, Sleip, Dechra, Alpha2EQ, Soft-Ride™, and Platinum Performance®.
IGNITE is a platform for advancing leading-edge knowledge, evidence-based approaches and collaborative, proactive practices focused on injury prevention, peak performance and longevity for equine athletes. Five levels of membership provide access to in-person events and an extensive, constantly updated library of live and on-demand content.
For more information, visit www.igniteforequineathletes.com.
IGNITE News
Media Contact: Kim F Miller
Kimfmiller1@mac.com
Photos available on request