H & L Online News
March, 2002

Tufts Conference Announced: Weekend Seminar Will Compare Risks and Benefits of Barefoot Hoofcare Methods

Click here for registration form and schedule

Click here to download a feature article from Hoofcare & Lameness about the hoof trimming aspects of Dr. Strasser's system. 

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North Grafton, Massachusetts -- Tufts University's School of Veterinary Medicine's Hospital for Large Animals has joined forces with the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy to prepare a forum that will be the first of its kind in the world: "HOOFCARE FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM: Exploring the Strasser Method." Medical, ethical, practical, and philosophical aspects of hoofcare choices will be examined. 

On May 4-5, 2002, an expert panel of veterinarians and farriers, chaired by Dr. Carl Kirker-Head, will discuss and evaluate information presented at the symposium by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser, a German veterinarian, plus many other hoofcare researchers and practitioners. Farriers, veterinarians, researchers and hoofcare specialists will be invited to attend as audience participants.

Dr Hiltrud Strasser  assisting a student at  a barefoot hoofcare  seminar in 2001.

By examining options, and participating in open discussions, the panel will strive to 'debunk the myths' of both traditional and alternative hoofcare, with special attention to navicular disease and laminitis.

The involvement of the Center for Animals and Public Policy will allow examination of the broader implications charging that Strasser's method may constitute animal abuse or cause unnecessary pain and suffering for some horses. 

In England, concern about harm to horses by Strasser devotees has resulted in public warnings from the International League for the Protection of Horses, Farriers Registration Council, Worshipful Company of Farriers, Laminitis Trust, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Recently, a horse was euthanized by a veterinary surgeon there to relieve suffering caused by over-zealous "DIY" (do-it-yourself) hoof trimming by a Strasser follower.

On the other side of the issues, Strasser and other advocates claim that traditional hoofcare, horse management, and shoeing practices are damaging to horse health.

Tufts' Center for Animals and Public Policy is a leading institute for the study of animal welfare and has been involved in key studies related to the public's perceptions of cruelty to animals in different situations.

Note: More information on this conference will be posted on www.hoofcare.com as it becomes available. Expect further speakers to be announced in March 2002. 

For registration information, visit http://www.tufts.edu/vet/continedu/HoofcareNavicular.html 

Click here for registration form and schedule

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