Pleased to be joining the panel at VetPD’s upcoming event: “Assessing the Hoof Capsule – Veterinary and Farriery Perspectives.”
The hoof capsule remains one of the most nuanced areas in equine care. It’s where form, function, pathology and practice all converge—often with different opinions, but one common goal: better outcomes for the horse.
I’m looking forward to exploring this topic with colleagues from both veterinary and farriery backgrounds. Open conversations like this are essential if we’re serious about pushing standards forward and sharing insight across disciplines.
A bit about my background, for those less familiar: I was previously head lecturer at the Myerscough School of Farrier Science, where I also developed the BSc (Hons) program. I’ve served as a WCF judge and examiner, and in 2015 I was honoured to be inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. I’m a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and recently completed a PhD at the University of Liverpool, focusing on hoof morphology as a predictive indicator of pathology.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege to lecture and demonstrate advanced farriery techniques across Europe, the US, South America (Brazil being a standout for both the standard of work and sheer appetite for knowledge), as well as Scandinavia, India, the Middle East, Japan, South Korea and Australia. I’m also an ATF, and training apprentices continues to be a rewarding part of the job.
This VetPD discussion promises to be an honest, evidence-based exchange of ideas. If you’re involved in farriery or equine veterinary care—or simply curious about where the two intersect—I hope you’ll tune in.
— Mark Caldwell PhD FWCF