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The Farrier Service

The Farrier service at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest, most well respected programs in the United States, dating back to the beginning of the Veterinary School in 1885. From the beginnings of the New Bolton Center, farriers Jack Anderson and Bob Charles continued this tradition of excellence, providing clinical service to horses with complex problems while simultaneously participating in the education of veterinary students. As Chief of Farrier Services from 1983-2006, Rob Sigafoos became known for his innovative approach utilizing glue-on horseshoes and synthetic polymers for hoof reconstruction. His work resulted in three patents and the establishment of the Applied Polymer Research Laboratory for the development of new materials and techniques for rehabilitation of the distal limb. In 2006, Patrick Reilly joined New Bolton Center as Chief of Farrier Services and Director of the Applied Polymer Research Laboratory with the goal of continuing the work Rob Sigafoos originated.

New Technology available through the New Bolton Farrier Service- an in-shoe force measuring sensor and the resulting image (right) depicting different intensity of force though color mapping.

Most horsemen recognize the old adage No Foot, no Horse in recognition the importance of quality horseshoeing, yet we have traditionally been limited in our ability to measure the exact effects of various trimming, horseshoes and pads. The New Bolton Farrier Service has been working on the development of an inshoe force measuring system to better understand the effects of our shoeing options. The sensor can be applied between the shoe and the foot, and the exact location and intensity of forces acting on the foot can then be measured. This system has been evaluated in research projects such as comparing thoroughbred race track surfaces, but is also providing insight in hoof problems ranging from laminitis to quarter cracks. The In-Shoe system is now moving from a research tool and is being offered as a clinical tool for better understanding the events occurring for each horse.

With Sensors placed under each front foot, the force on multiple feet can be analyzed during athletic performance. In this graph (above) the force on the left front is shown in red, while the force on the right front hoof is shown in green.

New Bolton Farrier Patrick Reilly demonstrating the new force measuring technology to a group of farriers and veterinarians at a recent conference.

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