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FARRIER ACHIEVEMENTS - ELPO Examinations 2010
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2010 - ELPO Examinations

By Mike Williams

The Equine Lameness Prevention Organisation, (ELPO, a non-profit making research organisation) recently held its third annual UK examination programme in various venues, culminating with the final examination sequence at the equine facility of Chichester College, Brinsbury Campus, Pulborough, West Sussex. The ELPO has seen a steady growth in membership to presently almost 200 like-minded professionals based around the world who, through a programme of education and shared information and research, are dedicated to reducing and preventing many of the traditional hoof lamenesses that affect equines.

The ELPO certification is aimed at keen and progressive farriers and is based around a system of ‘hoof mapping’, whereby hoof distortions and internal anatomical structures can be identified and located by measuring and drawing lines on the sole of the foot. Mapping the widest part of the foot accurately locates the centre of rotation of the distal interphalangeal joint. This information has been independently verified through worldwide case studies of 300 horses of all breeds and sizes, and is an accurate and essential guide for the beneficial positioning of shoes.
Candidates for this year’s three-phase examination were Mark Caldwell FWCF, Rodger Jones RSS, Dave Froggatt AFCL, Tom Halpin DipWCF, Robert Adcock DipWCF and Harwell Diemling DipWCF.
Gene Ovnicek is the ELPO examiner, and assessors, Chad Ovnicek, Christopher Wiggins, David Nicholls, Beckie Mabbutt and Mark Spriggs, helped him.
Day one consisted of a practice session of barefoot trimming that was hosted at Fryern Home Farm, courtesy of Mrs Jenny Hill. Following lunch, the venue changed to Tina Pendle’s home of retirement for elderly horses, and this time the action was for real as the candidates were examined for the barefoot trimming element. By the end of a very long day all candidates successfully passed their live sole hoof mapping (LS-HM) and natural balance barefoot trimming (LS-HM NBBT) assessments, attaining their ELPO Levels 1 and 2.
The next day a new challenge was provided. Moving onto the equine facility of Brinsbury College, candidates practised and prepared for the shoeing phase of the examinations. Once hoof mapping is mastered, it is possible to score and record and eliminate hoof distortions. This also allows for correct shoe placement. Hoof mapping and scoring becomes a universal vehicle of communication for professionals when preparing the hoof for either trimming or shoeing.
On the final examination day, the pressure was on as it may have been some time since some of the candidates would have been placed in a strict examination situation. Despite that, good humour prevailed throughout the whole three days.
For the final examination, each candidate was required to accurately map all four feet, trim and then fit shoes to the mapped feet. Once completed, they sat a written paper, after which the results were calculated and the results announced. All six candidates were relieved to be told they had all successfully attained ELPO level 3, becoming a Certified Natural Balance Farrier (CNBF) and gaining one year’s free ELPO membership. A celebratory BBQ followed at TFP near Horsham.

More information on the work of the Equine Lameness Prevention Organisation can be found by visiting www.e-hoofcare.com

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