Gilliam hopes Equine Soundness Professionals will promote collaboration between farriers and veterinarians to treat and prevent lameness and other hoof issues. | Photo: iStock

The founder of Equine Soundness Professionals (ESP), a new professional association is hoping to improve horse health by promoting increased collaboration between farriers and veterinarians.

Founded by Texas-based farrier David Gilliam, the nonprofit aims to encourage farriers to work with veterinarians to treat and prevent lameness and other hoof issues. The group also intends to create and maintain a database of successfully treated lameness cases and host a variety of events where members can share best practices, research projects, and discuss complicated cases.

Gilliam said it’s “about 50/50” whether farriers and veterinarians work together on cases, and he believes both sides would benefit from understanding the other’s trade