Article #5: "Caring for the Equine Soul: The Connection between Veterinarians, Farriers and Barrel Racers"

 

Jan 26, 2023 - "The horse is a mirror to your soul, and you will often see things in the horse that you cannot see in yourself." - Buck Brannaman

 

The wild winds howl and the rains pour down 

As the cowgirl's heart is shattered, broken, and bound 

To the memory of her dear horse, now gone 

Leaving her alone, to face the night alone

 

The fields are empty, and the stable's bare 

No hooves to thunder, no mane to stroke and care 

The cowgirl's soul is heavy as lead 

For the love of her horse, now dead

 

She speaks to him, in the silent hours 

Hoping that somewhere, somehow, he'll hear her powers 

She whispers of their memories, so dear 

Of the bond that they shared, that's now a tear

 

The range is empty, without her friend 

The cowgirl's heart, it will never mend 

For in her horse, her soul did dwell 

And now that he's gone, she's lost as well

 

Equine veterinarians have a special connection to horses, as they are responsible for the health and well-being of these magnificent animals. These veterinarians often choose this career path because of their love and passion for horses. They may have grown up around horses, or have always been fascinated by them.

To become an equine veterinarian, one must first complete a pre-veterinary undergraduate program, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. After completing their education, they must pass a rigorous licensing exam in order to practice veterinary medicine.

One of the challenges of being an equine veterinarian is the physical demands of the job, as well as the emotional toll of dealing with sick or injured horses. This can lead to a higher rate of suicide and depression among the profession.

it is a known fact that veterinarians, including equine veterinarians, have a higher rate of depression and suicide compared to the general population. This may be due to the physical demands of the job, the emotional toll of dealing with sick or injured animals, and the stress of running a practice. It is important for those in the field to have access to mental health support and resources.

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2016 surveyed more than 4,000 veterinarians and found that over half of the respondents reported burnout, and one in six reported symptoms of depression. The study also found that female veterinarians were more likely to report symptoms of depression than male veterinarians.

Another study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education in 2018 surveyed veterinary students and found that over 30% reported symptoms of depression, with a higher prevalence among female students. The study also found that students who reported higher levels of stress and burnout were more likely to report symptoms of depression.

It's important to note that depression is a serious issue that affects many people, including those in the veterinary field. It's essential for individuals in the field to have access to mental health support and resources.

It's also worth mentioning that this is a complex problem that can be influenced by various factors such as work-life balance, financial stress, and emotional demands of the job, and more research is needed to understand the causes and effective ways to address the problem.

Equine veterinarians are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues in horses. Some common conditions they treat include lameness, respiratory problems, colic, and reproductive issues. Lameness, which refers to pain or discomfort in a horse's limbs, can be caused by a variety of conditions such as arthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, and hoof problems. Respiratory issues, such as heaves or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can be caused by allergies or infection and can make it difficult for a horse to breathe. Colic, which is abdominal pain, can be caused by a variety of issues such as gastrointestinal problems or impaction. Reproductive issues, such as infertility or problems with foaling, can be caused by hormonal imbalances or physical issues with the reproductive tract. Equine veterinarians use a combination of traditional veterinary medicine and alternative therapies, such as chiropractic and acupuncture, to diagnose and treat these conditions and keep horses in top condition.

The connection between equine veterinarians and horses, the reasons why individuals choose this career path, the process of becoming an equine veterinarian, and the physical and emotional demands of the job. It also mentions the high rate of depression and suicide among the profession and the importance of having access to mental health support and resources. Additionally, it highlights the common health issues that equine vets treat horses for, such as lameness, respiratory problems, colic, and reproductive issues, and how they use a combination of traditional veterinary medicine and alternative therapies to diagnose and treat these conditions.

The close relationship between a barrel racer and their equine veterinarian is essential for the well-being of the horse and the success of the team. The barrel racer relies on the veterinarian to keep their horse in top physical condition and to diagnose and treat any issues that may arise. The veterinarian, in turn, relies on the barrel racer to provide important information about the horse's behavior and performance, which can help the veterinarian make a more accurate diagnosis. This relationship is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. The barrel racer must trust the veterinarian's expertise and experience, and the veterinarian must trust the barrel racer's knowledge and experience with the horse. Good communication is key to ensuring that the horse receives the best possible care, and mutual respect is needed to foster a positive and productive working relationship. With a strong bond between the barrel racer and the veterinarian, the horse can be kept healthy and perform at its best, leading to a successful barrel racing career.

The connection between a farrier and an equine veterinarian is essential for the overall health and well-being of the horse. Farriers, who specialize in hoof care, work closely with veterinarians to ensure that the horse's hooves are in good condition and to prevent and treat any hoof-related issues. Farriers are responsible for maintaining the horse's hooves, which includes trimming and shaping the hooves, fitting and maintaining shoes, and addressing any issues such as cracks or abscesses. Veterinarians, on the other hand, are responsible for the overall health of the horse and are often called upon to diagnose and treat issues related to the horse's hooves such as lameness, laminitis, and navicular disease. The two professions complement each other and work together to ensure that the horse's hooves are healthy and to keep the horse comfortable, sound and able to perform. A good farrier-veterinarian relationship is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect and it is key to the horse's well-being.

"The cowgirl, the farrier, and the veterinarian are the trinity of horse care. The cowgirl's love and understanding of her horse, the farrier's skill in keeping the horse sound, and the veterinarian's knowledge of medicine combine to make a strong and healthy partnership,"  Lisa Lockett

Despite the challenges and demands of the job, equine veterinarians who care for horses truly love their work. They are driven by their passion for these magnificent animals and their desire to keep them healthy and happy. They are dedicated to their profession and the well-being of their patients. They are constantly learning and adapting to new technologies and treatments to provide the best possible care for their equine patients. For them, the rewards of the job far outweigh the challenges. Their love for horses and the satisfaction of seeing a horse recover from an illness or injury make all the hard work worth it.

"The cowgirl, the farrier, and the veterinarian are the trinity of horse care. The cowgirl's love and understanding of her horse, the farrier's skill in keeping the horse sound, and the veterinarian's knowledge of medicine combine to make a strong and healthy partnership."