Dr. Phillip Kapraun received his doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. For over 35 years, he has owned and driven operations at Phillip R. Kapraun, DVM, PC, an equine practice in Harvard, Illinois.
A horse may require a visit from a veterinarian for any number of reasons, including a regular checkup, though in some cases their needs can be met by a farrier, equine professionals specializing in the care of a horse’s hooves. While there is some overlap between the role of a veterinarian and farrier, the latter also performs tasks closer to those of a blacksmith, particularly when it comes to processes such as trimming hooves with rasps, nippers, and other special tools.
Of course, horseshoeing is a major part of a farrier’s job description. Domestic horses require horseshoes for several reasons, such as the fact that their hooves do not harden as much as a wild horse’s. In addition, horses with improper gaits or those preparing to cross slippery, difficult terrain can benefit greatly from properly fitted horseshoes. Furthermore, race horses and performance horses cannot compete without the protective aid of horseshoes.
2. Introduction
Dr. Phillip Kapraun received his doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) from the University of
Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. For over 35 years, he has owned and driven operations
at Phillip R. Kapraun, DVM, PC, an equine practice in Harvard, Illinois.
A horse may require a visit from a veterinarian for any number of reasons, including a regular
checkup, though in some cases their needs can be met by a farrier, equine professionals
specializing in the care of a horse’s hooves. While there is some overlap between the role of a
veterinarian and farrier, the latter also performs tasks closer to those of a blacksmith,
particularly when it comes to processes such as trimming hooves with rasps, nippers, and
other special tools.
3. Of course, horseshoeing is a major part of a farrier’s job description. Domestic horses
require horseshoes for several reasons, such as the fact that their hooves do not harden
as much as a wild horse’s. In addition, horses with improper gaits or those preparing to
cross slippery, difficult terrain can benefit greatly from properly fitted horseshoes.
Furthermore, race horses and performance horses cannot compete without the
protective aid of horseshoes.
