Bachelor Thesis - Christina Kuenen - Hufpfleger

Bachelor Thesis
Advice on how to Develop Quality Standards
for Alternative Hoof Treatment
Practitioners in Germany
Christina Kuenen
Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences
Part of Wageningen UR
June 2011

Statutory Declaration
I declare that I have written and completed the enclosed thesis
entirely by myself and only the defined sources and study aids
were used. Any thoughts or quotations which were inferred from
these sources are clearly marked as such. This thesis was not
submitted in the same or in a substantially similar version, not
even partially, to any other authority to achieve an academic
grading and was not published elsewhere.

Corresponding author
E-mail
Phone
Student number
University
Programme
Major
Christina Kuenen
christina.kuenen@wur.nl
0049-178-9372419
850908003
Van Hall Larenstein, University of
Applied Sciences, Part of Wageningen
UR
Animal Husbandry
Equine, Leisure & Sports
Commissioner
External Supervisor
E-mail
Phone
Keep it natural e.V.
Sven Spies
barhufpfleger@email.de
0049-171-7047231
Internal Supervisor
E-mail
Phone
University
Programme
Mieke Theunissen
mieke.theunissen@wur.nl
0031-317486259
Van Hall Larenstein, University of
Applied Sciences, Part of Wageningen
UR
Animal Husbandry
3

ABSTRACT
The offer on the German market relating to hoof treatment is manifold. Farrier 1 , hoof orthopaedists, hoof
technicians and a variety of bare hoof practitioners offer their services around the hoof. In contrast to this the
legislation, next to universally valid acts, is only limited to the profession as farrier.
This situation leads to an insecurity of clients through an unclear offer. The quality of individual practitioners
or groups of practitioners are neither regulated through law, nor a high transparency for clients or colleagues
about education, theoretical knowledge or practical skills exists. Hoof treatment has a great influence on
equine welfare. Due to unprofessional hoof treatment the risk of horses suffering is given.
The following bachelor thesis deals with these problems. It gives the association 'Keep it natural e.V.' an
overview of the actual situation, as well as recommendations relating to activities in the future, to get over
difficulties and improve quality.
The research objective was approached from three angels. Through desk study the actual situation in hoof
treatment was detected. Second, interviews with equine experts and last, a survey with hoof treatment
practitioners studied their opinions, needs and potentials for improvement. Each sample consisted of
traditional and alternative participants. So a comparison between these groups was possible.
The following results were found out: Education systems and quality standards vary between traditional and
alternative hoof treatment, as well as within the alternative sector. The legal situation is not satisfying,
although comparable to other countries and fields of expertise. Significant differences between the groups
were found especially in satisfaction. Further they differ in view about combining all hoof treatment
educations. Within several items the attitude of traditionals and alternatives does not differ as much as
expected beforehand. Most of the differences found between traditional and alternative participants occurred
independently from the groups.
A need for improvement is seen by the participants of both studies. The importance of developing regulations
for alternative practitioners was researched to be high across the complete sample.
It can be concluded that the need for improvement is high within the whole hoof treatment sector. The
potential for improvement can be assumed to be medium to high. The combination of educations is difficult.
For alternative hoof treatment practitioners compulsory examinations, including a theoretical and practical
assessment, are necessary to improve the quality and guarantee a uniform level of basic knowledge and
skills.
It is recommended to develop these standards for all alternative hoof treatment practitioners. The
examination should be obligatory for starting up a business. Further the network and co-operation between
professionals has to be developed. Clinics and seminars for professionals and horse owners support the
spread of knowledge, communication and are therefore necessary for improvement of quality.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Within the whole report every male term can also be read as female.
4

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG
Das Angebot auf dem deutschen Markt bezüglich Hufbearbeitung ist sehr vielfältig. Hufbeschlagschmiede,
Huforthopäden, Huftechniker und verschiedene Barhufbearbeiter bieten ihren Service rund um den Huf an.
Dahingegen sind die gesetzlichen Regelungen, neben den allgemeingültigen Gesetzen, lediglich auf den
Beruf des Hufbeschlagschmiedes begrenzt.
Dieses unübersichtliche Angebot führt zu einer Verunsicherung der Kunden. Die Qualitäten der einzelnen
Bearbeiter oder Bearbeitergruppierungen sind weder gesetzlich geregelt, noch gibt es eine hohe Transparenz
für Kundschaft oder Kollegen über Ausbildung, theoretisches Wissen oder praktische Fertigkeiten. Zudem
hat die Hufbearbeitung einen großen Einfluss auf das Wohlbefinden der Pferde. Durch unsachgemäße
Hufbearbeitung kann ein Pferd schwerwiegenden Schaden erleiden.
Mit diesen Problemen beschäftigt sich die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit, welche dem Verein „Keep it natural
e.V.“ einen Überblick über die aktuelle Situation, sowie Empfehlungen bezüglich zukünftiger Aktivitäten
geben soll, um Schwierigkeiten zu überwinden und die Qualität zu verbessern.
Die Fragestellung wurde aus drei Richtungen beleuchtet. Mit Hilfe der Literatur wurde die aktuelle Situation
im Bereich der Hufbearbeitung untersucht. Interviews mit Pferdeexperten und eine Umfrage unter
Hufbearbeitern erforschte deren Meinung über Bedarf und Potential von Verbesserungen. Die Testgruppen
bestanden jeweils aus traditionellen und alternativen Teilnehmern. Somit war ein Vergleich der Antworten
möglich.
Die Untersuchungsergebnisse über die Ausbildungssysteme und Qualitätsstandards variieren stark, sowohl
zwischen traditioneller und alternativer Hufbearbeitung, als auch innerhalb des alternativen Sektors. Die
gesetzliche Lage ist unbefriedigend, obwohl sie mit derer anderer Länder und Expertisebereichen zu
vergleichen ist. Signifikante Unterschiede wurden vor allem in der Bewertung der Zufriedenheit festgestellt.
Zudem weichen die Meinungen über die Zusammenfassung der verschiedenen Ausbildungen in der
Hufbearbeitung stark voneinander ab. In einigen Bereichen unterscheidet sich die Einstellung der
Traditionellen nicht so stark von der, der Alternativen, wie zuvor angenommen. Die Unterschiede, die
analysiert wurden, traten meist in den selben Bereichen innerhalb beider Untersuchungen auf.
Der Bedarf an Verbesserungen in der Hufbearbeitung wurde bei den Teilnehmern beider Studien deutlich
herausgestellt. Der Entwicklung von Richtlinien für alternative Hufbearbeiter wurde in dieser Untersuchung
von der gesamten Teilnehmerschaft eine sehr große Bedeutung beigemessen.
Abschließend kann festgestellt werden, dass der Verbesserungsbedarf in der gesamten Hufbearbeitungsszene
sehr groß ist. Das Potenzial kann als mittelmäßig bis hoch eingeschätzt werden. Die Kombination der
verschiedenen Berufsbilder stellt sich schwierig dar. Für alternative Hufbearbeiter ist die Einführung einer
verpflichtenden Prüfung, welche aus einem theoretischen und einem praktischen Teil besteht, notwendig, um
die Qualität zu verbessern und ein einheitliches Level an Basiswissen und praktischen Fertigkeiten zu
garantieren.
Es wird empfohlen einheitliche Standards für alle alternativen Hufbearbeiter zu entwickeln. Für die
Anmeldung eines Gewerbes als Hufbearbeiter sollte eine Prüfung verpflichtend sein. Zudem muss das
Netzwerk und die Kooperation verbessert werden. Praktische Kurse und theoretische Seminare für Experten
und Pferdebesitzer unterstützen die Verbreitung von Wissen und die Kommunikation und sind daher als sehr
wertvoll für die Verbesserung der Qualität in der Hufbearbeitung anzusehen.
5

I. TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................................... 4
ZUSAMMENFASSUNG ..................................................................................................................... 5
I. TABLE OF CONTENT .................................................................................................................... 6
II. LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................................... 8
III. LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... 8
IV. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................................... 9
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 11
1.1 Report Outline ......................................................................................................................... 13
2. LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Equine Industry in Germany ................................................................................................... 14
2.2 Hoof Treatment ....................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 History Hoof Treatment ................................................................................................... 14
2.2.2 Laws and Regulations in Farriery .................................................................................... 15
2.3 Hoof Treatment and Education ............................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 Certificated Education in Hoof Treatment in Germany................................................... 16
2.3.1.1 Farrier ....................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1.2 Instructive Farrier..................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1.3 Instructive Farrier Institute ...................................................................................... 16
2.3.1.4 Institutes for Certificated Farrier Education ............................................................ 17
2.3.2 Alternative Education in Hoof Treatment in Germany .................................................... 17
2.3.2.1 Bare Hoof Practitioner ............................................................................................. 17
2.3.2.2 Hoof Orthopaedist .................................................................................................... 18
2.3.2.3 Hoof Technician ....................................................................................................... 18
2.3.2.4 Alternative Instructive Institutes .............................................................................. 18
2.3.3 Differences in Education ................................................................................................. 19
2.3.4 Development in Further Education for Adults ................................................................ 20
2.3.5 Education in Hoof Treatment in other Countries ............................................................. 21
2.3.5.1 Netherlands .............................................................................................................. 21
2.3.5.2 USA ......................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.5.3 England .................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.5.4 Austria ...................................................................................................................... 22
2.3.5.5 Switzerland .............................................................................................................. 22
2.3.6 Comparison Traditional Certificated Profession vs Non-Certificated Alternative .......... 23
2.3.6.1 Physician vs non-medical practitioner ..................................................................... 23
2.3.6.2 Veterinarian vs Non-Medical Animal Practitioner ................................................... 23
2.3.7 Hoof Treatment and Education ........................................................................................ 23
2.4 Hoof Treatment and Welfare ................................................................................................... 24
2.4.1 Animal Welfare ................................................................................................................ 24
2.4.2 Laws and Regulations in Animal Welfare in Germany ................................................... 25
2.4.3 Hoof Treatment and Animal Welfare ............................................................................... 25
2.5 Hoof Treatment and Quality .................................................................................................... 26
2.5.1 Existing Quality Standards in Farriery ............................................................................ 26
2.5.1.1.1 Europe .............................................................................................................. 26
2.5.1.1.2 Austria .............................................................................................................. 26
6

2.5.1.1.3 Switzerland ....................................................................................................... 27
2.5.1.1.4 Germany ........................................................................................................... 27
2.5.1.2 Quality Standards for Alternative Hoof Treatment Practitioners ............................. 27
2.5.1.2.1 America ............................................................................................................ 27
2.5.1.2.2 Germany ........................................................................................................... 28
2.5.2 Differences in Quality Standards ..................................................................................... 28
2.5.3 Quality, Quality Standards and Quality Management ..................................................... 29
2.5.4 Hoof Treatment and Quality ............................................................................................ 29
3. METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................... 30
3.1 Research Approach .................................................................................................................. 30
3.1.1 Desk Research ................................................................................................................. 30
3.1.2 Field Research ................................................................................................................. 30
3.2 Data Collection ........................................................................................................................ 30
3.2.1 Interviews Equine Experts ............................................................................................... 31
3.2.2 Survey Hoof Treatment Practitioner ................................................................................ 31
3.2.3 Design of the Interview and the Questionnaire ............................................................... 31
3.3 Data Processing ....................................................................................................................... 33
3.4 Sample ..................................................................................................................................... 35
3.4.1 Sample Interview ............................................................................................................. 35
3.4.2 Sample Survey ................................................................................................................. 36
4. RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 37
4.1 Interviews ................................................................................................................................ 37
4.2 Survey ...................................................................................................................................... 41
4.3 Combined Results ................................................................................................................... 45
5. DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................................ 48
5.1 Hoof Treatment and Education ............................................................................................... 48
5.2 Hoof Treatment and Animal Welfare ...................................................................................... 51
5.3 Hoof Treatment and Quality .................................................................................................... 52
5.4 Difficulties and Limitations ..................................................................................................... 54
6. CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 55
7. RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................... 56
8. REFERENCES............................................................................................................................... 57
9. ANNEX .......................................................................................................................................... 61
9.1 Education in Germany ............................................................................................................. 61
9.2 'Hufbeschlagverordnung' in more detail .................................................................................. 62
9.3 Institutes for hoof treatment education in Germany ................................................................ 62
9.4 Measurement approaches to welfare ....................................................................................... 67
9.5 Interview .................................................................................................................................. 68
9.6 Survey ...................................................................................................................................... 70
9.7 Output interviews .................................................................................................................... 73
9.8 Output survey .......................................................................................................................... 75
7

II. LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: imbalance of educations
Figure 2: research approach
Figure 3: distribution of experts' fields of practice
Figure 4: distribution of experts' origin
Figure 5: distribution of practitioners' field of work
Figure 6: distribution of practitioners' origin
Figure 7: experts prefer combination of educations
Figure 8: sum importance scores experts
Figure 9: knowledge experts
Figure 10: additionally mentioned knowledge
Figure 11: authority for examination of alternatives, interview
Figure 12: experts' view into future
Figure 13: practitioners prefer combination of educations
Figure 14: sum importance scores practitioners
Figure 15: knowledge practitioners
Figure 16: authority for examination of alternatives, survey
Figure 17: practitioners' view into future
Figure 18: sum importance total sores
Figure 19: ‘step by step’ model for education
Figure 20: gearwheel drive for quality development
III. LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: cross table of assumptions
Table 2: experts' strengths and problems
Table 3: satisfaction percentage interview
Table 4: median in satisfaction, interview
Table 5: practitioners' strengths and problems
Table 6: satisfaction of practitioners
Table 7: median in satisfaction, survey
Table 8: significant differences within the target groups
Table 9: need for improvement: strengths and problems
Table 10: need and potential for improvement I
Table 11: need and potential for improvement II
8

IV. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AANHCP Association for the Advancement of Natural Horse Care Practices
AD
Anno Domini
AE
Alternative Experts
AP
Alternative Practitioners
AEVO Ausbildereignungs-Verordnung
AFA
American Farrier's Association
AHA American Hoof Association
ANI
Animal needs index
ATF
Approved Training Farrier
BBIG Berufsbildungsgesetz
BC
Before Christ
BESW Abbreviation of foundation members‘ names of institute
BfA
Bundesagentur für Arbeit
BGB
Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch
BHP
Bare hoof practitioner
BIBB Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung
BMBF Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
BMELV Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz
BRD
Bundesrepublik Deutschland
BVG
Bundesverfassungsgericht
BWFA Brotherhood of Working Farriers
DAI
Deutsches Amerikanisches Institut
df
degrees of freedom
DifHO Deutsches Institut für Huforthopädie
DOSB Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund
EFFA European Federation of Farriers Associations
EHA
Europäische-Hufbeschlags-Akademie
EIPP
Europäisches Institut für Pferdephysiologie
EU
European Union
EWM Experts without membership
F
Farrier
FN
Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung
FRC
Farrier's Registration Council
FTA
Farriery Trainings Agency
GdHK Gesellschaft für Huf- und Klauenpflege e.V.
GPF
Guild of Professional Farriers
9

HO
HPG
HschBG
HT
HufbeschlG
HufbeschlV
HWK
ILPH
kthp
LfH
LS
NRW
NVvH
p
PTC
SMU
RÖ
TE
TGI
TierSchG
TP
UK
USA
VdHP
ZAV
Hoof orthopaedist
Heilpraktikergesetz
Hochschulbildungsgesetz
Hoof technician
Hufbeschlaggesetz
Hufbeschlagverordnung
Handwerkskammer
International League for the Protection of Horses
Kooperation deutscher Tierheilpraktiker-Verbände e.V.
Lehranstalt für Huforthopädie
Lehrschmiede
Nordrhein Westfalen
Nederlandse Verenigin van Hoefsmeden
Probability
Practical Trainings Centrum
Schweitzer Metall-Union
Republik Österreich
Traditional Experts
Tiergerechtheitsindex
Tierschutzgesetz
Traditional Practitioners
United Kingdom
United States of America
Verein der Hufheilpraktiker
Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung
10

1. INTRODUCTION
In Germany a lot of different approaches to hoof treatment exist. A farrier is the traditional hoof treatment
practitioner who treats bare hooves or shoes horses with iron. Especially in former times of war the farrier
was an important part of the military (Lingens, 2007). Horses had to work long times on hard ground.
Hooves were worn down and protection was needed. Already in these times there have always been
difficulties in farriery to agree to a consensus of treatment method (Bauer, 1964; Bulter, 1985; O'Grady et al.,
2001; Wolfer, 1948).
The equine industry changed within the last decades (Lingens, 2007). Horses are nowadays mainly used for
sport and leisure purpose (Fürst et al., 2005). The demand for the horses' hooves also changed. This made
horses owners and professionals think about treatment and protection of horses' feet. Still there is no
consensus about hoof treatment. Especially in the last twenty years alternatives to the traditional farrier
developed due to recognizable disadvantages of iron shoes (Fürst et al., 2005; Jackson, 2001; Ramey, 2003;
Strasser, 2000a). Strasser (2000b) was one of the first advocates of bare hoof horses. She talks about shoeing
as a “necessary evil”. Next to this also professionals like hoof orthopaedists, who treat bare hooves, and hoof
technicians, who protect hooves with aluminium or plastic shoes, developed (Biernat, 2003). Today the
number of farriers is estimated between 3000 and 5000 in Germany (EFFA, 2006). A number of 1500 to
2000 work full time in this business (Ammer, 2011, cited in Decker 2011). Additionally about 1000
alternative hoof treatment practitioners exist (DHG, 2005). These occupations have their own principles and
are independent from the farriers. Although the alternatives disagree with the methods among one another,
they agree in the one point that the farriery is an overhauled. They see their treatment as more comfortable
and healthy for the horse (Cook, 2008; Strasser, 2000a).
Next to the disagreement in treatment methods there is a huge variance in education (Fürst et al., 2005).
There are practitioners which just participated in some weekend courses. Whereas farriers for example have
to follow a three to four year education (BRD, 2006a; EFFA, 2010).
There is no standardized level of knowledge, skills and attitude. Therefore the quality within the population
of hoof treatment practitioners varies a lot. For the client, a horse owner or rider, it is hardly possible to
decide what is the best for his horse within the supply of so called “hoof specialists” (Fürst et al., 2005).
Especially in front of the background, that according to a research about causes of horses` death the most
horses are put down because of lameness (Clayton, 1987), the quality of hoof treatment is a big issue.
Clausen et al (1990) talk about 61.2 % of all leavings of the German warmblood breeding, which are caused
by lameness. 20 % of the English thoroughbreds leaving the racing sport because of illness. Around 91.9 %
of those have locomotion problems according to Petzold et al (1988). Most of these illnesses are located in
the hooves. According to Vollbach (1954) around 90 % of lamenesses are caused by hoof problems. Rooney
et al (1986) also talk about the most common cause of lameness located in the hoof or as a result of such.
The study of Kaneene et al. (1996) ranks hoof problems within the top five of most frequently observed
health problems. Several studies underpin these outcomes, that the locomotion problems are the most
common causes for death or useless horses (Gutekunst, 1977; Butler, 1984; Rodewald, 1989; Seidensticker,
1999). Lameness has a huge impact on the welfare of horses. Appropriate treatment of hooves is essential for
soundness and performance (Balch et al., 1995, cited by Kummer et al., 2007). Within the research of
Kummer et al. (2007) a significant influence of the farrier on the hoof shape was found. The shape of the
hoof also influences the function. Therefore it can be concluded that the quality of hoof treatment influences
the function of hooves, health and so the welfare.
Next to the direct effect for every single horse (Stede, 1976), there is also a big economic risk for the equine
industry (Jeffcott et al, 1982). A study of insurances found out that the average age of horses becoming
useless is around 8.5 years (Gutekunst, 1977). This was also found out by Butler et al. in 1984.
11

The lack of regulations in education and certification of alternative hoof treatment practitioners made farriers
and veterinarians afraid of the threat of horses suffering. Farrier associations see the risk of lacking equine
welfare. According to responsible duties the number of welfare relevant notifications is low. Nevertheless
public animal health officers report about a considerable problem through unqualified alternative hoof
treatment (BVG, 2007b). Also a farrier association (EDHV) assumes that there is a high number of unknown
cases of animals suffering because of unprofessional hoof care (BVG, 2007). In the UK the Strasser method
was subject of equine welfare warnings of several organizations (Heymering, 2002). Already two alternative
hoof treatment practitioners were found guilty of causing suffering to equines (ILPH, 2006). Because of this
risk new regulation has been developed in Germany (BRD, 2006a).
The education of farriers is regulated through the farriery law 'Hufbeschlaggesetz' and the regulation
'Hufbeschlagverordnung' in Germany. These acts were reworked and introduced in 2006. Next to changes in
farrier education and certification, the most important difference was the definition of farriery within the law.
It was the first time that a definition of farriery has been content of this law.
The new definition of hoof shoeing was: 'Farriery' are all things carried out on hooves for the purpose of
protection, keeping the hoof healthy, correct or treat them.
In contrast the definition of claw shoeing was the following: Claw shoeing are all things carried out for the
purpose of putting on, repair or putting of shoes of claws of animals used for working (BRD, 2006 a).
This revised version of the farriery law was developed mainly on purpose to raise the quality standards in
hoof treatment and therefore the welfare of horses. If it would have been introduced like that, all alternative
hoof treatment practitioners would have been jobless.
Due to a successful constitutional claim of the alternatives the definition of farriery was announced as vain
(BVG, 2006).
Within the comments of equine experts related to the decision of the court, the opinions about hoof
treatment, regulations and equine welfare are scattered widely. Four years later the situation is still the same.
No further regulation has been developed. No quality standard for alternative practitioners exist.
The aim of this study is to give an advice on how to improve quality in alternative hoof treatment in
Germany.
The questions involved are:
How can a certain level of quality of alternative hoof treatment practitioners be guaranteed in Germany?
1.) What is the current state of the hoof treatment sector worldwide?
2.) Is there a need for improvement within the field of hoof treatment in Germany?
3.) How is the potential for improvement within the German hoof treatment sector?
4.) Is there a significant difference in opinion about need and potential for improvement between traditional
and alternative equine experts?
5.) Is there a significant difference in opinion about need and potential for improvement between the
traditional and alternative practitioners?
6.) How can the system be improved to guarantee a certain level of knowledge and quality within the
alternative hoof treatment sector in Germany?
12

1.1 Report Outline
The report is structured into nine chapters. Chapter 2 is the review of literature and will lead into the topic of
the research area. It provides information about the equine and especially the hoof treatment industry,
legislation, education, welfare and quality standards. In chapter 3 the methodology of the research is
explained. The research design, data collection and processing are described in detail. The results of the
study are demonstrated within chapter 4. They are discussed and compared with the existing literature in
chapter 5. In chapter 6 a conclusion following the results and discussion of the research are presented.
Chapter 7 gives an overview about recommendations for the association based on the study. In chapter 8 the
list of references can be found and chapter 9 contains the annexes.
13

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Equine Industry in Germany
Worldwide around 60,000,000 horses exist according to the World Conversation Monitoring. In Germany
more than around 1,000,000 horses and ponies are living. More than 1,7 Million people are driving, vaulting
or riding. The expenses are estimated to be around 5Billion Euro per year according to the IPSOS research of
2001 (FN, 2001). This makes the Equine industry an important economic sector in Germany. Every 4 th horse
produces one working place. This means a total of 300,000 people and 10,000 business are earning their
money directly or indirectly with horses.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) is the biggest equine association in Germany. They are responsible
for all topics around the horse. They see themselves as the designer in the present and the future of equine
sports and breeding.
From 2005 to 2009 the number of members dropped from 761,467 to 748,839 (FN, 2005; 2009).
Nevertheless riding is on place three of the most popular sports of German women between 19 and 26 years
and the 8 th popular sport according to the “Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB)” (FN, 2009).
2.2 Hoof Treatment
As hoof treatment the care, correction and protection through any professional practitioner is meant. The
treatment can be subdivided into traditional treatment through a certificated farrier and alternative treatment
through a hoof technician, hoof orthopaedist or bare hoof practitioner. The number of farriers is estimated
between 3000 to 5000 (EFFA, 2006). The DHG (2005) talks about a number of 1000 alternative hoof
treatment practitioners in Germany.
2.2.1 History Hoof Treatment
Hoof treatment is a topic which already interested people since the domestication of equines 3,000 BC. Hoof
care and protection play an extraordinary important role in the care of horses (Pollitt, 1995). Interesting is
that in almost all literature the term “farriery” is used. Mostly the development and implementation of
permanent protection, iron shoes and nails is meant. Also within the instruction material of the farrier
education the treatment of bare hooves is only mentioned little. Most of the time it is just recommended for
foals or old not working horses (Müller, 1988, Ruthe. 1978). Therefore especially the history of farriery has
been investigated, instead of hoof treatment.
Although a lot of research and literature exist, the development of the farriery is not completely clear
(Lingens, 2007). Hickman (1983) says that Homer already writes about metal hoof protection in 1,200 BC.
The first findings of hoof protecting materials like leather or straw have been used around 1,000 BC (Fürst et
al., 2001). This is also supported by Imhof (2006). Whereas Fürst et al. (2001) talk about the first metal
support of the leather sandals around Christ´s birth and Jackson (2001) around 400 AD. Other authors date
the begin of hoof protection within 500 AD or later (Imhof, 2006).
Lingens (2007) says that the theories about the history of nailed shoes can be divided into three groups: The
first group are authors who talk about the first permanent protection of hooves from the domestication.
Another second group, which is a bit bigger, thinks the Celts did invent the farriery. The biggest group, group
number three, are scientists who see the first use of metal shoes in the middle ages.
14

Farriery has been more a technical skill for a long time. Until the middle of the 18 th century farrier still did fit
the hoof to the iron instead the other way around. Kertsing (1760) recognized a deficiency of a uniform
farriery theory. In the 19 th century the first instructive institutes for farriery were founded (Lungwitz, 1913).
But still there was a lack of knowledge and further education what became obvious in the quality of shoeing
practices (Dammann, 1898).
On account of the increasing number of researches and development at the end of the 19 th and at the
beginning of the 20 th century a lot of different theories evolved how to treat a hoof the right way. For all this
effort there is still no agreed consensus about a theory of farriery (Lingens, 2007).
2.2.2 Laws and Regulations in Farriery
The institutionalisation of the smithy trade in 1356 in London was the first step to organise the whole farrier
sector (Hickman, 1983). Following the farrier guild was founded in 1692. In the 18 th century the first
veterinarian institutes began to educate according to Hickman (1983). Farrier instruction institutes developed
in the 19 th century. The industrial code for businesses came into force in 1869 (Müller, 1988; Ruthe, 1978).
The first regulation for farriers was added in 1883. There a differentiation between commercial and private
employed farriers was written down. It determined that a certificate is just necessary for the commercial
farriers (Müller, 1988; Ruthe, 1978). Müller (1988) talks also about the education institute for farriers of the
army in 1887. According to him the first curriculum for the military hoof shoeing have been developed in
Preußen. Hickman (1983) writes about registration of farriers and the first worked out examination
regulations in 1890. First they planned just a theoretical exam, later also a practical one was necessary to be
registered as farrier. The act was re-worked in the German empire in 1940. From then on everyone who shod
horses had to take an examination (Reichsgesetzblatt, 1941; Müller, 1988). The content and admission
requirements were written down in the bylaw. In 1965 new regulations were added to the existing law (BGB,
1965). They regulated the education and the examination of farriers more in detail. New prescriptions came
into force in 1974 (Müller, 1988). The admission requirements for the examination were lowered. From 1974
on one had to prove a completed vocational training in a metal-working or related profession, a practical
work at a farrier's business for one year and a preparatory course of two months to be approved to the
examination (Ruthe, 1978).
In 2006 a new farriery law should have been introduced to give more attention to the animal protection. The
new law and regulation settled new conditions for the education and examination of a certificated farrier, an
instructive farrier and an instructive farrier institute. §2 part 1 of the HufBeschlG from 19 th April 2006 BGBl
I S.900 should define “farriery” as any processes on hooves for protection, keeping them healthy, correction
or treatment (BRD, 2006a). Farriery should, from the introduction of the law on, only be allowed for
certificated farriers. This means that in the same moment all alternative hoof treatment practitioners would
not be allowed any more to practice their profession (BVG, 2006). Although, a transition period and
continued existence of existing businesses and practitioners were planned, the hoof treatment should be
monopolized at a certificated farrier's business. Due to resistance of representatives of bare hoof trimmers,
hoof technicians and hoof orthopaedists the definition of 'farriery' was announced as vain. After the
examination of the constitutional complaint of the 'alternatives' through the federal constitutional court most
parts of the proposed law were introduced in 2007. This means that everybody is allowed to practice hoof
treatment excluding the fixation of an iron shoe until now (BVG, 2007b).
The latest development in Germany according to the regulation of hoof treatment was in 2009. There the
'Hufbeschlags-Annerkennungsverordnung' has been introduced. This acknowledgement regulation defines
the necessary conditions for the acknowledgement of a certificated education as farrier from abroad
(BMELV, 2009). This means that a farrier certificate from abroad can be recognized like a certificate
according to the latest German farriery regulation, if the education and certification reaches the necessary
level (BMELV, 2009). In practice one can follow a farrier education in the Netherlands for example, what
means less expenditure of time and therefore also money, and ask for acknowledgement of this in Germany.
The farrier is allowed then to work like a German certificated farrier (Wurthmann, 2009).
15

2.3 Hoof Treatment and Education
In Germany different kinds of educations in hoof treatment exist. The general organization of education in
Germany can be found in Annex 9.1. The traditional one is the farrier education which is regulated through
legislation. It is organised as a further education for adults. A tenth of the trainees are female
(Bezirksregierung Münster, 2004). Next to this a lot of private institutes offer further educations for adults
for different occupations like hoof technician, bare hoof practitioner and hoof orthopaedist. These are not
regulated directly. Just peripheral like through the animal protection law. The share of females is much
higher than in traditional farriery. The DHG has a quota of 60 % female for example (DHG, 2005).
2.3.1 Certificated Education in Hoof Treatment in Germany
2.3.1.1 Farrier
The education as farrier is regulated as an further education for adults. The education regulations for
certificated farriers in Germany changed in 2006. According to the 'Hufbeschlagverordnung (HufBeschlV)' a
farrier can be certificated if the following conditions are satisfied:
1.) completed vocational training (§4 HufBeschlG)
2.) four-weeks introductory course at certificated educational farrier institute (§6 HufBeschlV)
3.) two years full-time work at certificated farrier's business (§7 HufBeschlV)
4.) four-months preparation course at certificated educational farrier institute (§8 HufBeschlV)
5.) final theoretical and practical examination (§9 HufBeschlV).
As certificated farrier he is allowed to employ a trainee. A more detailed description can be found in the
annex (Annex 9.2).
2.3.1.2 Instructive Farrier
The regulations for instructive farriers also changed in 2006. According to the HufBeschlV a certificated
farrier can become an instructive farrier if he is at least five years working full-time, taking regularly part in
further educations and has passed an additional examination (§5 HufBeschlG). This test includes the
elaboration of at least two case studies and an oral defence. Further the examinee has to treat a horse
orthopaedically according to a veterinarians pathological result. He has to demonstrate his skills in farriery
through showing ten especially produced iron shoes and produce one of them in front of the judges. Another
task is to prepare and give lessons in theoretic and practical topics of the preparation course (§18
HufBeschlV).
2.3.1.3 Instructive Farrier Institute
An instructive farrier institute can be certificated if the human and material prerequisites are met. The ratio
from participants to instructive farriers and vets has to be appropriate. The institute has to be equipped for the
practical instructions and an appropriate amount of horses for shoeing has to be available. Further instruction
rooms for the theoretical part as well as teaching aids and the continually training of the instructive personnel
has to be demonstrated (§6 HufBeschlG).
16

2.3.1.4 Institutes for Certificated Farrier Education
At the moment there exist twelve instructive farrier institutes in Germany, where a farrier candidate can be
educated. The following institutes can be chosen for the education:
1. Hufbeschlagschule Bayern
2. Hufbeschlagschule Berlin
3. Staatliche Hufbeschlagschmiede der Veterinärmedizin Gießen
4. LVZ Futterkamp in Blekendorf
5. Staatliche Hufbeschlaglehrschmiede der Tierärztlichen Hochschule Hannover
6. Staatlich anerkannte Lehrschmiede Ernst Niemerg in Münster
7. Staatlich anerkannte Lehrschmiede Manfred Schweppe in Dortmund
8. Staatlich anerkannte Lehrschmiede Robert Hof in Neuwied
9. Staatlich anerkannte Hufbeschlaglehrschmiede Burkhard Rau in Nerdlen
10. Staatlich anerkannte Lehrschmiede Markus Rickus in Beltheim
11. Staatliche Lehrschmiede der Chirurgischen Tierklinik Leipzig
12. Lehrschmiede Werner Stubenvoll in Vilsek
All of these institutes offer the introductory course of four weeks as mentioned in the farriery law of 2006. In
addition most of them, excluding Futterkamp and Vilsek, offer also the four month preparation course.
Giessen, Hannover, Berlin and Leipzig co-operate with the veterinary institutes of the universities. Giessen
also offers a vocational training for metal trade, with the subject farriery. This means for the trainee, that he
can follow a three year vocational training and does not have to do the two years placement before
participating in the preparation course. There exist a low number of businesses which offer this, too.
The fees for the introductory course is about € 1,000.00. The preparation course charges additionally about €
1,000.00 to € 4,250.00 (Fachgruppe Hufbeschlag, 2009). A table within the annex shows a more detailed
view of the different instructive institutes (Annex 9.3).
2.3.2 Alternative Education in Hoof Treatment in Germany
Next to the certificated profession also other hoof treatment sectors are developed. These are not certificated
and the institutions teach on a private base. This means the examinations are internal and the titles are not
saved. According to Biernat (2003) the alternative sector developed due to a lack of specialists in hoof care
and the growing demand when the horse became more interesting for leisure and sports use instead of
working.
2.3.2.1 Bare Hoof Practitioner
A bare hoof practitioner basically treats hooves without any permanent protection. Even within the sector of
bare hoof practices a lot of different institutes exist. They are all anxious to differentiate from each other.
There exist non-medical hoof care practitioners according to Dr Strasser (2000a), natural hoof care
practitioners according to Ramey (2003), Ovnicek or Jackson (2002) and hoof care practitioners who work in
following the traditional farrier. There are differences between the educations and work practice. Most bare
hoof practitioners also use temporary hoof boots. There is one institute that educates additionally 'hoof care
practitioners plus'. The participants of this education also learn how to protect hooves with plastic shoes or
adhesive techniques (GdHK, 2008b). The fees for the courses have to be paid by the participants and vary
from € 3,000.00 to € 9,500.00 (Barhufinstitut, 2011; Freie Hufschule, 2011; VdHP, 2011).
17

2.3.2.2 Hoof Orthopaedist
The hoof orthopaedist works like a bare hoof practitioner. If not necessary they treat hooves without
protection, but they tolerate periodically protection with plastic shoes or hoof boots (Biernat, 2003). The
regulation of the farriery law does not differentiate between hoof care practitioners and hoof orthopaedist
(BVG, 2007b). Biernat (2003) even differentiates between different kinds of hoof orthopaedists. He sees the
orthopaedic work in 'healing' unhealthy hooves, in contrast to just 'care' for them like bar hoof practitioners.
The education fee is about € 4,500.00 to € 6,000.00 (DHG, 2011).
2.3.2.3 Hoof Technician
The hoof technic is based on the bare hoof care and adds techniques for protection and re-building of hooves.
A hoof technician works with alternative materials like plastic shoes, aluminium shoes or glue on materials
(Biernat, 2003; GdHK, 2001). Further he uses adhesive materials. He excludes iron materials according to
the examination rules of the GdHK (2001). The institutes charge a fee of about € 3,400.00 up to € 5,000.00
(BESW, 2011; EHA, 2011).
2.3.2.4 Alternative Instructive Institutes
At the moment there exist a number of nine different institutes which offer an alternative education in hoof
treatment:
1. BESW Akademie in Schonstett
2. Ebeta in Baisweil
3. Deutsches Institut für Huforthopädie (DifHO) in Morbach
4. Lehranstalt für Huforthopädie (LfH) der DHG in Mahlis
5. Das Barhuf-Institut in Stechendorf
6. Europäisches Institut für Pferdephysiologie (EIPP) in Losheim
7. Freie Hufschule in Flachslanden
8. Europäische-Hufbeschlags-Akademie (EHA) in Enningerloh
9. Staatlich anerkannte Hufbeschlaglehrschmiede Burkhard Rau in Nerdlen
The instructive programmes and the examinations differ between those institutes. There is no consensus
about the content or organisation of the educations. Within the annex a table gives an overview about the
programmes of the institutes (Annex 9.3).
18

2.3.3 Differences in Education
It can be seen that a lot of differences between the educations exist. The organization varies from full time to
weekend educations. The length varies from six months to three years. Some institutes require a placement of
two years, others no one at all. Also the fees for the educations vary on a wide range.
The only regulation existing at the moment refers to the education for certificated farriers in Germany. They
need to stick to the rules and regulations of the “Hufbeschlaggesetz” and the “Hufbeschlagverordnung”. This
means that farriers have to follow an education up to six times as long as the other practitioners have to. Also
the fact that they have to work for two years for a low loan at a farriers business after completing already
another education, makes the education less attractive.
The situation that a lot of interested people in farriery take the line of least resistance is also unsatisfying for
the German instructive farrier institutes (Heym, 2011). Farrier candidates can follow the farrier education in
the Netherlands and are certificated according to the 'Hufbeschlags-Anerkennungsverordnung' in Germany.
They are allowed then to work like a certificated farrier who followed the German education Wurthmann,
2011). This means less time and money expenditures for the participants. For the instructive farrier institutes
in Germany it means less demand. The regulation for traditional farrier instruction institutes is quite strict.
Figure 1: imbalance of educations
On the other hand alternative institutes are relatively free within the organisation and certification of their
courses. Some institutes require a practical placement lasting months, others do not have any requirements
for practical experiences in hoof treatment businesses. This is one of the reasons why the alternatives are not
always respected by equine experts, like vets or farriers, or horse owners. There is no transparency about
their knowledge, skills and attitudes (Heym, 2011).
Nevertheless, according to the history of horses, the hoof treatment and the use of horses, it can be seen that
all the different occupations around the horse have their legitimacy of existence.
19

2.3.4 Development in Further Education for Adults
The “Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)” wants to develop the further education to
motivate more people to “lifelong learning”. Further education shell become more pervious and better
interlocked. In addition the entrance limitations shell be lowered. A number of projects are supported for
developing education. For the occupational education the project is called “Leonardo Da Vinci” (BMBF,
2008). This is the project within which the “European Federation of Farrier Associations (EFFA)” developed
European farrier standards (EFFA, 2008).
The sector “adult education” is developing in several fields. Some scientists think that this is not just the
normal reaction to the changing environment, but a more deeply structural change of the system of adult
education (Zech, 2008). At the moment there can be thought of different scenarios of the adult education in
the future. Kil and Schlutz (2006) observed three different methods of reacting to these system changes:
−
strategy of continued existence keeping (“Bestandserhaltungsstrategie”)
This means a development in the organisation within the frame of the existence, a better orientation to clients
and demand and a systematic quality development without basic changes in strategy and structure. This is a
common strategy (Kil and Schlutz, 2006).
−
retreat strategy (“Rückzugsstrategie”)
This means to lower costs, reduce personnel, minimize risks and compress programmes. It is the most
common strategy (Kil and Schlutz, 2006).
−
progressive strategy (“Progressionsstrategy”)
This strategy means the offer of new supply content and services, new forms of supplies, co-operation and
networking. It is an active change, but rare in the practice (Kil and Schlutz, 2006).
Zech (2008) sees difficulties within the development of further education for adults. The professionalising of
this topic is not completed. In some parts a de-professionalising takes place due to the incompetence of
occupations of setting own norms and quality standards. Education produces future capability. But the
institutions can just offer the opportunity for education. The participants are responsible for their learning
outcome. Further the problem of the institutions to think and decide in a too economical manner exists (Zech,
2008).
Due to the fact that institutes for adult education are a totally other kind of business than others this also
brings the potential for another development. Flexibility, market orientation and the ability to build networks
are some of the advantages in contrast to other education sectors (Zech, 2008). Especially networking plays
an important role in these times and has a high potential for synergy effects. Zech (2008) defines the
potential of networks as dependent on
−
−
−
−
−
consistence, means amount of common interests and aims
status of involvement, means communication between participants free from disturbing
culture, means foundation of common norms and values
equivalence, means on mid-term balance of give and take
management of network, means no hierarchical leading of the different activities.
20

2.3.5 Education in Hoof Treatment in other Countries
2.3.5.1 Netherlands
The Netherlands are a direct neighbour of Germany and the educational system can be compared with the
further education in German. The vocational trainings as well as the education through a university or
college are similar to the German ones (ZAV, 2010).
The profession as farrier is not regulated in the Netherlands. It is a free profession, what means that
everybody can call himself farrier or bare hoof practitioner. There exits the “Nederlandse Vereniging van
Hoefsmeden (NVvH)”. It certificates some educations in farriery on their standards to guarantee a certain
level of quality and knowledge (NVvH, 2011). The educations in hoof treatment are offered by different
institutes like the PTC+, Helicon, Syntra Limburg, Groenhorst College or the “De Groene Welle”(NVvH,
2011). Pre-conditions are a completed VMBO level education. The duration is between two and three years,
but it is no requirement for the practice of farriery. It is split into courses within a farrier business and a
scholar part. The fee is between € 1.400,00 and € 3.500,00 per year. The final exam for the certification by
state includes a practical and a theoretical assessment. The education system in Ede, Zwolle and Deurne is
certificated by the EFFA (EFFA, 2010).
2.3.5.2 USA
The education system of the USA can also be compared with the German one. After finishing school the
pupils have the option to choose among a college, university or vocational training for further education
(DAI, 2007).
The profession as a farrier is not regulated in the United States. Also the education is not regulated.
Nevertheless there exist associations which offer voluntary certification programmes for farriers. These are
the “American farrier's association (AFA)” , the “Guild of Professional Farriers (GPF)” and the
“Brotherhood of Working Farriers (BWFA)”. The AFA has also a reciprocity agreement with the “Farrier's
Registration Council (FRC) “ of the UK (AFA, 2011).
For the alternative hoof care practitioners an own important association for certification exist. It is called the
“Association for the Advancement of Natural Horse Care Practices (AANHCP)”. Even natural hoof care
practitioners from abroad are registered in the AANHCP (AANCHP, 2011). Nevertheless, there exists no
public regulation for alternative hoof treatment practitioners.
2.3.5.3 England
The education system of England differs a bit from the German one. The pupils can finish school with
different levels. After eleven years the “General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSP)” can be
acquired. For the “Certificate of Education at Advanced-Level (GCE A-Level)” two more years of scholar
education are necessary. There are different education levels which lead to further education in universities,
further education colleges or vocational trainings (Dynot, 2011).
The education as farrier needs a previous education on GCSP level. The duration is four years and two
months at a business and at school. The fee is € 12,000.00, if no scholarship is granted. The final exam
includes a practical and a theoretical exam and is certificated by state (EFFA, 2010). The candidates for the
education have to be proposed by an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) to apply for an Advanced
Apprenticeship at the “Farriery Trainings Agency (FTA)” (FTA, 2011). For the regulation of farriery “The
Farriers Registration Council (FRC)” was set up. They formulate rules for registration and supervise courses,
qualifications and institutions providing training in farriery. It is leaned on the Farriers Registration Act 1975
(Gilligan, 2002; FRC, 2011). Within this Act it is defined how one can be registered as a farrier (Gilligan,
2002). Further it is defined that farriery is the treatment or preparation of hooves for fitting and nailing on
shoes. This means that bare hoof trimming is not included (FRC, 2011).
21

2.3.5.4 Austria
In Austria the education as farrier was overworked in 2010. Since then this occupation can be learned
through a vocational training. This means that the participants do not have to pay a fee. The education lasts
three years and is split up into a practical part at a farrier business and a theoretical part at school. The
examination takes place theoretically and practically and is certificated by state (EFFA, 2010). Austria proofs
this system of farrier education until 2016 (RÖ, 2010). Since 2010 the education was organised at the
university of Vienna or Stadl-Paura. It was a three month further education for smiths and related
occupations (Fürst et al., 2005). The new system is certificated by the EFFA. There exists no regulation for
alternative hoof treatment practitioners (EFFA, 2010).
2.3.5.5 Switzerland
Also the Swiss farrier education has been overworked within the last years. The new regulations were
introduced in 2009 and are certificated by state (SMU, 2008). In Switzerland the education as farrier lasts
four years. It can be shortened through pre-knowledge up to two years. It is split up into practical work at a
farrier's business and a theoretical part at school one day per week. Further, two weeks per year, courses for
all trainees take place at training facilities. At the end of the vocational training a final exam takes place
which contains a practical and a theoretical assessment. The trainees do not have to pay a fee (EFFA, 2010).
For the education in farriery the Swiss metal union (SMU) is responsible (Fürst et al., 2005; SMU, 2008).
The system is certificated by the EFFA. As well as in other countries no standard for alternative hoof
treatment has been developed (EFFA, 2010).
22

2.3.6 Comparison Traditional Certificated Profession vs Non-Certificated Alternative
2.3.6.1 Physician vs non-medical practitioner
The similar situation as with farrier and alternative hoof treatment practitioner can be observed within the
medical sector in Germany. The physician is a profession that is organised in an academic study programme
taking around five to six years study and at least one year of practical experience. Within the last years the
non-medical practitioners became more popular. They do already exist since centuries, but with the change
of the adult education systems, a lot of private institutes started to offer non-medical courses. The nonmedical
practitioner is allowed to detect, treat and heal injuries and illnesses of human (BRD, 2001). They
use partly other techniques than physicians. There have always been difficulties, because the education for
non-medical practitioners is not regulated. Also in this sector the article of the basic law for the freedom of
choosing a profession is a very important one (Krüger, 1997), like for the alternative hoof treatment
practitioners who won the constitutional claim, because of this article.
Since 1939 the “Heilpraktikergesetz (HPG)” provides that everyone who wants to practice as a non-medical
practitioner needs to be certificated through the responsible duty (BRD, 2001). There the basic knowledge
about their field of practice and the legal aspects are examined through a theoretical and practical
assessment. Next to this the competence frame is provided by the regulation. This means that the client can
expect a certain level of knowledge and quality. They are bound by law to send clients to a physician, if
necessary (BRD, 1975). Next to this there exist a lot of other acts which the non-medical practitioners have
to take into account the same way physicians do. Non-medical practitioners founded associations, which
developed a profession regulation to set standards for their profession (Anonym).
2.3.6.2 Veterinarian vs Non-Medical Animal Practitioner
Within the veterinary sector a similar development takes place. There do exist the traditional veterinarians
who have to follow a study program for around five to six years and have to do a practical period of at least
one year. Next to them non-medical animal practitioners are educated at private institutes. These educations
durates two years (Paraceslus, 2011).
No official certificate or regulation for the alternatives exist. Other acts regulate the frame of their field of
practice peripheral, but no examination is necessary in front of an official duty. They also founded
associations and developed a profession regulation to set at least some standards. Some associations also cooperate
to uniform the examination of non-medical animal practitioners. For practising the occupation no
pre-conditions are required (kthp, 2004). This makes it difficult for animal owners to find out about the
quality and knowledge of a practitioner. This situation can be compared to the legal situation within the hoof
treatment sector.
2.3.7 Hoof Treatment and Education
The education programmes in hoof treatment differ a lot. Through the legislation the farrier education has a
certain standard. There exist uniform rules about the organisation, length and certification of the instruction.
Nevertheless the fees vary between the institutes. Further the pre-conditions are extensive and lengthen the
complete education. The alternative trainings do not have a uniform standard at all. The differences in
organisation, length, certification and subscription fee are manifold. In addition the various kinds of
occupation designations make the picture vague.
Also in other countries the situation is similar. Most of the mentioned nations have regulations for farriers,
but those for alternative educations are missing. It is a common problem in other sectors, too, as can be seen
in the comparison to human medicine and veterinary medicine.
23

2.4 Hoof Treatment and Welfare
Hoof treatment is strongly connected with welfare. The health of hooves is influenced by a practitioner
(Kummer et al., 2007) and the health is decisive for equine welfare. Basically every hoof treatment
practitioner has to observe the animal protection law. This says that no one is allowed to cause pain, suffering
or harm to an animal without good reason. Further it is written down that somebody should be qualified if
handling animals (BRD, 2006c).
These are the reasons why the 'Hufbeschlaggesetz' was reworked. Due to missing regulation concerning the
education of alternative hoof treatment practitioners, the BMELV together with some hoof treatment
associations, worked out a new content for the existing act. They see the animal protection in danger with
unqualified 'professionals' treating hooves (BVG, 2006).
On the other side the alternative hoof treatment practitioners split up from traditional farriery because they
see the animal protection in danger, due to the attitude of farriers. It is scientifically proved that iron shoes
damage the horse (Cook, 2008; Strasser, 2000a, 2000b). Farriers are known that they are often shoeing
horses without taking into account the developments in the hoof treatment industry, the change in horses'
useage and the disadvantages for the horse due to shoeing (Strasser, 2000a).
Within the animal protection report of the German federal republic of 2007 the renewals in legislation were
judged positively. They prefer the certificated farrier education for all hoof treatment practitioners with the
following possibility for more specialisation (BRD, 2007).
Interesting is that in welfare researches of other species, like cows or goats, the quality of claws and their
treatment is an important factor for assessing the welfare of the animals. It can be seen that this is often a
point of lacking welfare (Anzuino et al., 2010; Shearer, 2010).
2.4.1 Animal Welfare
The interest in animal welfare raised within the last decades. This created the need for a quantitative
assessment (Whay et al., 2003). Bokma-Bakker et al. (2009) see animal welfare as a pressing public concern
in the EU. Since the 1970´s Bartussek (2001) notices public discussions about regulating farm animal
welfare by law.
Although a lot of researches on this topic have been done, the scientists are not able until now to reach a
consensus on one definition (Bokma-Bakker et al., 2009). In the report of Bokam-Bakker et al. they refer to
animal welfare as the quality of life as it matters to the animals themselves. Broom (1986) defines welfare as
the state of an animal to be able to cope with its environment. Duncan (1996) defines welfare in terms of
subjective states such as hunger, pain, fear, frustration and pleasure. According to Smulders et al. (2006)
welfare is complex. They think it combines both subjective and objective parameters of the quality of life of
an animal. The Farm Animal Welfare Council of the United Kingdom developed the Five Freedoms. They
have been published in the Brambell Report which has been commissioned by the UK government in 1965.
Animal welfare according to the Five Freedoms is:
1. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
2. Freedom from discomfort due to environment
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour
5. Freedom from fear and distress (Korte et al., 2007, Whay et al., 2003).
There is no single instrument for measuring the welfare of an animal. Nevertheless there is a considerable
degree of consensus on how to assess welfare and sentience is accepted as a necessary condition (Bokma-
Bakker et al., 2009). The different measurement approaches to welfare are explained in more detail within
the annex (Annex 9.4).
24

2.4.2 Laws and Regulations in Animal Welfare in Germany
The animal protection act exists since 1972. Further since 2002 animals are protected within the basic law.
Animals were added into a paragraph of this and since then animal welfare a state’s aim (BRD, 2002).
The animal protection act aims to protect the lives and well-being of animals, based on the responsibility of
human beings for their fellow creatures (BRD, 2006c). The Act says that no one may cause an animal pain,
suffering or harm without good reason (§ 1 TierSchG).
In paragraph two, which is also important in terms of hoof treatment, it is written down that a person keeping
or caring for or required to care for an animal has to provide the animal with food, care and housing
appropriate to its species, its requirements and behaviour. Further the possibility if the species-specific
freedom of movement may not be restricted to such an extent as to cause the animal pain or avoidable
suffering or harm. Somebody must possess the knowledge and skills necessary for providing the animal with
adequate food, care and housing in accordance with its behavioural requirements (§ 2 TierSchG). § 2a
authorizes the BMELV to develop additional regulations to give a more detailed standard of the previously
mentioned content ( § 2a TierSchG) (BRD, 2006c). Following there are a lot of other regulations. They are
not directly connected with the practice of hoof treatment.
Additionally to the legislation the “Leitlinien zur Beurteilung von Pferdehaltungen unter
Tierschutzgesichtspunkten” of the BMELV exist since 1995. These guidelines do not have a regulating
character. They constitute just a foundation for advising. In 2009 they were renewed. Hoof care is mentioned
in section two. There the advice is given to practice the hoof treatment situation already with young foals.
Further the regular cleaning and control for keeping the hooves healthy is advised. The treatment of bare and
shod hooves should be done on a six to eight weeks schedule. The BMELV advises to use hoof protection, if
necessary. They point out that hoof treatment and protection can have an impact on the health and welfare of
horses.
2.4.3 Hoof Treatment and Animal Welfare
Animal welfare plays an important role in hoof treatment. Every practitioner is obliged to keep the animal
protection act. As mentioned the practitioner influences the welfare directly through treating the hooves. Due
to missing regulations the knowledge and skills of alternative hoof treatment practitioners are not assessed in
front of an independent duty, what endangers the welfare of horses. Hoof treatment practitioner have already
found guilty causing equines suffering. This is a crime according to the animal protection law. Further a high
number of welfare relevant unknown cases is assumed. Also the traditional farriery was detected to have
disadvantages influencing the health and welfare of animals.
25

2.5 Hoof Treatment and Quality
Within the study of Fürst et al. (2005) in Switzerland the researchers came to the result that a quality control
for hoof treatment practitioners and new developments of hoof protection is advisable to raise the quality and
support the co-operation between experts. They recommend to found a competence centre by state to control
the education and further education for farriers and alternative hoof treatment practitioners, prove new
products, advise horse owners and magazine and support scientific research in farriery in Switzerland.
Individuals like farriers, vets and other experts should be members of this Swiss control authority (Fürst et
al., 2005). This problem of missing quality control can also be seen in Germany. There is no legal regulation
for the education and certification of alternative hoof treatment practitioners. Therefore the quality of hoof
treatment cannot be guaranteed.
2.5.1 Existing Quality Standards in Farriery
2.5.1.1.1 Europe
The European Federation of Farriers Associations (EFFA) is an association which developed a set of quality
standards for farriers in Europe. In 2008 they started a programme of accrediting national training and
examination courses against this scheme. Their goal sare to give horse owners an indication of farriers who
have received an internationally recognized certification and to raise the quality standards of farrier
education in Europe.
The standards which are written down in the EFFA- handbook are aligned with the instruction plan of the
farrier education of the individual country. There do not exist special assessments for single farriers. The
country can be certificated, if they meet the requirements. The farriers who followed the certificated
education are then announced to the EFFA and are allowed to use the 'CE-F' (Certificated European-Farrier)
title. It is a voluntary system. The following topics are part of the quality standards:
− equine knowledge
− investigation of requirements of hoof care
− maintenance of working tools
− production and fitting of hoof shoes
− treating and shoeing hooves
− health, safety and protection (EFFA, 2008).
Within a survey of the EFFA in 2009 Austria, Swiss, Tschechien, Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands
were already accredited by the EFFA. Today also Spain and Germany got the accreditation after renewing the
regulations for the farrier education (EFFA, 2010).
2.5.1.1.2 Austria
The Austrian Farrier Association has developed the 'Austrian Mark of Quality in farriery' to raise the quality
in this trade. It is a voluntary system in which every farrier, who has at least three years of practice work, can
participate. It contains a practical, a theoretical examination and a presentation. Within the practical exam the
examinee has to treat and shoe a horse and remodel iron shoes. Further the vehicle and the equipment is
proved. Within the theoretical exam knowledge about anatomy, medicine, hooves, hoof treatment and
shoeing, metal manufacturing, safety regulations and liability is examined. The certificate stands for:
−
−
−
−
communication with clients
competent handling of horses
professional hoof correction, fitting shoes, individual solutions
professional equipment
26

− regular further education
The fee for the exam is € 500,00 (Öster. Hufschmiedeverband, 2011).
2.5.1.1.3 Switzerland
The Swiss developed, based on the quality standards of the EFFA, regulations for 'qualified farriers'. The
Swiss metal-union (SMU) is responsible for these. These regulations were developed due to the changing
market demand for experts in hoof treatment and to ensure equine welfare through a standardised quality
system since 2006. To become a “qualified farrier” and be therefore registered in a list, one has to fulfil the
following criteria:
− proof of specialised competence
− proof of own farrier business or employment as farrier
− regular participation in further education.
They have to pay an enrolment fee once and a yearly fee for the union (SMU, 2005).
2.5.1.1.4 Germany
In 2006 the FN developed a certification called the 'FN-Gütesiegel' in Germany. A farrier is allowed to take
part in this program on condition that he is certificated farrier by state. It is a voluntary assessment which is
judged by the FN and the EDHV. The goal of it is to support clients, like horse owners, to find a high quality
farrier. The following topics are part of the certification:
− appearance
− bureau organisation
− garage equipment (fix and mobile)
− working and quality control
− equipment of employees
The certification has to be renewed every three years or can be extended through regular further education
(FN, 2006).
2.5.1.2 Quality Standards for Alternative Hoof Treatment Practitioners
There do also exist quality standards for alternative hoof treatment practitioners. Due to lacking regulations
also in other countries mostly only small groups consents to a certain quality standards or accreditation
system. According to the EFFA hardly any European country has restrictions for practising hoof treatment
excluding iron shoeing (EFFA, 2010).
2.5.1.2.1 America
In America there is a bigger association the American Hoof Association (AHA) (2011) which certificates
natural hoof care practitioners, who are bare hoof practitioners using a special kind of method to treat
hooves, the natural hoof care. Every practitioner, independent of the country or instructive institute he comes
from, who has at least two years trimming experience, can be certificated, if he meets the following
requirements:
- three case studies, each including at least three sets of six photos taken in a time of minimum three months
- a video of a trimming including the advising of the owner.
It is a voluntary system and the participants have to pay a fee of $ 100 (AHA, 2011).
27

2.5.1.2.2 Germany
In Germany there are some alternative associations, which have their own kinds of quality standards.
The DHG uses a profession regulation. Within this paper ethical standards are set like treatment of
colleagues or clients (DHG, 2001a). Additionally, they have a fee agreement that regulates fees and therefore
eases competition between hoof orthopaedists (DHG, 2001b).
The DIfHO makes a contract with the participants of the instructive courses. They are allowed to use the
“DifHO”-certification if they take part in further education at the institute four days per year. Biernat (2011)
wants to keep a certain quality standard through this. Within this further education the hoof orthopaedists get
practical and theoretical input. They work on the base of case studies from their practices.
Similar to this also the VdHP obliges the members to take part in regular further education to be allowed to
use the Strasser-certification (VdHP, 2011).
The BESW uses a voluntary quality system in co-operation with the International Quality Assurance (IQA)
an international institution located in London for the evaluation of the instruction. This quality programme is
based in self-assessments. Within the theoretical courses internal surveys are carried out. The institutes
taking part in this quality management programme are judged in the overall picture, client satisfaction,
management, planning, employees, co-operations and resources. They evaluate and develop their institute
with this system since 2003 (BESW, 2011). Further they developed an examination regulation (BEWS, 2011)
together with the GdHK (GdHK, 2001).
2.5.2 Differences in Quality Standards
What uniforms all these mentioned quality standards is their limited application to small groups and the
voluntary participation of professionals. No certification is required to start up a business as hoof treatment
practitioner. The quality standards described above differ in use and approach to the hoof treatment sector.
The expertise of farriers seems to be more regulated through legislation and additional quality standards than
the alternatives. The standardized examination guarantees a certain level of knowledge and skills.
The content of quality standards varies from no assessment to practical and theoretical examination, from
assessments of the organization of bureaus to practical cases. Further there exist papers which regulate the
fees or the practice, others contain the organisation of education or examination. It can be compared to the
manifold differences in educations. There are no standards a horse owner, for example, can have a look at.
28

2.5.3 Quality, Quality Standards and Quality Management
Quality is a term which became more popular within the last years. It is not anymore restricted to the
production of products. Also sectors like social services, medicine, physiotherapy, pedagogics and
educational systems become more aware of the importance of standards of quality (Baumann et al., 2007;
Graf, 2003). According to Baumann et al. (2007) the point of view is crucial for the definition of 'quality'.
Further they divide between structure, process and outcome quality. Nadvi et al. (2004) define quality
standards as agreed criteria. They talk about external points of reference by which a product or service can be
assessed according its performance, technical and physical characteristics and/or production and delivery
process and condition.
Quality standards can be mandatory, this means protection from frauds of customers within the national
legislation. Or they can be voluntarily, what means on a private base within a business to work as efficient as
possible (Humphrey et al., 2004; Nadvi et al., 2004).
Jones et al. (1984) define standards as 'rules of measurement' and 'a system of classification based on
quantifiable attributes'.
Another definition of standards is according to Oelkers et al. (2008) the fixation of rules and procedures for a
certain sector. These standards regulate the practices and the horizon of expectations.
According to Sanders (2006) a standard is a principle to which practitioners of a certain field of expertise
agreed to and under consideration of which the quality and fairness of the professional activity can be
developed.
Ravitch (1995) defines standards as the fixation of contents, aims or rules and resources.
Quality management should consist of research, evaluation, investigation of data and continuous self-critical
reflection of structures and processes of the service (Graf, 2003).
Especially within the instructive sector the standardisation has been related mainly to the input in the past.
Nowadays the outcome becomes more important. This means the formulation of aims and keeping the focus
on the outcome quality. Instead of focussing too much on the structure quality, the so called input (Oelkers et
al., 2008).
Zech (2008) sees the absence of standards and norms of a certain occupation as de-professionalism. He
observed the inability of institutes offering further education for adults to get their own norms, quality
standards and success criteria through. This seems to be also the case within the hoof treatment sector.
2.5.4 Hoof Treatment and Quality
To encourage high quality and therefore support animal welfare, standards within the hoof treatment
practice are necessary. A number of different quality standards already exists in the hoof treatment sector.
Those are mostly voluntary and only applied to small groups. Further they comprise different topics of
examination and certification. The missing consensus about agreed criteria supports the de-professionalism
of the sector.
29

3. METHODOLOGY
Within this chapter the methodology of the research is described. In detail the research design, the data
collection and processing is explained. Further the sample is described.
3.1 Research Approach
The research is a qualitative and quantitative research. Desk and field research is used. The study was done
with a three-angel approach as demonstrated in figure 2. The hoof treatment sector was analysed through
first desk study, second interviews with experts of the field and third a survey with hoof treatment
practitioners to get an overview about the whole situation.
3.1.1 Desk Research
Figure 2: research approach
The review of literature was used to get an overview about the education system in several states. Further a
general idea of the German Equine sector, especially the hoof treatment and farriery industry was researched.
A closer look was taken to the hoof treatment sector in terms of regulation, animal welfare and quality.
Existing researches and secondary data were used. The desk research and studying of existing papers of
quality standards answered sub-question nr 1.
3.1.2 Field Research
To answer the questions nr 2-6 structured interviews were conducted with equine experts to find out their
advices and opinions in terms of quality standards in alternative hoof treatment in Germany. Further a survey
within the population of hoof treatment practitioner gave more inside into this topic.
3.2 Data Collection
Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and the evaluation of existing papers of quality
standards within the hoof treatment sector.
30

3.2.1 Interviews Equine Experts
Interviews with equine experts were used to gain information about their opinion to standards in hoof
treatment practices. The interview was chosen as method because according to Healey (1991) they achieve a
higher response rate than questionnaires. They were taken on the telephone. A number of 32 equine experts
was asked for an interview. A total of 27 experts is included, the others could not be reached.
The equine experts were chosen according to their involvement in hoof treatment in Germany. Next to the
participants of the development of the latest farriery law, all institutes educating hoof treatment practitioners
in Germany were included. It was attached importance to the fact that a lot of different parties of the equine
sector are represented by an expert. Previously everyone received an e-mail including a description and the
goal of the research. They got informed about the procedure. Within this mail they were asked to
communicate possible appointments for the interview. To get a high response rate the experts were called, if
the meeting proposals have not been received within one week or got follow-up mails. Nevertheless five
participants could not be reached. The interviews took place in April and May 2011.
3.2.2 Survey Hoof Treatment Practitioner
A self-administered questionnaire was used to gain information about the opinion in standards for hoof
treatment of hoof treatment practitioners. A questionnaire allows to get a bigger sample than interviews
within this limited time. The questions of the experts' interviews were evaluated, developed through adding
informations given by the experts' and distributed to the hoof treatment practitioners. The participants were
visitors of further education events of different associations, the 'DHG' (15 filled in questionnaires), the
'Lehrschmiede Dortmund' (5 filled in questionnaires) and the 'Barhufinstitut' (15 filled in questionnaires), or
a member of a hoof treatment association (17 filled in questionnaires via mail). They were asked to fill in a
questionnaire at the events or contacted per e-mail. These event took place in May and June. To get a higher
response in mailed questionnaires, they were called when not receiving the questionnaire back within the
given time or got a follow-up mail. The response rate was much lower than with the interviews. A total
number of 261 practitioners was contacted. A lot of practitioners could not be reached due to wrong contact
details (157), some practitioners did not want to take part within the survey (52). A total number of 52
respondents is included.
3.2.3 Design of the Interview and the Questionnaire
Telephone interviews and questionnaires were used with structured questions to be able to formulate
statements. A total number of 16 questions were asked. The response rate could be lower when asking too
many questions due to lacking concentration or time pressure (Saunders et al.,2007).
Open and closed questions were used. As closed questions were used list, category and quantity questions.
Closed questions made the analysis easier. Some open questions gave the respondents the opportunity to
formulate their answers with their own words. This is important to get their opinion free from bias through
given answer options (Saunders et al., 2007).
The first part of the questionnaire and interview was used to get information on the socio-demographic
background of the respondents and to be able to divide the participants into groups. It was asked for age,
gender, region and involvement in hoof treatment. The data was scale for age and nominal for the other parts.
With the third question the actual research starts.
31

• The third and fourth question was designed to provide an understanding of the strengths and
problems within the hoof treatment sector. No optional answers were provided. Later the given
answers were summarized in categories. The data was at nominal measurement level and was
analysed as multiple response sets.
• The fifth question was designed to investigate how satisfied the respondents are with the education,
the legislation and the quality standards in hoof treatment. This gave an indication on the need and
potential of development. The answers were at ordinal measurement level on a five point scale
(totally satisfied – totally unsatisfied). Further the option of 'no answer' was given.
• The sixth question was designed to find out whether the participants would prefer the combination of
all hoof treatment educations. The answers were given at nominal level.
• Question seven was designed to investigate on a three point scale how relevant the education,
knowledge, skills and attitude of hoof treatment practitioners in terms of animal welfare was scored
by the respondents. This gave an indication for the need and potential of development to protect the
animals welfare. The option of giving no answer was given. The data was measured at ordinal level.
• The eighth and ninth question was designed to investigate whether the respondents are satisfied with
the quality standards of farriers and alternatives in relation to animal welfare. The answers were
given at nominal measurement level.
• Question ten was designed to find out the importance of development of different regulations for
alternative hoof treatment practitioners. The following items were scaled: education and certification
regulations, development of a competence frame, of quality standards and a certification by state.
The items were based on existing regulations for farriers. The answers were at ordinal level and
useful for the investigation of need and potential for improvement. A five point scale (very important
– totally unimportant) and the option 'no answer' were given.
• Due to the fact that there exist no uniform regulation for alternative hoof treatment practitioners
question eleven was designed to find out the opinion about an uniform regulation. The answers were
at nominal measurement level.
• Question twelve was an follow up question which investigated what fields of knowledge, skills and
attitudes should be part of a potential uniform regulation. Within the interview multiple answers
were given based on the quality standards of the EFFA (2006). The option to add answers was given,
too. For the questionnaire the additional answers of the experts were provided. The answers were
analysed as multiple response sets.
• Questions thirteen to fifteen are also follow up questions of question eleven. They were designed to
investigate details for a potential regulation for alternative hoof treatment practitioners.
Question thirteen was designed to find out the opinion about an authority which should assess the
qualities mentioned in question twelve. Several options were given based on existing assessment
authorities of different associations. The option to mention an own idea was additionally given. The
answers were on nominal level.
• The fourteenth question was designed to investigate whether the respondents prefer practical,
theoretical or both parts as examination and if these should be obligatory or voluntary. The answers
were at nominal measurement level.
• Question fifteen was designed to find out the opinion about the frequency of a basic check. The
answers were categorized into ordinal variables. For the practitioners a question about further
education was added. The quantity of compulsory further education should be investigated. Optional
answers were provided based on existing quality standards ar ordinal level.
• Question sixteen was designed to find out the expectations for the future of the hoof treatment sector.
No answer options were provided. Later the given answers were categorized into a five point scale
(very positive – very negative) at ordinal measurement level.
The outline of the interview and the questionnaire can be found in Annex 9.5 and 9.6.
32

3.3 Data Processing
The quantitative and qualitative data was processed and analysed using SPSS Statistics 17.0 for Windows
and Excel software.
After getting the information through the interviews and questionnaires the data was entered into SPSS. The
variables were given a code and the values were created for each question. Missing values were coded as '-1'.
The respondents were divided into groups: the traditional experts (TE), the alternative experts (AE), the
traditional hoof treatment practitioners (TP) and the alternative hoof treatment practitioners (AP). To get an
overview the answers of the different questions were summarized and visualized through tables. Frequency
tables were used to describe the variables at nominal and ordinal level. Further cross tables describe the
groups and give an insight into the relations.
The target groups, farriers and alternatives, were compared using the Chi-square test for variables at nominal
level. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to investigate if the data at ordinal level are normally
distributed. To analyse differences at ordinal measurement level of the variables the Mann-Whitey test was
used. Further median, sum and mean rank scores were calculated to be able to rank ordinal data. A
significance level of 95% was determined. This means that a difference is significant if the p value is lower
than 5% (p < 0.05).
Additionally the answers of questions 3 to5 and 7 to 9 were examined according to the following cross table
of assumptions (table 1) to assess the need and potential for improvement. This cross table was developed
by the author based on her experiences.
Table 1: cross table of assumptions
need for improvement
potential for improvement
item/level low medium high low medium high
strengths
(average
number)
Problems
(average
number)
satisfaction
(median)
satisfying
quality
standards (%)
importance
(median)
high number
(3 or more)
low number
(1 or less)
medium
number (>1 to
1 to
75%) for
own group
high (4,5) for
own group
33

The items strengths and problems are assessed on the average number of mentioned strengths and problems
by each member per group. It can be assumed that the higher the number of strengths the lower the need for
improvement. Further the higher the number of mentioned problems the higher the need for improvement.
The potential cannot be assumed from that.
Range: 0-4 strengths/problems
Categories: high number = 3 or more, medium = >1 to

3.4 Sample
A total of 79 participants took part in the study. 27 experts of the equine industry who are closely connected
with the hoof treatment sector were interviewed. A number of 52 hoof treatment practitioners filled in a
questionnaire.
56%
3.4.1 Sample Interview
11%
4% 4% 7%
19%
lecturer hoof
treatment
representative law
representative welfare
representative rider
association
representative hoof
treatment association
other expert
Figure 3: distribution of experts' fields of practice (n = 27)
The sample of the interviewed experts contains
80.8 % male and 19.2 % female participants
(n= 26). The mean age is 50 years (n = 24). The
range of age is between 31 and 71 years. Most
of the experts are lecturers within the hoof
treatment sector and part of the management of
education institutes (56 %). Further
representatives of the government, welfare,
hoof and rider associations, veterinarians,
alternative medicine practitioners and expert
witnesses in equines took part. Within figure 3
the distribution of the experts within fields of
practice is demonstrated. According to these
fields of working the group can be divided into
fifteen traditional (TE) and twelve alternative
experts (AE). This was done to be able to compare the groups and to find out differences between them. The
quota of female interviewees in TE is 7.1 %. Within AE the participation of female is 33.3 %.
The distribution of the origin within Germany of all participants is demonstrated within the following graph:
8
6
4
2
0
Bavaria Hesse Lower
Saxony
NRW
Rhinel.
Palat.
Saxony
Baden-
Württemberg
Schleswig-Holstein
TE
AE
Figure 4: distribution of experts' origin (n = 27)
It can be seen, that most of the interviewees come from North-Rhine Westphalia. There most of the
institutes are located.
35

3.4.2 Sample Survey
The sample of the survey contains a total of 52
participants. There are 51.9% male and 42.3 %
female respondents (n = 49). The mean age is
around 39 years (n = 48). The range in age is
between 21 to 56. The distribution of
practitioners' field of work is demonstrated in
figure 5. The participants were farrier, bare hoof
practitioners, hoof technicians and hoof
orthopaedists. This sample was divided into 14
traditional (TP) and 38 alternative hoof treatment
practitioners (AP) to be able to compare the
target groups. The group of TP contains
certificated farriers educated both by traditional
and alternative instructive institutes. Whereas the
group of AP contains hoof technicians, hoof
orthopaedists and bare hoof practitioners. Within the group of TP there is just one woman, whereas the group
of AP consists of 15 male and 21 female participants. The difference in gender between the target groups is
significant (Chi-square, p = 0.002).
The distribution of origin within this group is shown in figure 6 below. Most of the respondents come from
Bavaria.
26%
48%
19% certificated farrier
bare hoof practitioner
6%
hoof technician
hoof orthopaedist
Figure 5: distribution of practitioners' field of work (n = 52)
20
15
10
5
0
Baden-
Württemberg
Bavaria Hesse Lower
Saxony
NRW
Rhinel.
Palat.
Saxony
Schles
wig-
Holstein
Thuringia
TP
AP
Figure 6: distribution of practitioners' origin (n = 52)
36

4. RESULTS
Within this chapter the results of the interviews and survey are demonstrated separately. Further the results of
the need and potential analysis of all participants are presented. The output of SPSS for significant
differences can be found in Annex 9.7 for the interviews and 9.8 for the survey.
4.1 Interviews
In total twenty-seven equine experts were interviewed. Fifteen traditional experts (TE) and twelve alternative
experts (AE). To determine the frequencies of the given answers frequency tables were used. The following
strengths and problems within the hoof treatment sector were mentioned:
Table 2: experts' strengths and problems
Strengths (n = 27) Problems (n = 27)
• variety, specialisation (34.6 %)
• new material, techniques, science (26.9 %)
• certificated education (26.9 %)
• client orientation (23.1 %)
• communication, co-operation (11.5 %)
• future (15.4 %)
• interested horse owner (7.7 %)
• flexibility (7.7 %)
• experiences of practitioner with horses (7.7%)
• holistic view on horse (7.7 %)
• missing regulation (70.4 %)
• other methods (55.6 %)
• lack of basic knowledge (48.1 %)
• unclear picture for horse owner (37.0 %)
• missing further education (44.4 %)
• new law (37.0 %)
• practitioners against each other (22.2 %)
• missing communication, co-operation (18.5%)
• too economic view (3.7 %)
On average every TE mentioned 1.3 strengths and 3.2 problems. Every AE mentioned on average 2 strengths
and 3.5 problems within the hoof treatment industry.
Table 3: satisfaction percentage interview
Education
certificated farrier
(n = 24)
Education
alternative
practitioner (n=22)
Laws and
regulations in
farriery (n=26)
Quality standards
farrier (n = 22)
Quality standards
alternatives (n =20)
Animal protection
law in relation to
hoof treatment
(n = 26)
Group Totally satisfied Satisfied Neutral Not satisfied Totally dissatisfied
TE 7.1 % 35.7 % 21.4 % 35.7 % -
AE - 10.0 % 30.0 % 30.0 % 30.0 %
ALL 4.2 % 25.0 % 25.0 % 33.3 % 12.5 %
TE - - - 41.7 % 58.3 %
AE 10.0 % 30.0 % 30.0 % 30.0 % -
ALL 4.5 % 13.6 % 13.6 % 36.4 % 31.8 %
TE - 21.4 % - 50.0 % 28.3 %
AE - 8.3 % 8.3 % 50.0 % 33.3 %
ALL - 15.4 % 3.8 % 50.0 % 30.8 %
TE - 35.7 % 42.9 % 14.3 % 7.1 %
AE - 12.5 % 12.5 % 50.0 % 25.0 %
ALL - 27.3 % 31.8 % 27.3 % 13.6 %
TE - 9.1 % - 45.5 % 45.5 %
AE - 44.4 % 11.1 % 44.4 % -
ALL - 25.0 % 5.0 % 45.0 % 25.0 %
TE 7.1 % 35.7 % 21.4 % 28.6 % 7.1 %
AE 8.3 % 25.0 % 16.7 % 16.7 % 33.3 %
ALL 7.7 % 30.8 % 19.2 % 23.1 % 19.2 %
37

The satisfaction percentages are demonstrated in table 3. The data of 'satisfaction with the education of
alternatives' (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, p = 0.010) is not normally distributed.
The satisfaction with the certificated education of farriers is higher in TE (mean rank score 14.82) than in AE
(mean rank score 9.25). This is also the case in satisfaction with the laws and regulations in farriery (mean
rank score TE 14.04, AE 12.88), the satisfaction with the quality standard of farriers (mean rank score TE
13.61, AE 7.81) and with the legislation in animal welfare in relation to hoof treatment (mean rank score TE
14.79, AE 12.00). It can be demonstrated that the satisfaction with the education for alternatives is higher in
AE (mean rank score 16.75, TE 7.13 ), as well as the satisfaction with the quality standard of alternative
practitioners (mean rank score AE 14.11, TE 7.55). The difference between the target groups is significant
for the satisfaction with the certificated (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.049) and alternative education (Mann-
Whitney, p = 0.00), the satisfaction with quality standards of farriers (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.036) and of
alternatives (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.008). The other items were tested to be not significant different (Mann-
Whitney, p > 0.05). The median is demonstrated in the table 5.
Table 4: median in satisfaction, interview
Satisfaction with... TE AE ALL
certificated education 3 2 3
alternative education 1 3 2
legislation in hoof treatment 2 2 2
quality standards of certificated practitioners 3 2 3
quality standards of alternative practitioners 2 3 2
legislation animal protection 3 2.5 3
A total number of 55.6 % think that all educations within the hoof treatment sector should be combined.
Whereas 44.4 % do not want to combine those. This can be split up into the target groups: 86.7 % of the TE
and 16.7 % of the AE prefer a combination of hoof
treatment educations. As figure 7 let us assume, the
difference between the target groups was tested to
100%
be significant (Fisher's test, p = 0.00, n = 26).
96.3 % of all interviewees think that the knowledge
60%
and attitude of the hoof treatment practitioner is
No
relevant in terms of animal welfare. The education 40%
Yes
and skills of a hoof treatment practitioner classify in 20%
total 92.6 % as 'relevant'. There is no difference
0%
between the target groups (Mann-Whitney, p >
T E AE ALL
0.05, n = 27).
A percentage of 53.8 of all respondents answered Figure 7: experts prefer combination of educations
that the quality standards of the farriers in relation
to animal welfare are satisfying. Split up into the groups: TE answered with 66.7 % that the quality standards
of farriers are satisfying in relation to animal welfare. Within the group of AE the percentage has been 36.4.
The difference between the groups was tested as being not significant (Chi-square, p > 0.05, n = 26).
A number of 34.8 % are satisfied with the quality standards of alternative practitioners in relation to animal
welfare. 16.7 % of TE ticked satisfying. AE are with a percentage of 54.5 satisfied with the quality standards
of the alternative hoof treatment practitioners. The Chi-square test analysed the differences between the
target groups as not significant (Chi-square, p > 0.05, n = 23).
80%
38

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
education regulation
examination regulation
competence frame
quality standards
certification by state
TE AE ALL
Figure 8: sum importance scores experts
According to the sum of scores the options for developments for alternative hoof treatment practitioners were
ranked for importance (figure 8). The most important development is the regulation of examination (sum
119), followed by quality standards (sum 113), a certification by state (sum 111), the development of a
competence frame (sum 100) and as least important an education regulation (sum 98). The median was 5,
very important, in all categories. There are no significant differences between the groups (Mann-Whitney, p
> 0.05, n = 25). The examination regulation and certification by state reached the highest scores in TE. AE
scored the examination regulation and quality standards the most important.
92.6 % would develop a uniform regulation for alternative hoof treatment practitioners. There is no
difference between the groups (Chi-square, p > 0.05, n = 27). The content of uniform regulations for
health, security
alternative farriery
maintentance tools
basics horse
AE
TE
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Figure 9: knowledge experts (n = 26)
alternative hoof treatment practitioners were ticked as following:
The additionally mentioned knowledge items are demonstrated in figure 10:
legislation
quality management
human rsource management
business management
cattle, claw care
animal welfare
alternative medicine
traditional medicine
biomechanics
different methods
training
Figure 10:
additionally
mentioned
0 1 2 39 3 4 5
knowledge (n = 22)
6
AE
TE

All interviewees ticked basic knowledge about horses, the investigation of hoof and leg care, the bare hoof
treatment and health, safety and protection as part of a uniform quality standard. Further almost all ticked
maintenance of working tools, client advising and co-operation with other experts. The alternative and
traditional farriery was also ticked of more than half of the participants. No significant differences can be
analysed between the groups (Chi-square, p > 0.05). The most often additional mentioned knowledge are
basics about different methods, biomechanics, alternative medicine and animal protection (figure 10). A
significant difference between the target groups was analysed in mentioning basics of different methods
(Fisher's, Chi-square = 9.643, df = 1, p =0.002).
A number of 59.3 % would prefer the examination through a representative of the law. Split up into groups:
80 % of the TE and 33.3 % of the AE ticked the governmental authority. A total of 18.5 % answered that they
would prefer the examination
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
education insitute
government
other authority
through the education institute. All
respondents who ticked this option
were AE (41.7 %). 14.8 % preferred
other authorities (figure11). The Chisquare
test analysed that there is a
significant difference between the
groups (Chi-square = 8.775, df = 3, p
= 0.032, n = 27).
The examination for alternative hoof
treatment practitioners should be
Figure 11: authority for examination of alternatives, interview practical and theoretical answered
92.6 % of the respondents. The
difference was tested to be not significant between the target groups (Chi-square, p > 0.05, n = 26). A number
of 85.2% think they should be compulsory. For this data also no significant difference between the target
groups was found (Chi-square, p > 0.05, n = 23).
48.1 % of the respondents do not see a need for a repetition of the basic examination. Whereas 18.5% ticked
a yearly and another 18.5 % a repetition after three years. 3.7% prefer a repetition after six years and 7.4%
after 10 years. Also no significant differences could be analysed between the target groups (Chi-square, p >
0.05, n = 26).
TE
AE
ALL
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
negative
very negative
neutral
positive
very positiv
TE
AE
Figure 12: experts' view into future
Most of the TE are looking negative (46.7%) or very negative (13.3 %) into the future, whereas most AE
have a positive (33.3%) or very positive (25.0%) view into the future. AE are more positive (mean rank
18.29) than TE (mean rank 10.57). As figure 12 lets assume, the difference between the groups was analysed
as being significant (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.009, n = 27).
40

4.2 Survey
A total number of fifty-two hoof treatment practitioners filled in the questionnaire. There were fourteen
traditional practitioners (TP) and thirty-eight alternative practitioners (AP). Frequency tables were used for
describing the data. Strengths and problems within the hoof treatment sector were mentioned as table 5
demonstrates.
Table 5: practitioners strengths and problems
Strengths (n = 40) Problems (n = 48)
• variety, specialisation (47.5 %)
• flexibility (35.0 %)
• new material, techniques, science (32.5 %)
• experiences of practitioner with horses (30.0%)
• interested horse owner (25.0 %)
• holistic view on horse (22.5 %)
• future (17.5 %)
• communication, co-operation (10.0 %)
• client orientation (10.0 %)
• certificated education (5.0 %)
• other methods (68.8 %)
• practitioners against each other (56.3 %)
• missing communication, co-operation (45.8 %)
• missing regulation (43.8 %)
• lack of basic knowledge (33.3 %)
• unclear picture for horse owner (20.8 %)
• missing further education (18.8 %)
• too economic view (16.7 %)
• new law (8.3 %)
On average every TP mentioned 0.8 strengths and 3.3 problems. Every AP mentioned on average 2.2
strengths and 2.7 problems he observed within the hoof treatment sector.
The satisfaction of hoof treatment practitioners with the education of certificated farriers, alternative hoof
treatment practitioners, the quality standards of TP and AP and the laws and regulations in hoof treatment
and animal protection can be seen in the following table (table 6).
Table 6: satisfaction of practitioners (n =52)
Education
certificated farrier
Education
alternative
practitioner
Laws and
regulations in
farriery
Quality standards
farrier
Quality standards
alternatives
Animal protection
law in relation to
hoof treatment
Group
Totally satisfied
(6)
Satisfied
(5)
Neutral
(4)
Not satisfied
(3)
Totally dissatisfied
(3)
TP 7.1% 42.9 % 35.7 % 7.1 % 7.1 %
AP 3.4 % - 37.9 % 31.0 % 27.6 %
ALL 4.7 % 14.0 % 37.2 % 23.3 % 20.9 %
TP - 20.0 % 30.0 % 20.0 % 30.0 %
AP 20.6 % 52.9 % 14.7 % 5.9 % 5.9 %
ALL 15.9 % 45.5 % 18.2 % 9.1 % 11.4 %
TP - 46.2 % 23.1 % 30.8 % -
AP - 5.7 % 40.0 % 37.1 % 17.1 %
ALL - 16.7 % 35.4 % 35.4 % 12.5 %
TP - 7.1 % 42.9 % 35.7 % 14.3 %
AP - - 33.3 % 45.5 % 21.2 %
ALL - 2.1 % 36.2 % 42.6 % 19.1 %
TP - - 45.5 % 18.2 % 36.4 %
AP - 45.5 % 27.3 % 21.2 % 6.1 %
ALL - 31.4 % 31.8 % 20.5 % 13.6 %
TP 7.7 % 23.1 % 38.5 % 15.4 % 15.4 %
AP - 13.9 % 36.1 % 36.1 % 13.9 %
ALL 2.0 % 16.3 % 36.7 % 30.6 % 14.3 %
41

The data are not normally distributed for satisfaction with certificated education (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, p =
0.033) and satisfaction with alternative education (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, p = 0.024).It can be demonstrated
that TP are more satisfied with education of certificated farriers (mean rank score 30.75) than AP (mean rank
score 17.78). This is also the case in satisfaction with the law and regulation in hoof treatment (mean rank
score TP 32.54, AP 21.51), quality standards of farriers (mean rank score TP 27.32, AP 22.58) and the
satisfaction with the animal protection legislation (mean rank score TP 29.08, AP 23.53). With the education
of alternatives (mean rank score AP 25.60, TP 11.95) and their quality standards (mean rank score AP 25.50,
TP 13.50) the AP are more satisfied. For the satisfaction with the certificated education (Mann-Whitney, p =
0.001), alternative education (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.002), the satisfaction with the legislation in farriery
(Mann-Whitney, p = 0.011) and the quality standards of alternative hoof treatment practitioners (Mann-
Whitney, p = 0.005) the differences between the groups were tested significant. The median is demonstrated
in table 7.
Table 7: median in satisfaction, survey
Satisfaction with... TP AP ALL
certificated education 3.5 2 3
alternative education 2.5 4 4
legislation in hoof treatment 3 2 3
quality standards of certificated practitioners 2.5 2 2
quality standards of alternative practitioners 2 3 3
legislation animal protection 3 2.5 3
40.4 % of all respondents prefer the combination of all occupations in hoof treatment. Divided into the
groups 85.7 % of the TP and 23.7 % would like to combine the educations. This is shown in figure 13. The
difference between the groups is significant (Fisher's, Chi-square = 16.421, df = 2 , p = 0.00, n = 49).
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
The education and skills of hoof treatment
practitioners ticked 88.5 % of all
respondents as being “relevant” in relation
to animal welfare. 94.1 % see the
knowledge and 80.8 % the attitude of a
hoof treatment practitioner as relevant.
There is no difference between the groups
(Mann-Whitney, p > 0.05, n = 52).
0%
A total number of 21.2 % are satisfied with
TP AP ALL
the quality standards of certificated farriers
in terms of animal welfare. TP are to 64.3
Figure 13: practitioners prefer combination of educations % satisfied, whereas just 5.3 % of AP are
satisfied with these. The difference
between the target groups is significant (Chi-square = 21.369, df = 2, p = 0.00, n = 44). With the quality
standards of alternative hoof treatment practitioners a total of 30.8 % are satisfied. In groups it can be
demonstrated that 28.6 % of the TP and 31.6 % of the AP answered that they are satisfied with the standards.
The Chi-square tested that there is no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.005, n = 41).
yes
no
42

The sum of importance scores for the regulation for alternative hoof treatment, demonstrated in figure 14,
detected the development of quality standards as most important (sum 235), followed by examination
regulations (sum 227). TP scored these two also the highest (sum 65). The development of quality standards
was scored the most important (sum 170) by AP. The second important item according to AP's sum of
importance scores is the development of examination regulations (sum 162). In all cases the TP scored the
highest median level of importance (median 5.00). There is no significant difference between the target
groups (Mann-Whitney, p > 0.05, n = 52).
250
200
150
100
50
education regulation
examination regulation
competence frame
quality standards
certification by state
0
TP AP ALL
Figure 14: sum importance scores practitioners
93.3 % think that a uniform regulation for alternative hoof treatment practitioners should be developed.
There is no difference between the groups (Chi-square, p > 0.05, n = 45). The following figure shows the
ticks per field of knowledge for an uniform standard for alternative hoof treatment.
legislation
human resource management
cattle, claw care
alternative medicine
biomechanics
client advice, co-operation experts
different methods
alternative farriery
maintenance working tools
AP
TP
basics horse
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Figure 15: knowledge practitioners (n = 49)
The number of tick in basic knowledge about horses, the investigation of hoof and leg care, the bare hoof
treatment and health, safety and protection is very high. Further more than the half would include
maintenance of working tools, client advising and co-operation with other experts, basics of different
methods, traditional and alternative medicine, animal protection and legislation. Significant differences could
be analysed between the groups in ticking alternative farriery (Fisher's, Chi-square = 6.773, df = 1, p =
0.024) and traditional farriery (Fisher's, Chi-square = 8.246, df = 1, p = 0.008).
43

Figure 16 shows the preferred authority for examinations of alternatives. A number of 33.3 % would prefer
the examination through a representative of the law. Split up into groups: 69.2 % of TP and 20.0 % of AP
ticked the governmental authority. A total of 45.8 % answered that they would prefer the examination
through the education institute. 7.7 % of TP and 60.0 % of AP ticked this option. A number of 12.5 %
preferred just the alignment of standards with the content of the educations (7.7 % TP, 14.3 % AP) and 6.3%
prefer another authority (15.4% TP, 2.9 % AP). A significant difference could be analysed between the target
groups in terms of the preferred authority for examination (Chi-square = 15.632, df = 4, p = 0.004, n = 48).
A total of 94.2 % think an
examination should be practical
and theoretical (n = 50). 80.8 %
would introduce a compulsory
exam (n = 45). There is no
significant difference between the
TP and AP (Chi-square, p > 0.05).
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
'No repetition' of the basic exam
government education alignment other authority
insitute with content
was ticked by 46.2 % of all
of education
respondents. 25.0 % would repeat
Figure 16: authority for examination of alternatives, survey
the assessment every three years
and 17.3 % every year. The Mann-
Whitney test detected that there is no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05, n = 48).
Most of the participants are in favour of a further education duty every one or two years (69.2 %). There is
no significant difference between the TP and the AP (Mann-Whitney, p > 0.05, n = 39).
TP
AP
ALL
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
TP
AP
0%
very negative negative neutral positive very positive
Figure 17: practitioners' view into future
A number of 35.7 % of the TP answered to have a negative or very negative view into the future. 57.1 %
ticked neutral and 7.1 % positive. On the other hand the AP have to 3.1 % a negative view. 46.9 % answered
neutral and 50 % positive. The future is seen more positive by the AP (mean score 27.56) than by the TP
(mean score 14.21). The median for TP is 3, means neutral, for AP 3.5, means positive. The differences, as
shown in figure 17, are significant between the groups (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.001, n = 46).
44

4.3 Combined Results
The following table summarizes the significant differences within the experts and practitioners groups.
Further the outcomes are classified in terms of their need and potential for improvement.
Table 8: significant differences within the target groups
TE and AE
TP and AP
Satisfaction with certificated education (p = 0.049) Satisfaction with certificated education (p = 0.001)
Satisfaction with alternative education (p = 0.00) Satisfaction with alternative education (p = 0.002)
Satisfaction with quality standards of farriers (p = 0.036) Satisfaction with legislation in hoof treatment (p = 0.011)
Satisfaction with quality standards of alternative
practitioners (p = 0.008)
Satisfaction with quality standards of alternative
practitioners (p = 0.005)
Prefer combination of educations (p = 0.00) Prefer combination of educations (p = 0.00)
Authority for examination of alternative practitioners
(p = 0.032)
Authority for examination of alternative practitioners
(p = 0.004)
View into future (p = 0.009) View into future (p = 0.001)
Knowledge about basics of different methods (p = 0.002) Knowledge about traditional farriery (p = 0.008)
Knowledge about alternative farriery (p = 0.024)
Quality standards of farriers satisfying in terms of welfare (p
= 0.00)
It is obvious that especially the satisfaction within the target groups differs significantly. Both
studies detected a significant difference within the groups in satisfaction with the certificated and
alternative education, the satisfaction with the quality standards of alternative practitioners, the
preference of combination of the educations, the preferred authority for the examination of
alternative practitioners and the view into the future. Further differences were detected within the
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
TE + TP AE + AP ALL
studies as demonstrated in the table above (table 8).
education regulation
examination regulation
competence frame
quality standards
certification by state
Figure 18: sum importance total sores
The sum of importance scores of TE + TP analysed that they find an examination regulation for
alternative hoof treatment practitioners the most important (sum 128), followed by the certification
by state (sum 123). All alternative scores summed up researched the development of quality
standards the most important item (sum 227), followed by examination regulations (sum 218). The
45

total sum of scores detected as most important items the development of quality standards (sum
348) and examination regulations (sum 346).
The assumptions for need and potential for improvement were assessed as demonstrated in the
following tables 9 to 11.
Table 9: need for improvement: strengths and problems
group
need for
improvement
total
need for
improvement
total
strengths TE medium medium problems high high
TP high high
AE medium high
AP medium medium
According to the number of mentioned strengths the need for improvement is judged medium The need for
improvement in total is high according to the number of mentioned problems as shown in table 9.
Table 10: need and potential for improvement I
group need for improvement potential for improvement
satisfaction with
certificated
education
satisfaction with
alternative education
satisfaction with
legislation in hoof
treatment
satisfaction with
quality standards of
certificated
practitioners
satisfaction with
quality standards of
alternative hoof
treatment
practitioners
satisfaction with
legislation in animal
welfare
TE medium medium medium medium
TP low medium
AE high medium
AP high medium
TE high medium medium medium
TP medium low
AE medium medium
AP low low
TE high high high high
TP medium medium
AE high high
AP high high
TE medium medium medium medium
TP medium medium
AE medium low
AP high medium
TE high medium medium medium
TP high medium
AE medium medium
AP medium medium
TE medium medium medium medium
TP medium medium
AE medium medium
AP medium medium
46

According to the median sores of satisfaction the need for improvement of all items is medium,
except the need for improvement of the legislation in hoof treatment as demonstrated in table 10,
this is high. Taking into account the involvement of the group the potential for improvement is
assumed to be medium for all, except again the legislation in hoof treatment. There the potential is
assumed to be high.
Table 11: need and potential for improvement II
group
need for
improvement
potential for
improvement
quality standards of farriers satisfying in terms of
animal welfare
quality standards of alternative practitioners
satisfying in terms of welfare
importance of development of education and
examination regulation, competence frame,
quality standards and certification by state for AP
TE medium medium medium medium
TP medium medium
AE medium low
AP high medium
TE high high medium medium
TP high medium
AE medium medium
AP high high
TE,TP high high medium high
AE, AP high high
For the quality standards of farriers in terms of animal welfare TE, TP ans AE see a medium need,
whereas AP see a high need for improvement. In total a medium need is seen. Therefore the
potential for improvement can be assumed to be medium in total.
Also the potential according the improvement of alternative practitioners' quality standards in
relation to animal welfare is assumed to be medium, although the need for improvement has been
assessed as high by TE, TP and AP. AE see a medium need.
According to the median scores of importance the need and potential for improvement can be
assumed to be high for all groups.
47

5. DISCUSSION
The results of this research are compared and discussed with the existing literature within the following
chapter. Further limitations and difficulties as well as the research method of the study are discussed.
5.1 Hoof Treatment and Education
The missing regulation in alternative hoof treatment is a common problem in many countries (EFFA, 2010).
In Germany the government tried to solve the problem with the development of a new farriery legislation.
The effort to develop a certain standard within the hoof treatment industry through the new farriery law and
its regulations can be described in the context of the change in adult further education as strategy of
continued existence keeping (“Bestandserhaltungsstrategie”) according to Kil and Schlutz (2006). This
means that the responsible people tried to develop the further education to set certain standards and develop
the client orientation within an existing frame. This did not work out due to the resistance of alternative
education institutes and hoof treatment practitioners.
The satisfaction of the participants in terms of the farriery legislation is low to medium, therefore the need
and potential can be assumed to be high. It is doubtful if a regulation which limits the variation in the hoof
treatment sector is a profit for the animal. Furthermore the new legislation in hoof treatment is mentioned as
a problem. The combination of all educations in hoof treatment seems to be difficult as already expected due
to the constitutional claim in 2006 (BVG, 2006). The differences between the target groups are significant in
answering this question. The traditional group prefers a combination, whereas the alternatives would like to
keep the variation in education. The variety in the sector and the specialisation of different practitioners is the
most often mentioned strength within both studies. Therefore other possibilities of regulation have to be
taken into account. Another option could be to introduce regulations only for alternative hoof treatment
practitioners. The high scores of importance in developing new regulations let assume a high potential for
improvement.
The development programme for further education of the BMBF (2008) includes the missions that further
education should become more pervious and better interlocked. This should be realised in the hoof treatment
sector. Further they want to lower the entrance limitations for further education. In contrast to this the
changes in the new farriery law raise the entrance limitations. This is also the reason for the difficulty in
finding new talents what lowers the level of expectations for the future in TE and TP.
The different educations in the alternative hoof treatment sector are not standardized. The differ recognizable
in length, organisation, examination and fee. This takes the risk of lacking basic knowledge as mentioned as
a problem by 48.1 % of the experts and 33.3 % of the practitioners. Further the unclear picture and insecurity
of horse owners can be derived from this. This is also an often mentioned problem. The most important item
according to the interviewees is the regulation of an examination. Whereas the survey detected the highest
importance in the development of quality standards. Using the strategy of continued existence according to
Kil and Schlutz (2006) the alternative education could be developed through one of the following items:
−
−
−
examination before begin of education
final exam at end of education
exam before being allowed to start up business.
This would prevent lacking basic knowledge and clear the picture for the horse owner. The examination
before the begin of an education would be comparable to the introductory and preparation course of the
certificated education (BRD, 2006a). A final exam for farriers has already been introduced in 1940 in
Germany. From then on everyone who shod horses had to take an examination (Reichsgesetzblatt, 1941;
48

Müller, 1988). Also in other countries a farrier has to take an final examination (EFFA, 2010). The education
and certification of non-medical practitioners for human and animals can be compared to the situation of the
alternative hoof treatment practitioners. Within this sector the education is also organised within private
institutes (Krüger, 1997). The human non-medical practitioners have to pass an examination at a
representative institute of the government to be allowed to practice their occupation (BRD, 2001). This
would be another option for alternative hoof treatment practitioners. These changes could be done on short
term.
Within the study 85.2% of the experts and 80.8% of the practitioners prefer a compulsory examination with a
practical and a theoretical part (94.2% interview, 92.6% survey). The practical part will be difficult to
examine within an assessment before the education. As seen in the farrier education system in Germany and
the other mentioned countries is certificated by state. The final examinations are also split into a practical and
theoretical assessment (EFFA, 2010). Within both, the expert and the practitioner group, the opinion about
the authority for the examination for AP, differs significantly. Most of the TE and TP prefer a governmental
authority, whereas most of the AE and AP prefer an examination through the education institute only.
Compared to the existing certificated educations (EFFA, 2010) or the examination of a non-medical
practitioner (BRD, 2001) it seems to be more related to common practice that an independent jury assesses
the exam. It is arguable if the education institute can examine the trainee independently. Although the
participation of a representative of the education institute as jury member, next to other experts, is also
common in other occupation assessments.
On long term base also other options should be taken into account using the progressive strategy according to
Kil and Schlutz (2006). This means an active change, offering new services, co-operation and networking.
As the education for farriers in Austria (RÖ, 2009) it can be organised as vocational training. This systems
offers the possibility for a good foundation knowledge. Further more options like the ‘step by step’ model in
skilled trades or the education in co-operation systems in Germany (HWK, 2011). The first model would
offer the possibility to introduce a basic education for all hoof treatment practitioners and later on split
traditional from alternative candidates. This could regulate the problems of disagreement between the groups
and missing basic education as mentioned in the study.
Figure 19: ‘step by step’ model for education
The second model could be introduced as a complete hoof treatment education. There no distinction is made
between the different occupations. The co-operation of farrier and alternative businesses in education of
professionals could be developed. Due to the differences between the groups the potential of this system
seems to be difficult.
49

5.2 Hoof Treatment and Animal Welfare
The animal welfare during or through hoof treatment is regulated through the animal protection law in
Germany (BRD, 2006c). This act says that no one may cause an animal pain, suffering or harm without good
reason (BRD, 2006c). The satisfaction with animal protection legislation is medium in both research fields.
Hardly all of the interviewees and respondents answered that they find the education, knowledge, skills and
attitude of a hoof treatment practitioner relevant in terms of animal welfare. Also Kummer et al. (2007)
found that the hoof treatment practitioner influences the health of hooves.
Due to missing regulations and lacking quality standards the risk of horses suffering increases. Only 53.8%
of the experts and 21.2% of the practitioners think that the quality standards of certificated farriers are
sufficient in relation to animal welfare. The differences within the practitioner group is significant. The need
can be assessed to be medium, as well as the potential for improvement. With the alternative quality
standards only 34.8 % of the experts and 30.8 % of the practitioners are satisfied in terms of welfare. The
need has been judged as high, whereas the potential is assumed to be medium. The answers of the
practitioners within this section (31,6% satisfied) do not correlate with median of 4 (satisfied) within the
satisfaction score in terms of quality standards of alternative hoof treatment practitioners.
To be able to assess the animal welfare a variety of methods have been developed (Bokma-Bakker et al.,
2003). In terms of hoof treatment environmental and animal-based measurements can be tested. As an
animal-based measurement the freedom from pain, injury and disease of the Five Freedoms (Korte et al.,
2007; Whay et al., 2003) or the principle of the Welfare Quality Project of the EU ‘Are the animals healthy?’
can be used (Bokma-Bakker et al., 2003). The animal needs index (ANI) is also one of the methods to assess
animal welfare and has been developed in Austria (Bartussek, 2001). This index also includes the quality of
human care, which includes the hoof treatment through a practitioner. Also the German animal protection
law states that somebody must possess the knowledge and skills necessary for providing the animal with
adequate care (BRD, 2006c). Which knowledge and skills the necessary ones are for providing an adequate
hoof treatment is not explained in more detail. Within this study more than 80 % of the interviewees ticked
basic knowledge about horses, investigation of hoof and leg care, maintenance of working tools, health,
safety and protection, client advising and co-operation with other experts. Whereas the participants of the
survey ticked with more than 80% the following fields of knowledge: basics about horses, investigation of
hoof and leg care, bare hoof treatment, health, safety and protection, client advising and co-operation with
other experts and biomechanics. These can be seen as the most important ones, next to the others with also
partly high numbers of ticks.
The pathological findings in the horses' hooves are numerous. According to recent researches the number of
horses, which are useless for sports or are put down due to lameness, are high (Butler, 1984; Clausen et al.,
1990; Clayton, 1987; Gutekunst, 1977; Petzold et al., 1988; Rodewald, 1989; Rooney et al., 1986;
Seidensticker, 1999; Vollbach, 1954). This makes the necessity of a high quality hoof treatment clear. Also
Pollitt (1995) states that. Further the importance of co-operation with other experts has to be emphasized
within this context. This has been mentioned of 11.5 % of all experts as strength. In contrast to this 18.5 %
see a problem in missing communication and co-operation. Within the survey 10.0 % see the communication
and co-operation already as strength, whereas 45.8 % see their missing as problem. The lack of knowledge
and further education became already obvious in the quality of shoeing in the past (Dammann, 1898). This is
still a problem that is also relevant in relation to animal welfare (Fürst et al., 2005). Within the survey the
problem of missing further education was mentioned often (44.4 % of the experts, 18.8 % of the
practitioners). Both sides, traditionals and alternatives, mention the problem mainly in connection with
traditional practitioners. This corresponds with the literature of Strasser (2000a) and Cook (2008).
51

5.3 Hoof Treatment and Quality
The problem of quality control in the hoof treatment sector was also discovered by Fürst et al. (2005). They
advised a foundation of a public control authority for hoof treatment practitioners and farriery products in
Switzerland. The data of this study confirm the conclusion of Fürst et al. The need for improvement is high
in developing quality standards for alternative hoof treatment practitioners. Participants of the survey scored
this the most important development. Further the importance within the interviewee group is the highest in
developing examination within alternative hoof treatment. Noticeable are the high importance scores in all
optional developments within the whole study. A difference was discovered within the preferred authority for
examination. As Fürst et al. recommend it should be public and independent. This does not correlate with the
opinion of AE and AP. Most of them prefer an examination by the education institute. It is arguable if this is
an independent jury. Nevertheless the combination of instructors of the education institute and independent
experts like vets or farriers seems to be an option. It is common practice in other occupations.
The definition of quality standards according to Nadvi et al. (2004) is 'agreed criteria'. This can be
interpreted by any author differently. Baumann et al. (2007) already stated that for the definition of quality
the point of view is crucial. Within this study the development of quality standards in alternative hoof
treatment was researched as very important. As seen within the comparison of existing quality standards the
variety is huge. Therefore, it is vague what type of quality standards is the most important. As the
examination was scored the second most important development, it can be assumed that an assessment for all
alternative hoof treatment practitioners would meet the criteria for a quality standard. Different from the ones
described in the literature review, this research found out that most participants prefer a uniform regulation
for alternatives.
Like Zech (2008) already mentioned the absence of standards within a sector is a step to de-professionalize
it. Therefore a development of regulations and standards is very important. This can be shown also within the
data of the interviews and the data of the questionnaires. The missing regulations are the most often
mentioned problem within the hoof treatment industry. The differences between the groups, listed in table 8,
also show that is not easy to develop these uniform standards for the whole hoof treatment sector.
Zech (2008) defines the potential of the important item of networking as dependent on five elements. The
‘consistence’, means amount of common interests and aims, can be found also in the hoof treatment industry.
The base of keeping horses healthy and usable can be seen as common interests. Nevertheless there are also
differences in methods and aims.
The ‘status of involvement’, means the communication between the participants, can be seen as a bigger
problem. The missing communication is mentioned often as a problem in this sector. Also the ‘culture’,
means the common norms and values, can be seen as a problem due to missing regulations. This can be
confirmed through the study. The ‘equivalence’ is defined as a on mid-term balanced situation of give and
take. Due to the given problems between the different groups this is also lacking. The try to introduce the
latest developments within the farriery law can be seen as a try to organise the sector in a hierarchical
manner. This is also negative for the networking potential according to Zech (2008).
The problem of horse owners not being informed enough to be able to understand differences between
educations and decide which professional to use, was one of the reasons to undertake the research. This
problem is also obvious for experts and practitioners within the hoof treatment sector. According to Oelkers
et al. (2008) standards regulate the practice and the horizon of expectations. Due to missing standards in
alternative hoof treatment this problem for horse owners can be explained. The need for the development of
regulations is high. These developments would support the clients, like horse owners and riders.
Nevertheless it is unclear if uniform regulations for all hoof treatment occupations can be developed. The
opinion about this differs significantly. At least a quality standards for alternative hoof treatment practitioners
could help to get over some of the mentioned problems and strengthen the reputation.
52

The development in quality management especially in the instructive sector is more to the output than to the
input. This means that the focus should be on the formulation of aims and outcome quality (Oelkers et al.,
2008). This corresponds with the scores of importance in development of examination and education
regulations of all groups. They find examination regulations, as output quality, more important than
education regulations, as input quality.
The improvement of quality in alternative hoof treatment seems to be reachable according to the results. AE
and AP answered critically in terms of their own standards. A high number is not satisfied with the quality
standards of alternative hoof treatment practitioners in relation to animal welfare for example. Nevertheless
the view into the future is positive. In contrast to this TE and TP are more satisfied with their own standards,
but have a more negative looking ahead. Therefore the potential for improvement of quality is assumed to be
higher in alternatives than in traditionals. As according to Graf (2003) quality management should consist
among other aspects of evaluation and continuous self-critical reflection of structures and processes.
Another mentioned problem is the too economic view of practitioners or education institutes. This is also
mentioned by Zech (2008). He sees the problem of thinking and deciding in a too economical manner in
further education institutes.
53

5.4 Difficulties and Limitations
The method of the research project has to be discussed in terms of the limitations and difficulties. Due to the
limited time and financial resources several limitations resulted.
The fact that no chamber or guild neither for farriers, nor alternatives exists made the sampling difficult. Not
even all practitioners are registered somewhere. This caused that the samples of the target groups are very
small. It is doubtful if the sample actually represents the whole population. Therefore generalization of the
results is limited. Nevertheless the sample meets the data of female-quota within the traditional and
alternative sector (Bezirksregierung Münster, 2004; DHG, 2005). As it can be assumed that less female
operate on management level. The distribution of origin of participants of the survey is mainly in the south.
This could be expected due to the high number of alternatives. Within Germany there exists a north-southdifference.
The north is more traditional, whereas the south is more alternative (Heym, 2011).
The respondents rate within the expert group was high. Although the interviewer tried to prevent influences
on the interviewees, the total absence of this cannot be guaranteed. The participants in the survey did answer
the questions on their own to prevent bias. This takes the risk of misinterpretation of the questions. This was
also difficult with questions which were not subdivided into the different education institutes. They were
kept general due to the limited length of the questionnaire and to keep the motivation for answering on a high
level.
The low respondents rate within the survey limits the strength of the statements. The distribution of
questionnaires through e-mail was found out to produce a low response rate and therefore is not useful for an
inquiry within a small specialised group like hoof treatment practitioners. The approach to visit further
education events was more productive. The personal speech and explanation of the study at these events got
positive resonance. Due to limited events within the time frame and the failure of a farrier’s further education
the sample size is limited. The fact that the number of farriers participating in the survey is small, influences
the results not as much as it could be assumed. Because the conclusion and recommendations are mainly
focussed on the alternative sector due to the commissioner's focus of interest.
The communication with the participants was very difficult during the collection of data via e-mail and
planning of interviews. A lot of experts and practitioners were not or hardly reachable. Also through different
channels like the internet, e-mail, mail, telephone and mobile-mail-box. Therefore the amount of respondents
is also limited.
Another difficulty is the disagreement between the different parties. The knowledge about the other
practitioners and institutes is very vague. The opinions are strongly fixed. It seems that there is a high
existential anxiety. This could be found on both the alternative and the traditional side. This is the reason
why the potential for improvement is sometimes assumed to be lower than the need actually lets assume.
Nevertheless also open minded people could be found on both sides.
Due to time availability the research could not be focused on more detail. The detailed differences between
the education in content, level and the imparting of knowledge would be also interesting to know. Further the
differences between treatment methods and the comparison of case studies would be an exciting but also
very sensitive and tensed topic.
54

6. CONCLUSION
Within this chapter the research questions are answered. The outcomes of the research lead to the following
conclusions:
The situation in the hoof treatment sector according legislation, education and certification is not satisfying
at the moment. In most countries a farrier education certificated by state exists, nevertheless, it is not always
required to follow that one to be allowed to make a business in hoof treatment. In alternative hoof treatment
the situation is even more unregulated. Neither official occupation descriptions, nor any other standard or
direct regulation exists.
There is a variety of institutes offering education in hoof treatment in Germany. Next to the eleven
instructive farrier institutes also nine institutes offer at least one alternative hoof treatment education. Within
the last group there is one instructive farrier institute. The offered alternative educations vary in organisation,
length, amount of theoretical and practical courses and the fee which has to be paid by every participant. The
final exams are mostly taken by the institute or through an affiliated association. There is no consensus about
content, quality standards, level of knowledge or skills.
The quality standards which exist for hoof treatment practices are mainly on a voluntary base. Some bigger
organisations developed quality standards for farriers. For alternative hoof treatment practitioners in
Germany some private institutes or associations developed their own quality standards. All of them are
limited to small groups. They differ in content and application.
The need for improvement is high in the hoof treatment sector according to the number of mentioned
problems and the satisfaction with the legislation in hoof treatment. According to the importance scores the
need for the development of regulations for alternative hoof treatment practitioners is also high, especially
for quality standards. Further a medium need is researched for the improvement of the certificated and
alternative education and the farriers' standards. The potential is assumed to be high in the development of
standards and regulation in alternative hoof treatment. Whereas the potential for improvement of traditional
hoof treatment is medium.
The researched significant differences are mainly the same in both studies. There are significant differences
between traditional and alternative participants in terms of satisfaction with the actual situation, the
preference of combination of educations, the preferred authority for the examination of alternatives and the
view into the future. Further the choice of fields of knowledge within an regulation for alternative hoof
treatment practitioners differs in some points. TP and AP additionally differ significantly in the opinion about
satisfaction with quality standards of farriers in terms of welfare.
These differences make it difficult to develop a uniform system for the whole hoof treatment industry to
guarantee a certain level of knowledge and quality. Especially because this is one of the critical points of
researched significant differences.
Nevertheless, it can be concluded that there are different options to develop standards for alternative hoof
treatment practitioners. An alliance of all alternative associations seems to be unavoidable. On short term the
most suitable solution seems to be the development of an examination through an independent jury to
guarantee a certain level of knowledge and quality. An obligatory examination split up into a practical and a
theoretical part is needed. A system like it is already practised in the non-medical sector, would be an option.
On long term higher goals can be achieved as the potential demonstrates. Due to the differences in education
and opinion about combining all educations, this combination should not be focussed. A concept of an
examination regulation and a certification by state for alternatives could be developed. Additionally the proof
of regular further education should become compulsory.
55

7. RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommendations presented in this chapter are based on the literature review and the data of the field
research. Within this section the practical advices for the association are given. They are drawn from the
results, the discussion and the conclusion.
It can be seen that a lot of differences and problems within the German hoof treatment sector exist. The aim
should be to offer a high quality service and therefore support the horses' welfare with the hoof treatment.
To be able to be a stable alternative next to certificated farriers the different parties of the alternative hoof
treatment sector have to co-operate and build up a well working network. It is advisable to found an alliance
of all alternative practitioners' associations to be able to communicate effectively. Although there are
difficulties a consensus about quality standards and a level of basic knowledge has to be found. All
responsible experts should sit together in a round table on a regular base.
Due to the fact that there are no concrete plans for developing standards for alternatives on governmental
side, the chance should be used to develop those and provide a plan of action to the responsible official duty.
These standards should at least contain a proposal for a compulsory examination which should be executed
through an independent jury. This should be done on short term. It is advisable to orientate the guidelines by
the certification of human non-medical practitioners.
On long term regulations for the education and certification by state should be developed. The alternative
hoof treatment practitioners and experts showed a critical view onto the actual situation in hoof treatment.
They see the need for improvement, but still have a very positive view into the future. The potential should
be used for the benefit of the horses.
Another recommendation is to aim for a better communication and networking. This will enable the
exchange of information, skills and knowledge and therefore raise the quality. To develop a better
communication between practitioners of different education institutes, alternative and traditional ones, events
should be organised. Therefore a high level offer of courses and seminars has to be developed in cooperation
with all hoof treatment experts as well as experts of related fields of knowledge. These events can
be practical clinics or theoretical courses. There the different parties can demonstrate their methods of
treating hooves and advising clients. A discussion about these can open up the participants' minds and
knowledge can be spread. These events can also be organised as further education. Further more equine
experts from related fields of knowledge can present their expertise and skills there. The social aspect should
not be underestimated. A 'come together' after a seminar would also support the network, communication and
co-operation between the experts and practitioners.
New scientific knowledge and knowledge about new techniques and equipment should be spread. This can
be done also through further education for professionals.
Next to this also horse owners have to be focussed. They should
have the possibility to increase their knowledge. Through this the
quality of hoof treatment can be risen. The more critical and
informed the people are the higher the demand for quality in hoof
treatment. Therefore also seminars for this target group should be
organised. Another possibility to inform people is the distribution
of newsletters. Nowadays most of the people are used to the
internet. Through this channel information can be distributed in a
short time for low costs. These newsletters should be send on a
regular base, for example each month. They can additionally
contain experience reports of clients or example pictures.
Figure 20: gearwheel drive for quality development
56

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Zech R (2008), Systemveränderung-Umbau Der Erwachsenenbildung, ArtSet Forschung, Bildung, Beratung GmbH, Hannover
ZAV (2008), Mobil In Europa- Bildungswege In Deutschland, W. Bertelsmann Verlag, Bielefeld
ZAV (2010), Mobil In Europa- Niederlande, W.Bertelsmann Verlag, Bielefeld
60

9. ANNEX
9.1 Education in Germany
9.1.1 Different education systems
In Germany a variety of education systems exist. Next to university training, which is regualted through the
“Hochschulbildungsgesetz (HschBG)” the “Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBIG)” divides between education for occupational
preparation, vocational training, occupational further education and occupational retraining. This means a lot of
possibilities for people to continue their education after finishing school.
9.1.1.1 University training
In Germany around 400 universities and colleges exist. They offer more than 4000 study programs (destatis, 2011). The
number is growing. These educations focus on scientific work. There exist entrance regulations for universities. This
means that you have to finish school with the “Allgemeine Hochschulreife” after 12 or 13 years to be able to follow
these programs. Another possibility is the visit of a college. There do exist lower entrance regulations. You just have to
finish school with the “Fachhochschulreife” after 11 to 12 years. Further a vocational training leads to the entrance
agreement for a college (ZAV, 2008). In the course of “lifelong learning” there are also other possibilities to follow
scientific further education as “side beginner” (BMBF, 2008). The courses are divided into two semesters per year. With
the following graduations the different study programs can be completed: “Diplom” is the degree for study programs
like architecture. The study is split up into the two parts, the basic and the main study. It takes around eight semesters.
The “Bachelor” degree can be obtained after a six semester study. Following a four semester “Master” study can be
done. Some study programs still exist which can be completed with the “Staatsexamen”. This is a leaking model (ZAV,
2008). Further degrees like “Doktor” or “Professor” can be obtained through special studies and thesis`.
At some of the universities and colleges the students have to pay tuition fees of around 200 to 500 Euro per semester
(ZAV, 2008).
9.1.1.3 Vocational training in businesses
Next to the universities also businesses are offering education. For a vocational training at least 10 years of school visit
have to be certificated. Around 350 certificated educations exist. These are more focussed on practical experience (ZAV,
2008). Mostly it is organized double-tracked: A business offers practical knowledge and a vocational school the
theoretical one. For some occupations, like kinder garden educators, also full-time school trainings are offered. Usually
vocational trainings in businesses are paid. Most pupils of the school trainings have to pay fees each year. The duration
of such an education takes around two to three and a half years depending on the previous educational level (ZAV,
2008). The vocational part is organized through the federal republic. They develop educational regulations. This
determines the content and aims of the vocational training. The legal frame gives the vocational training act (BIBB,
2003; ZAV, 2008).The school part is organized by the provinces and coordinated with the federal parties (BIBB, 2003).
Especially in skilled trades models like 'step by step' educations with integrated intermediate examination between two
degrees or the education in co-operation systems is common nowadays (HWK, 2011).
9.1.1.4 Occupational further education and retraining
In addition to a completed education course or study it is possible to follow further educations for adults. There exist
courses to maintain the occupational capacity to act or to gain more knowledge and being promoted (BRD, 2005). One
example is the “Meister” in trade occupations, what is a certificated further education. The farrier is also comparable
with this, because it is a further education for adults in addition to a completed vocational training (BRD, 2006a).
Next to the certificated educations also private institutes offer courses. For some of them no pre-requirements have to be
met. Due to the changing work world, new requirements and missing educational regulations these courses are mostly
accepted in the special branch of industry (BfA, 2009). The education programmes can be completed with internal
examinations, but are not certificated by state (BfA, 2009). The participants usually have to pay for these further
educations. The amount of fees varies (BfA, 2009). This is the way a lot of hoof treatment practitioners gain their
knowledge about hoof treatment.
61

9.2 'Hufbeschlagverordnung' in more detail
to 1.)
The vocational training has to be completed successfully. The type of profession is not specified (§4 HufBeschlG). This
means that the farrier education is a further education for adults. A certificated farrier is also allowed than to employ a
trainee without a further exam according to the “Ausbildereignungs-Verordnung AEVO”(BRD, 2003).
To 2.)
The introductory course should convey the basic knowledge for the practical work. The course takes at least four weeks
and is split up into a theoretical and a practical part. The content of the theoretical part is the biology, evolution,
behaviour and requirements of hoof and claw animals. Further their kinds of use, the handling and job-related
knowledge about the health of those. Another topic is the legislation in the areas of animal protection, health protection
and work security. Within the practical part the participants learn the handling of horses, the use of tools and materials.
Further exercises at hoof preparations and farrier demonstrations have to be performed (§6 HufBeschlV).
To 3.)
Through the two years of full-time work at a certificated farrier's business the trainee should gain the knowledge, skills
and ability to be able to work independently. This means he has to be able to handle horses according to the
requirements of animal health and protection. Further he has to judge the situation of the animals hooves, in rest and
movement, before and after treatment. He has to be able to recognize and judge anomalies of hooves, limbs and
movements. The use of tools and materials is another issue of the practical part of this stage of education, as well as the
treatment of bare and shod hooves. Shoeing and the needed preparation of the material is another ability which should
be conveyed through this period. The trainee learns to work together with a veterinarian, to advice and inform clients
and to document and cash up work (§8 HufBeschlV).
To 4.)
The preparation course should deepen the knowledge, skills and abilities of the introductory course and the practical
phase. It takes at least four months and is split up into a practical and theoretical part. The practical part takes around
420 hours and includes all steps of a hoof treatment from judging horses and inform the owner until the completed hoof
trimming and shoeing. This should be learned for healthy horses, foals or irregular or ill hooves. Next to this the
participant has to forge iron shoes and treat bovine claw´s. The theoretical part takes at least 220 hours and contains the
convey of knowledge about evolution, behaviour, requirements of horses. Further the anatomy, physiology and
pathology as well as the treatment and care of shod and bare hooves are part of this course. Also knowledge about the
first aid, advising clients, management issues, legislation and financial calculations has to be conveyed (§8
HufBeschlV).
To 5.)
The final examination is also split up into a practical and a theoretical part (§) HufBeschlV).
The practical exam contains the following testing range: The examinee has to shoe a horse warm, shoe two hooves of a
horse with alternative materials, treat two bare hooves of a horse and produce an iron shoe. Each horse has to be judged
before and after treatment, the treatment has to be planned and documented, the owner has to be advised and informed
and the animal and work safety has to be taken into account (§10 HufBeschlV).
The theoretical part of the examination contains two parts. A case study has to be done and an oral defence of 30
minutes takes place. The second part is the written test to demonstrate the knowledge about the evolution, behaviour,
care, anatomy, physiology and pathology of the horse. Further the basics of shoeing irregular and unhealthy hooves and
the treatment for special use are tested. The examinee has to answer questions about the care of shod and un-shod
hooves, working tools and material, animal health and protection as well as the liability of farriers, the financial
management and client advising (§11 HufBeschlV).
9.3 Institutes for hoof treatment education in Germany
The institutes in Germany which offer an education in hoof treatment can be roughly divided in to traditional instructive
farrier institutes and alternative education institutes. They are spread over whole Germany. An overview of the
tradtitional educations can be found in the tables below.
62

Institute
Educa
tion
Organisa
tion
Duration
Theoretical
courses
(days)
Practical
courses
(days)
Placement,
practical
work
Final
exam
Costs
Specials
LS Bayern F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 1.000,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.200,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Berlin F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes no Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 1.050,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Giessen F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 1.000,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.200,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
3 years no yes Get loan Special vocational training for farriery, no
prep. course necessary
LS
Futterkamp
F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 1.000,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education, Just preparation
course
LS Hannover F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 1.000,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.500,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Münster F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 985,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 4.250,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS
Dortmund
F Full time 1month 10 10 2 years yes 1.195,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.200,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Neuwied F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 900,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.250,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Nerdlen BHP Week courses 10-20 months no yes 4.750,00 € Report
HT Week courses 8-16 months no yes 1.900,00 € Pre-condition: BHP
F Full/part time 1 months 10 10 2 years yes 950,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.750,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Beltheim F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 1.000,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.800,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Leipzig F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 1.000,00 € Pre-condition:
Completed education
4 months 28 58 yes 3.100,00 € Pre-condition:
Prep. Course, placement
LS Vilsek F Full time 1 month 10 10 2 years yes 950,00 € Pre-condition: Completed education, Just
preparation course
63

9.3.1 Alternative education institutes
9.3.1.1 BESW Akademie in Schonstett
The BESW Akademie has been founded in 2001 and managed by Dr Alexander Wurthmann. They offer a consecutive
education system for three different professions: bare hoof practitioner, hoof technician and farrier. All of them end
with a final exam. Every participant has to become a member of the association “Allianz für Hufbearbeitung e.V.” for at
least three years.
The bare hoof practitioner education takes place in Osnabrück or Ulm. It is split up into six blocks à four or five days
practical and theoretical lessons. All in all it takes around six months. There are no preconditions for entering the exam
also without taking part in the education blocks. The fee for the whole course charges € 4450 (BESW, 2011).
The education for the hoof technicians takes also place in Osnabrück or Ulm. They do additionally learn to shoe with
alternative material. The education is split up into six blocks of four days over a time scale of six months. It charges €
4790. Also no preconditions are needed for taking part in the exam (BESW, 2011).
The education for farriers take place in Deurne, the Netherlands. It is organised in six week blocks lasting five days.
They take place within half a year. It is necessary to proof the pass of the bare hoof and bare hoof plus exams.
Additionally a placement and the keeping up of a report booklet is part of the education. The fee is € 3990 (BESW,
2011).
9.3.1.2 Ebeta in Baisweil
The Ebeta has been founded in 2001 and is managed by Boris Eberhard. They offer three types of educations which
build up on each other: the bare hoof practitioner, who works on bare hoofs, the bare hoof practitioner plus, who works
also with flexible hoof protection, and the hoof technician, who in addition works with stiff protection materials
excluding iron. Every participant has to become a member of the association GdHK, which is also responsible for the
final exams.
The bare hoof practitioner education takes around one year and is split up into weekend courses, practical and
theoretical. A placement of fifty days is needed to be allowed to take the final exam. It charges € 4.030,00 (Ebeta, 2011).
The further education as bare hoof practitioner plus takes another six months with three practical weekend courses and a
placement of 25 days. The fee is € 1.600,00. The pre-requirement is a completed bare hoof practitioner education
(Ebeta, 2011).
The education as hoof technician can be followed when the bare hoof plus education has been completed. It takes
another six months for the practical courses and a 50-day placement. It charges € 2080,00 (Ebeta, 2011).
9.3.1.3 Deutsches Institut für Huforthopädie (DifHO) in Morbach
The DifHO has been founded by Jochen Biernat. They offer an education in hoof orthopaedics. This education is split
up into seventeen weekend courses within two years. The first year is the study of the basics and ends with an
intermediate exam. The second year is the practical one, ending with a final exam. Next to practical courses at the
institute also a placement is obligatory including the maintenance of a report booklet. Every certificated hoof
orthopaedist of the DifHO has to follow further education for four days every year. The education charges about €
6.000,00 (DifHO, 2011).
9.3.1.4 Lehranstalt für Huforthopädie (LfH) der Deutschen huforthopädischen Gesellschaft (DHG) in
Mahlis
The LfH has been founded as the instructive institute of the DHG. The DHG is taking the exams. For the education it is
necessary to be a member of the DHG. The DHG has been the examination association of the DifHO until they split up.
It is managed by Dr Konstanze Rasch. They offer an education in hoof orthopaedics of two years. It is organised in
weekend courses of two days. Within the first year twenty days of basic courses have to be visited and finished with a
intermediate exam. The second year includes also twenty days studying. The main study ends with the final exam.
Additionally a placement of thirty days and case studies of five horses are required. The whole education charges €
4.300,00 (DHG, 2011).
64

9.3.1.5 Das Barhuf-Institut in Stechendorf
The “Barhufinstitut” founded by Detlev Urban in Stechendorf offers an education in natural hoof care. He has been a
lecturer at the VdHP of Dr Strasser before he founded his own business and changed to another method of hoof
treatment The bare hoof practitioners have to follow a ten-month-education split up into weekend courses of three days.
In addition a placement of nine days is needed to be allowed to take the final exam. The education fee is € 3.700,00
(Barhufinstitut, 2011).
9.3.1.6 Europäisches Institut für Pferdephysiologie (EIPP) in Losheim
The “Europäisches Institut für Pferdephysiologie” is managed by Christoph Gehrmann and located in Losheim. It is the
only certificated institute in Germany offering an education for bare hoof practitioners according to Dr Strasser. The
course is split up into 10 weekends of two days over a period of two years. Additionally a placement of 20 days and the
participation in the VdHP, the association founded by Strasser, are required to take part in the final exam. The fees is €
9.490,00 (EIPP, 2011, VdHP, 2011).
9.3.1.7 Freie Hufschule in Flachslanden
The “Freie Hufschule” in Flachslanden is managed by Wolfgang Busch. They offer an education in bare hoof care
organised in sixteen weekend seminars over one and a half year. A placement of hundred-twenty days is obligatory. It
has to be done at hoof treatment and veterinarian businesses. The total fee is € 3.200,00 (Freie Hufschule, 2011).
9.3.1.8 Europäische-Hufbeschlags-Akademie (EHA) in Enningerloh
The “EHA” offers educations as bare hoof practitioner, hoof technician and farrier with a Netherlands certificate. These
courses build up on each other. The management and organisation is done by Alfons Wiskow.
The education for bare hoof practitioners takes eighteen days split up into weekend seminars over a period of six
months. The evidence of fifty treated horses is necessary for the exam. The education charges € 2.950,00 (EHA, 2011).
Another twenty-one days split up on weekend courses are needed to complete the education as hoof technician. The
evidence of fifty shod horses and a completed bare hoof practitioner education are required to take the final exam. The
fee is € 3.350,00 (EHA, 2011).
For becoming a farrier the trainee has to visit six week courses in the Netherlands. This charges € 4.350,00 (EHA,
2011).
9.3.1.9 Lehrschmiede Nerdlen
The “Lehrschmiede Nerdlen” is managed by Burkhard Rau. It is the only instructive farrier institute offering a separate
education in bare hoof practices and hoof technique. The education for bare hoof practitioners is split up into twenty
week course and charges € 4.750,00 (LS Rau, 2011).
The hoof technician course is split up into sixteen week courses and the fee is € 1.900,00. As a pre-condition one needs
to have a completed bare hoof practitioner course (LS Rau, 2011).
An overview about the educations can be found in the following table:
65

Institute
Educa
tion
Organisa
tion
Duration
Theoretical
courses
(days)
Practical
courses
(days)
Placement, Final exam Costs Specials
practical work
BESW BHP Week blocks 6 months 16 12 50 days yes 4.450,00 € Courses not obligatory for
exam, report
HT Week blocks 6 months 3 21 yes yes 4.790,00 €
F NL Week blocks 6 months 30 yes yes 3.990,00 € Pre-contition: BHP and HT of
BESW
Ebeta BHP Weekend
courses
1 year 16 10 50 days yes,
GdHK
4.030,00 €
BHP +
Weekend
courses
6 months no 8 25 days yes,
GdHK
1.600,00 € Pre-contition: BHP
HT
Weekend
courses
6 months no 19 50 days yes,
GdHK
2.080,00 € Pre-condition: BHP+
DIfHO HO Weekend
courses
2 years 34 ~ 6.000,00 € Education report
LfH HO Weekend
courses
2 years
40
30 days yes, DHG 4.300,00 € Pre-conditions exam: Case
studies
Barhufinsti
tut
BHP
Weekend
courses
8 months 11 6 9 days yes 3.700,00 €
EIPP BHP Weekend
courses
2 years 20 20 days yes 9.490,00 €
Freie
Hufschule
BHP
Weekend
courses
16 months 32 120 days,
hoof
treatment and
vet
yes 3.200,00 € Case studies
EHA BHP Week
courses
6 months 18 yes yes 2.950,00 € Evidence about 50 hoof
treatments
HT
F NL
Week
courses
Week
courses
6 months 21 yes yes 3.400,00 € Pre-condition: BHP, Evidence
about 50 hoof shoeings
6 weeks 30 yes 4.350,00 € Pre-condition: HT
66

9.4 Measurement approaches to welfare
There are two general approaches of assessments: the environmental and the animal-based measurements (Bokma-
Bakker et al., 2009). Whay et al. (2003) judge the environmental-based measurements as easier, because they are more
objective and repeatable. This is more difficult with using direct observations to measure welfare. Bokma-Bakker et al.
(2009) see that the present researches mainly used external parameter, so are environmental-based. The relation between
the measurements and the animal welfare are not clear for them. Current researches often use direct observation,
assessing parameters like condition, health, performance and behaviour. The advantage of animal-based indicators is
that they are sensitive to variations in farm management and static system design variables. This means they are more
reliable in terms of assessing animal welfare (Blockhuis et al., 2000). According to Johnsen (2001) it is a unsatisfactory
guide for the real level of animal welfare, when assessing environmental conditions and criteria of stockman care, rather
than combining these with records of animal-based parameters.
There exist different assessment and measurement techniques for animal welfare based on the different approaches.
Bracke et al. (1999) developed a list of needs. They say that every need must be considered when assessing welfare.
The list contains the following needs: food and foraging, water, resting, thermoregulation, respiratory, health and
injuries, social contact, reproductive behaviour, maternal behaviour, play, exploration, safety, movement, elimination
and body care.
The animal needs index (ANI) has been developed in Austria. It is a scoring system for specified housing conditions.
The sum of the total points gives the level of animal welfare (Bartussek, 2001). The ANI reflects conditions of
environmental aspects:
1) the possibility of mobility
2) social contact
3) condition of flooring for lying, standing and walking
4) ambient climate
5) quality of human care.
If comparing the list of needs, the Five Freedoms and the ANI it can be seen that they correspond on most parts.
In Germany the “Tiergerechtheitsindex (TGI)” is used. It uses the same idea of summing up as the ANI, but differs in
detail (Bartussek, 2001).
In the UK the “Freedom Food Scheme” exists. It assess all welfare relevant resources which are available to the animal
on an environmental-based level (Keeling, 2005). The Bristol University evaluated this scheme, because the
environmental-based measurements were not sufficient (Webster, 2004, Weeks, 2004).
The semantic modelling is a computer-based decision support system which combines animal and environmental-based
measurements on the basis of scientific knowledge (Bracke et al., 1999).
Wemelsfelder (2007) describes the qualitative behaviour assessment which reflects the whole animal using subjective
descriptions like “calm” or “nervous”.
Another project is the Welfare Quality Project of the EU. Its aim is to develop a reliable assessment system for animal
welfare. It uses mainly animal-based measurements. Environmental-based parameters are used where no alternative is
available and for advising on animal welfare. It includes twelve topics of concern which are grouped into four welfare
principles (Bokma-Bakker et al., 2009):
1) Are the animals properly fed and supplied with water?
2) Are the animals properly housed?
3) Are the animals healthy?
4) Does the behaviour of the animals reflect optimised emotional states?
All these approaches are promising, but still there is a lot of work to do (Bokma-Bakker et al., 2009).
67

9.5 Interview
Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit nehmen!
Alter: Jahre Geschlecht: männlich/weiblich
1.) Aus welchem Bundesland kommen Sie?
2.) Wie ist Ihr Bezug zum Thema Hufbearbeitung?
O staatlich anerkannter Hufschmied
O Barhufbearbeiter
O Huftechniker
O Huforthopäde
O Dozent in der Hufbearbeitung
O Vertreter der Gesetzgebung zur Hufbearbeitung
O Vertreter der Gesetzgebung zum Tierschutz
O Tierarzt
O Mitglied in einer Tierschutzorganisation
O Mitglied einer Reitervereiningung
O Mitglied einer Hufbearbeitervereinigung
O ________________________________________________________________________
3.) Wo sehen Sie die Stärken der Hufbearbeitungsszene?
4.) Wo sehen Sie Probleme in der Hufbearbeitungsszene?
5.) Wie zufrieden sind Sie mit den folgenden Punkten?
Ausbildung zum
staatl. anerk.
Hufschmied
Ausbildung zum
alternativen
Hufbearbeiter
Gesetze und
Verordnungen im
Bereich
Hufbearbeitung
Qualitätsstandard
s der
Hufschmiede
Qualitätsstandard
s der alternativen
Hufbearbeiter
Tierschutz,
Tierschutzgesetz
in Bezug auf die
Hufbearbeitung
Sehr zufrieden Zufrieden Neutral Unzufrieden Sehr unzufrieden Keine Angabe
6.) Halten Sie eine Zusammenfassung aller Ausbildungen im Bereich Hufbearbeitung für sinnvoll?
7.) Wie relevant sind für Sie die folgenden Themen in Bezug auf den Tierschutz während/durch die Hufbearbeitung?
Ausbildung der
Bearbeiter
Wissen der Bearbeiter
Relevant neutral Nicht relevant Keine Angabe
68

Praktische Fertigkeiten
der Bearbeiter
Einstellung der Bearbeiter
8.) Denken Sie, dass die Qualitätsstandards der Hufschmiede in Bezug auf den Tierschutz ausreichend sind?
9.) Denken Sie, dass die Qualitätsstandards der alternativen Hufbearbeiter in Bezug auf den Tierschutz ausreichend sind?
10.) Für wie wichtig halten Sie die folgenden Punkte, welche für alternative Hufbearbeiter geregelt werden könnten?
(1= sehr wichtig, 2= wichtig, 3= neutral, 4= unwichtig, 5= sehr unwichtig, 6= keine Angabe)
- ___ Ausbildungsverordnung
- ___ Zertifizierung/Prüfungsverordnung
- ___ Kompetenzrahmen/Handlungsspielraum
- ___ Qualitätsstandards
- ___ Staatliche Anerkennung
11.) Denken Sie, dass einheitliche Regelungen für alternative Hufbearbeiter entwickelt werden sollten?
12.) Welche Fähigkeiten, Kenntnisse und Verhaltensweisen sollten Teil der Standards ein?
O Pferdekenntnisse
- Allgemeines Wissen, Pferdepflege, Funktionelle Anatomie, Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparates, Konfirmation der
Gliedmaße, Ernährung, Haltung
O Ermittlung der Pflegeanforderungen des Pferdefußes
- Pflege der Gliedmaßen, Pflege des Hufes, Kommunikation mit Tierarzt/Besitzer
O Unterhalt der Werkzeuge
- Material und Ausrüstung, Arbeitsmethoden zum Unterhalt der Werkzeuge
O Hufbearbeitung
- Zurichten des Hufes zum Barhuflaufen, Verwendung von temporärem Hufschutz
O Hufbeschlag mit alternativen Materialien
- Zurichten des Hufes zum Beschlag, Verarbeitung der Materialien, Kunststoff, Aluminium
O Hufbeschlag mit Eisen
- Anpassen von Hufeisen, Herstellen von Hufeisen, Zurichten des Hufes zum Beschlag, Hufbeschlag inkl. Vorbereitung des
Hufeisens
O Gesundheit, Sicherheit und Schutz
- Professionelle Ausübung des Berufs, Gesundheit, Sicherheitsanforderungen, Risikobeurteilung
O Kundengespräch/Kooperation mit anderen Experten
O Andere Qualitäten _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
O Alle der genannten Qualitäten
O Keine der genannten Qualitäten
13.) Wie sollten diese Qualitätsstandards überprüft werden?
O Prüfung der Bearbeiter durch Gesetzgeber/-vertreter
O Prüfung der Bearbeiter durch Ausbildungsinstitute
O Abstimmung der Lerninhalte der verschiedenen Ausbildungen mit Qualitätsstandards
O Keine der angegebenen Arten, sondern_________________________________________
14.) Wie sollten die Prüfungen gestaltet werden?
a) O Praktisch O Theoretisch O Praktisch und Theoretisch O Keine Prüfungen
b) O Verpflichtend O Freiwillig O Keine Prüfungen
15.) In welchen Abständen sollte eine Überprüfung stattfinden?
O Jährlich O Alle drei Jahre O Alle sechs Jahre O Alle zehn Jahre O Einmalig
16.) Wie sehen Sie die Zukunft der Hufbearbeitungsszene?
Bei Interesse an den Ergebnissen der Studie:
Name
E-Mail
Ich danke Ihnen sehr herzlich für Ihre Zeit und Unterstützung!
69

9.6 Survey
Fragebogen
Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit nehmen!
Alter: Jahre Geschlecht: männlich/weiblich
1.) Aus welchem Bundesland kommen Sie?
O Baden-Württemberg O Hamburg O Saarland
O Bayern O Hessen O Sachsen
O Berlin O Meckl.-Vorpommern O Sachsen-Anhalt
O Brandenburg O Niedersachsen O Schleswig-Holstein
O Bremen O NRW O Thüringen
O Rheinland-Pfalz
2.) Wie ist Ihr Bezug zum Thema Hufbearbeitung?
Ich bin
O staatlich anerkannter Hufschmied
O Barhufbearbeiter
O Huftechniker
O Huforthopäde
O Dozent in der Hufbearbeitung
O Vertreter der Gesetzgebung zur Hufbearbeitung
O Vertreter der Gesetzgebung zum Tierschutz
O Tierarzt
O Mitglied in einer Tierschutzorganisation
O Mitglied einer Reitervereiningung
O Mitglied einer Hufbearbeitervereinigung
O ________________________________________________________________________
3.) Wo sehen Sie die Stärken der gesamten Hufbearbeitungsszene?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
4.) Wo sehen Sie Probleme in der gesamten Hufbearbeitungsszene?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
5.) Wie zufrieden sind Sie mit den folgenden Punkten?
(Bitte kreuzen Sie eine Antwort pro Zeile an)
Ausbildung zum
staatl. anerk.
Hufschmied
Ausbildung zum
alternativen
Hufbearbeiter
Gesetze und
Verordnungen im
Bereich
Hufbearbeitung
Qualitätsstandard
s der
Hufschmiede
Qualitätsstandard
s der alternativen
Hufbearbeiter
Sehr zufrieden Zufrieden Neutral Unzufrieden Sehr unzufrieden Keine Angabe
70

Tierschutz,
Tierschutzgesetz
in Bezug auf die
Hufbearbeitung
6.) Halten Sie eine Zusammenfassung aller Ausbildungen im Bereich Hufbearbeitung für sinnvoll?
O Ja, weil _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
O Nein, weil _______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
7.) Wie relevant sind für Sie die folgenden Themen in Bezug auf den Tierschutz während/durch die Hufbearbeitung?
(Bitte kreuzen Sie pro Zeile eine Antwortmöglichkeit an.)
Ausbildung der
Bearbeiter
Wissen der Bearbeiter
Praktische Fertigkeiten
der Bearbeiter
Einstellung der Bearbeiter
Relevant neutral Nicht relevant Keine Angabe
8.) Denken Sie, dass die Qualitätsstandards der Hufschmiede in Bezug auf den Tierschutz ausreichend sind?
O Ja
O Nein, weil _______________________________________________________________
9.) Denken Sie, dass die Qualitätsstandards der alternativen Hufbearbeiter in Bezug auf den Tierschutz ausreichend sind?
O Ja
O Nein, weil _______________________________________________________________
10.) Für wie wichtig halten Sie die folgenden Punkte, welche für alternative Hufbearbeiter geregelt werden könnten?
(1= sehr wichtig, 2= wichtig, 3= neutral, 4= unwichtig, 5= sehr unwichtig, 6= keine Angabe)
- ___ Ausbildungsverordnung
- ___ Zertifizierung/Prüfungsverordnung
- ___ Kompetenzrahmen/Handlungsspielraum
- ___ Qualitätsstandards
- ___ Staatliche Anerkennung
11.) Denken Sie, dass einheitliche Regelungen für alternative Hufbearbeiter entwickelt werden sollten?
O Ja, weil__________________________________________________________________
O Nein, weil________________________________________________________________
12.) Welche Fähigkeiten, Kenntnisse und Verhaltensweisen sollten Teil der Standards sein, die für jeden alternativen Bearbeiter gelten
würden?
O Pferdekenntnisse
- Allgemeines Wissen, Pferdepflege, Funktionelle Anatomie, Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparates, Konfirmation der
Gliedmaße, Ernährung, Haltung
O Ermittlung der Pflegeanforderungen des Pferdefußes
- Pflege der Gliedmaßen, Pflege des Hufes, Kommunikation mit Besitzer
O Unterhalt der Werkzeuge
- Material und Ausrüstung, Arbeitsmethoden zum Unterhalt der Werkzeuge
O Hufbearbeitung
- Zurichten des Hufes zum Barhuflaufen, Verwendung von temporärem Hufschutz
O Hufbeschlag mit alternativen Materialien
- Zurichten des Hufes zum Beschlag, Verarbeitung der Materialien, Kunststoff,Aluminium
O Hufbeschlag mit Eisen
- Anpassen von Hufeisen, Herstellen von Hufeisen, Zurichten des Hufes zum Beschlag, Hufbeschlag inkl. Vorbereitung des
71

Hufeisens
O verschiedene Bearbeitungsmethoden
- Basiswissen der unterschiedlichen Ausbildungsrichtungen
O Gesundheit, Sicherheit und Schutz
- Professionelle Ausübung des Berufs, Gesundheit, Sicherheitsanforderungen, Risikobeurteilung, Versicherungen,
ergonomisches Arbeiten
O Kundengespräch, Kooperation mit anderen Experten
- Gesprächsführung, Beratung, Wissen über Einsatzbereiche verschiedener Experten
O Training
O Ganganalyse, Biomechanik
O Schulmedizin
O Alternative Medizin
- Physiotherapie, Osteotherapie, Tierheilkunde
O Tierschutz, Tierseuchenbekämpfung
O Spezielles Wissen Rind, Klauenpflege, -beschlag
O Kaufmännische Ausbildung
- Betriebsführung, Buchführung, Steuererklärung
O Personalführung
O Qualitätsmanagement
- Evaluation, Selbsteinschätzung, Fortbildung
O Gesetzeskunde
O Andere Qualitäten _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
O Alle der genannten Qualitäten
O Keine der genannten Qualitäten
13.) Wie sollten diese Qualitätsstandards überprüft werden?
(Bitte kreuzen Sie eine Antwortmöglichkeit an.)
O Prüfung der Bearbeiter durch Gesetzgeber/-vertreter
O Prüfung der Bearbeiter durch Ausbildungsinstitute
O Nur durch Abstimmung der Lerninhalte der verschiedenen Ausbildungen mit Standards
O FN, VFD oder ähnliche Vereinigung
O Keine der angegebenen Arten, sondern_________________________________________
14.) Wie sollten die Prüfungen gestaltet werden?
(Bitte kreuzen Sie pro Zeile eine Antwortmöglichkeit an)
a) O Praktisch O Theoretisch O Praktisch und Theoretisch O Keine Prüfungen
b) O Verpflichtend O Freiwillig O Keine Prüfungen
15.) In welchem Rahmen sollte eine Qualitätssicherung stattfinden?
(Bitte kreuzen Sie pro Zeile eine Antwortmöglichkeit an)
a) Überprüfung der Grundkenntnisse
O Jährlich O Alle drei Jahre O Alle sechs Jahre O Alle zehn Jahre O Einmalig
b) Fortbildungspflicht
O jährlich O alle zwei Jahre O keine
16.) Wie sehen Sie die Zukunft der Hufbearbeitungsszene?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Falls Sie über die Ergebnisse der Studie informiert werden möchten, füllen Sie bitte die folgenden Zeilen aus:
Name:
E-Mailadresse:
Ich danke Ihnen sehr herzlich für Ihre Zeit und Unterstützung!
72

9.7 Output interviews
Satisfaction*group
Statistik für Test b
satisfaction with
satisfaction with
the
satisfaction with
satisfaction with
the education of
satisfaction with
qualitystandards
the welfare
the certificated
alternative hoof
satisfaction with
the
of alternative
regualtions in
education of
treatment
the laws and
qualitystandards
hoof treatment
relation to hoof
farrier
practitioners
regualtions
of farrier
practitioner
treatment
Mann-Whitney-U 37,500 7,500 76,500 26,500 17,000 66,000
Wilcoxon-W 92,500 85,500 154,500 62,500 83,000 144,000
Z -1,972 -3,616 -,420 -2,092 -2,633 -,952
Asymptotische Signifikanz
,049 ,000 ,674 ,036 ,008 ,341
(2-seitig)
Exakte Signifikanz [2*(1-
,056 a ,000 a ,705 a ,042 a ,012 a ,374 a
seitig Sig.)]
a. Nicht für Bindungen korrigiert.
b. Gruppenvariable: group: traditional or alternative
Prefer combination of educations*group
Chi-Quadrat-Tests
Asymptotische
Signifikanz (2-
Exakte Signifikanz
Exakte Signifikanz
Wert
df
seitig)
(2-seitig)
(1-seitig)
Chi-Quadrat nach Pearson 13,230 a 1 ,000
Kontinuitätskorrektur b 10,547 1 ,001
Likelihood-Quotient 14,502 1 ,000
Exakter Test nach Fisher ,000 ,000
Zusammenhang linear-mit-linear 12,740 1 ,000
Anzahl der gültigen Fälle 27
a. 0 Zellen (,0%) haben eine erwartete Häufigkeit kleiner 5. Die minimale erwartete Häufigkeit ist 5,33.
b. Wird nur für eine 2x2-Tabelle berechnet
Knowledge about basics of different mehtods*group
Chi-Quadrat-Tests
Asymptotische
Exakte Signifikanz
Exakte Signifikanz
Wert
df
Signifikanz (2-seitig)
(2-seitig)
(1-seitig)
73

Chi-Quadrat nach Pearson 10,636 a 1 ,001
Kontinuitätskorrektur b 7,786 1 ,005
Likelihood-Quotient 12,932 1 ,000
Exakter Test nach Fisher ,002 ,002
Zusammenhang linear-mit-linear 10,227 1 ,001
Anzahl der gültigen Fälle 26
a. 2 Zellen (50,0%) haben eine erwartete Häufigkeit kleiner 5. Die minimale erwartete Häufigkeit ist 2,54.
b. Wird nur für eine 2x2-Tabelle berechnet
Authority for examination of alternative practitioners*group
Chi-Quadrat-Tests
Asymptotische
Wert
df
Signifikanz (2-seitig)
Chi-Quadrat nach Pearson 8,775 a 3 ,032
Likelihood-Quotient 10,783 3 ,013
Zusammenhang linear-mit-linear 1,183 1 ,277
Anzahl der gültigen Fälle 27
a. 6 Zellen (75,0%) haben eine erwartete Häufigkeit kleiner 5. Die minimale
erwartete Häufigkeit ist ,89.
View into future*group
Statistik für Test b
future of hoof
treatment industry
Mann-Whitney-U 38,500
Wilcoxon-W 158,500
Z -2,596
Asymptotische Signifikanz (2-
,009
seitig)
Exakte Signifikanz [2*(1-seitig
,010 a
Sig.)]
a. Nicht für Bindungen korrigiert.
b. Gruppenvariable: group: traditional or alternative
74

9.8 Output survey
Satisfaction*group
Statistik für Test b
satisfaction with
satisfaction with
the
satisfaction with
satisfaction with
the education of
satisfaction with
qualitystandards
the welfare
the certificated
alternative hoof
satisfaction with
the
of alternative
regualtions in
education of
treatment
the laws and
qualitystandards
hoof treatment
relation to hoof
farrier
practitioners
regualtions
of farrier
practitioner
treatment
Mann-Whitney-U 80,500 64,500 123,000 184,500 82,500 181,000
Wilcoxon-W 515,500 119,500 753,000 745,500 148,500 847,000
Z -3,302 -3,124 -2,549 -1,160 -2,801 -1,255
Asymptotische Signifikanz
,001 ,002 ,011 ,246 ,005 ,210
(2-seitig)
Exakte Signifikanz [2*(1-
,002 a ,006 a
seitig Sig.)]
a. Nicht für Bindungen korrigiert.
b. Gruppenvariable: group: traditional or alternative
Statistik für Test a
satisfaction with
satisfaction
satisfaction with
satisfaction
the
with the
the education of
satisfaction
with the
qualitystandards
satisfaction with the
certificated
alternative hoof
with the
qualitystand
of alternative
welfare regualtions in
education of
treatment
laws and
ards of
hoof treatment
relation to hoof
farrier
practitioners
regualtions
farrier
practitioner
treatment
Extremste
Absolut ,466 ,535 ,404 ,167 ,455 ,192
Differenzen
Positiv ,466 ,000 ,404 ,167 ,000 ,192
Negativ ,000 -,535 ,000 ,000 -,455 -,015
Kolmogorov-Smirnov-Z 1,430 1,488 1,245 ,523 1,306 ,594
Asymptotische Signifikanz (2-seitig) ,033 ,024 ,090 ,948 ,066 ,872
a. Gruppenvariable: group: traditional or alternative
75

Prefer combination of educations*group
Chi-Quadrat-Tests
Asymptotische
Signifikanz (2-
Exakte Signifikanz
Exakte Signifikanz
Wert
df
seitig)
(2-seitig)
(1-seitig)
Chi-Quadrat nach Pearson 14,700 a 1 ,000
Kontinuitätskorrektur b 12,352 1 ,000
Likelihood-Quotient 15,538 1 ,000
Exakter Test nach Fisher ,000 ,000
Zusammenhang linear-mit-linear 14,400 1 ,000
Anzahl der gültigen Fälle 49
a. 0 Zellen (,0%) haben eine erwartete Häufigkeit kleiner 5. Die minimale erwartete Häufigkeit ist 6,00.
b. Wird nur für eine 2x2-Tabelle berechnet
Knowledge alternative farriery*group
Chi-Quadrat-Tests
Asymptotische
Signifikanz (2-
Exakte Signifikanz
Exakte Signifikanz
Wert
df
seitig)
(2-seitig)
(1-seitig)
Chi-Quadrat nach Pearson 6,773 a 1 ,009
Kontinuitätskorrektur b 5,000 1 ,025
Likelihood-Quotient 6,311 1 ,012
Exakter Test nach Fisher ,024 ,015
Zusammenhang linear-mit-linear 6,635 1 ,010
Anzahl der gültigen Fälle 49
a. 1 Zellen (25,0%) haben eine erwartete Häufigkeit kleiner 5. Die minimale erwartete Häufigkeit ist 3,45.
b. Wird nur für eine 2x2-Tabelle berechnet
Knowledge traditional farriery*group
Chi-Quadrat-Tests
Asymptotische
Signifikanz (2-
Exakte Signifikanz
Exakte Signifikanz
Wert
df
seitig)
(2-seitig)
(1-seitig)
Chi-Quadrat nach Pearson 8,246 a 1 ,004
Kontinuitätskorrektur b 6,227 1 ,013
76

Likelihood-Quotient 7,596 1 ,006
Exakter Test nach Fisher ,008 ,008
Zusammenhang linear-mit-linear 8,078 1 ,004
Anzahl der gültigen Fälle 49
a. 1 Zellen (25,0%) haben eine erwartete Häufigkeit kleiner 5. Die minimale erwartete Häufigkeit ist 3,18.
b. Wird nur für eine 2x2-Tabelle berechnet
Authority for examination of alternative practitioners*group
Chi-Quadrat-Tests
Asymptotische
Wert
df
Signifikanz (2-seitig)
Chi-Quadrat nach Pearson 15,632 a 4 ,004
Likelihood-Quotient 16,780 4 ,002
Zusammenhang linear-mit-linear 1,604 1 ,205
Anzahl der gültigen Fälle 48
a. 7 Zellen (70,0%) haben eine erwartete Häufigkeit kleiner 5. Die minimale
erwartete Häufigkeit ist ,27.
Future*group
Statistik für Test a
future of hoof
treatment industry
Mann-Whitney-U 94,000
Wilcoxon-W 199,000
Z -3,420
Asymptotische Signifikanz (2-
,001
seitig)
a. Gruppenvariable: group: traditional or alternative
77