Bachelor Thesis - Christina Kuenen - Hufpfleger

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.
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1 Within the whole report every male term can also be read as female.
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