Bachelor Thesis - Christina Kuenen - Hufpfleger

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
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