HORSE owners are being warned that their insurers may not accept claims for surgical farriery in future, unless the work is done by an Associate or Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.
Up until now most have accepted claims where the work has been recommended by a veterinary surgeon.
But now the Equine Insurance Forum(EIF) is recommending its member companies to check that policyholders have been using registered farriers. The question may be included in future on claim forms.
David Buckley, EIF chairman, accepted there will be exceptions.
"There are farriers with many years of experience who have chosen not to look for higher qualifications, but we will suggest that vets justify their use."
However, John Killingbeck, a member of the Worshipful company of Farriers examining board, said experienced farriers who worked alongside the vet should not be excluded.
"Farriers are most commonly asked to carry out corrective work, rather than truly surgical farriery, principally requiring a good eye for foot balance, toe length and shoe fitting."
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