Farrier Service History

The Farriery was included among the first buildings erected when the Veterinary School was founded. Penn Vet's Farrier Service: BeginningsEarly farriers Garrett Edwards (1885-1891), Zachariah Scholl (1891-1893), and Franz Enge (1893-1930) were respected worldwide and established the University of Pennsylvania’s farrier program as among the world’s best.

More recently, farriers Jack Anderson and Bob Charles continued this tradition of excellence, providing clinical service to horses with complex problems, while simultaneously participating in the education of veterinary students.

As Chief of Farrier Services from 1983-2006, Rob Sigafoos became known for his innovative approach utilizing glue-on horseshoes and synthetic polymers for hoof reconstruction. His work resulted in three patents and the establishment of the Applied Polymer Research Laboratory for the development of new materials and techniques for rehabilitation of the distal limb.

Today, Chief of Farrier Services Pat Reilly continues to explore New Bolton Farrier Glue On Shoenew materials and techniques for the advancement of hoof care, with studies underway to include the development of a protocol for in-shoe force measurement as a means of quantifying the effect of different shoes on the hoof.

Farrier Focus

Penn Vet Podological Museum

“The horseshoes and specimens of the University of Pennsylvania’s unusual Podological Museum provide an interesting view of horses and their care in the 19th century,” says Reilly. Despite numerous advances, some of the basic methods of hoof care have changed little over the centuries; this presentation also will examine how the past might influence the future concepts of hoof care.

Pat Reilly talks about the Museum online...