Spot was a special horse, and still is. He lives on in the hearts and memories of everyone who worked on him and tried to help him fight laminitis.
Spot was a stout-hearted Appaloosa who belonged to Mr. and Mrs. John Castle, who live in Palm Beach. In spite of the best care that their personal veterinarians, Dr. James Orsini of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Rob Boswell of Palm Beach Equine Clinic, could provide, and all the expert veterinarians and farriers that they brought to Spot's side, Spot was finally laid to rest.
Spot's sad passing inspired the Castles to suggest to Dr. Orsini that an international meeting of the world's laminitis experts should be organized. They became magnanimous supporters and active participants in the first and second incarnations of the International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot.
With their support and encouragement, we are back again. You will no doubt hear Spot's name over the course of the conference. His name is also part of the Spot Courage Award, which will be presented at lunch time on Saturday.
Spot lives!
Be sure to introduce yourself to Mr. and Mrs. Castle and let them know how you are personally involved in helping horses with laminitis. They have played a huge role in making this meeting possible.
Information on this blog is posted for the use of attendees at the Third International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot. This blog is an informal information source and may contain unintentional errors or omissions. Please double-check all information. Information is not intended for use beyond the conference group. All contents copyright 2005 Hoofcare Publishing. For more information about the conference, please visit www.slackinc.com/laminitis or call 1-877-307-5225. To contact Fran Jurga or Hoofcare & Lameness Journal, creators of this blog, please visit www.hoofcare.com or call 978 281 3222. Thank you!
About Me
- Fran Jurga
- Hoofcare Publishing chronicles progress in the art and science of preventing, recognizing and treating lameness problems in horses. Methods covered range from barefoot trimming to hoof boots, horseshoeing, equine podiatry and veterinary medical and surgical treatment. The history and culture of the professions are also a feature. The Hoof Blog is written for and by the dedicated professionals from all fields who are at work in the rewarding pursuit of optimizing performance or facilitating rehabilitation. Hoofcare Publishing supports and champions a diverse worldwide community of professionals via a portfolio of educational and media projects and publications. Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog © 2004-2024 Hoofcare Publishing. No use of content or images without permission. Social media sharing is encouraged and appreciated.