After just six weeks of intensive planning and organizing, the new Equine Soundness Professionals group is ready to begin voluntary testing for qualified member veterinarians and farriers.
Launched on December 10, 2018, “ESP” has received membership applications from more than 600 prospective members, of whom approximately 200 have been screened and accepted as meeting membership criteria, according to founder David Gilliam.
Members may now request access to an “open book” examination designed for farriers and veterinarians interested in verifying their knowledge.
The second level of the test, according to Gilliam, will be an in-depth case-based examination with actual examination, workup and treatment of a horse in a clinic setting. Future examinations on individual areas of expertise will also be offered.The same tests and procedures will be offered to both farriers and veterinarians. It is offered both online and offline, in the form of a three-ring binder.
Candidates unfamiliar with the open-book test process should research what to expect before attempting the test and follow the ESP open-book testing procedure protocol.
Gilliam cited his appreciation to ESP’s Advisory Board for their roles in developing and evaluating the tests: Veterinarians Courtney Lewis, Melissa Mitchell, and Sammy Pittman, and farriers Pat Reilly and Shane Westman. He also thanked veterinarian Raul Bras and farriers Jim LaClaire, Tracy Cooley, and John Rispoli for their assistance.
Specific questions about the credentialing process are addressed at this link: https://www.equinesoundnessprofessionals.org/credentialing
Equine Soundness Professionals is moving forward with an inaugural educational event in March 2019 at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Wellington, Florida. Final dates and details will be announced soon; registration reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A second educational event is planned for May in California.
Visit the Equine Soundness Professionals website to learn more about the organization, membership, and events.
Read more about the launch of ESP in December 2018.
Top image courtesy of Dr. Catrin Rutland, University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, UK.
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