April 2005
BOGHS Corporation Announces New England Affiliation to Help
Horses
PLYMOUTH, NH - BOGHS Corporation,
a non-profit entity based in California dedicated to researching
the cause of all forms of equine lameness, announced today
the opening of an equine center for the rehabilitation of
horses suffering from the condition known as founder. An
association between BOGHS, Sue Wood of Plymouth and farrier
Butch Thompson of Chocorua, the clinic will be located at
Wakewood Farm in Plymouth and named Equine Methods of New
England. (EMNE)
BOGHS Corporation was formed
in July 2004 by Robert M. Bowker, VMD, PhD and TommyLee
Osha. Dr. Bowker is a research scientist and educator with
multiple contributions to the dynamic and functional architecture
of the equine internal foot and hoof wall. Osha is an entrepreneur
and developer of new processes and products related to the
equine industries. A collaboration between Bowker, Osha,
Drs. Giddeon, and Harry, and Lameness farrier Keith Seeley,
BOGHS is an acronym of the founders last names.
Founder is a condition in
which the connective tissue in the hoof disintegrates; weight
and gravity cause the bone to sink or rotate to the bottom
of the hoof. The horse is so compromised that he cannot
function and spends most of his time lying down. Often these
horses are euthanized.
"We are very excited
that the BOGHS group has chosen to locate here in New Hampshire."
stated Wood. "It's a great opportunity for horse owners
and equine professionals alike. BOGHS has conducted some
very exciting research and we will be able to help animals
throughout the New England region."
"One of the elements
Dr. Bowker requires for successful founder rehabilitation
is the addition of natural pea stone as a footing for the
animal." continued Wood. "EMNE has recently been
set up to use natural pea stone here and offer it to clients
who wish to bring some home for their animals."
"New Hampshire offers
a very interesting environment for lameness rehabilitation."
commented Dr. Bowker. "The geography provides the opportunity
to enhance muscle development. The varied footing, grassy
knolls, dirt roads, tarmac, rocky terrain will help in correcting
hoof pathology. And we enjoy all the seasons, but most especially
mud season."
Additionally the group announced
that Bridge Gap Farrier School, dedicated to teaching equine
hoof professionals, will open in early 2006. Students will
learn practices and techniques based on BOGHS research.
These will include all forms of equine lameness including
navicular, laminitis and founder, and the study of how environmental,
metabolic and mechanical elements affect horses.
A comprehensive three-day
Horse Owner Clinic will be presented by BOGHS Corporation
at Wakewood Farm in Plymouth on June 10-12. A partial list
of the topics are: Good and Bad Footed Horses; New Concepts
in Hoof Growth; Trimming and Whole Horse Balance; How to
Read Radiographs; Hoof Adaptive Capability; Wild Horse Feet;
Basic Equine Therapy; Common Sense Approaches for Keeping
Your Horse Healthy. The cost for the clinic is $325.00.
More information may be obtained
at Wakewood Farm (603) 536-4614 or via email at wakewoodfarm@netzero.net
