Equine Podiatry Association (UK) Endorses New ‘DIPLOMA IN EQUINE PODIATRY’ Qualification

EQUINE PODIATRY ASSOCIATION (UK) ENDORSES NEW ‘DIPLOMA IN EQUINE PODIATRY’ QUALIFICATION

The Equine Podiatry Association (UK) is thrilled to announce its approval of a brand new, level 5, fully accredited, national qualification – The Diploma in Equine Podiatry – which is being launched on the 14th of July. The qualification is awarded by Lantra Awards, and regulated by Ofqual, the government ‘watchdog’ for qualifications and exams in England. The course is the first of its kind, worldwide, in this industry. Equine Podiatry Training Ltd (EPT) has been accredited as an assessment provider.

The Equine Podiatry Association (UK) is the largest organisation of fully qualified Equine Podiatrists (EP’s for short) in the UK, and has been at the forefront of promoting and driving up standards in responsible barefoot hoof care, from well trained, qualified EP’s. In an industry which is subject to no ‘official’ regulation, and diverse training options, the EPA sees it as vital that all interested parties can make an informed choice when choosing a hoof care provider. The EPA(UK) acts as a self-regulatory body, setting and enforcing standards, with members all working to a Code of Conduct and the National Occupational Standards for Hoof Care in the UK – of which the EPA were instrumental in helping to develop.

EPT was formed in 2008 at the request of the EPA to develop a training course for potential EP’s which would meet the high standards required for entry into the association, after realising the profession needed some measurable and demonstrable standards. Their diploma qualification has been the sole route for entry into the EPA since that point. The new LANTRA Awards qualification has been closely based on that same assessment and qualification approach, and so represents and endorses some of the highest industry standards that have been set by EPA and EPT over many years.

Lantra Awards Product Developer, Emma Green said “As one of the UK’s leading awarding bodies, Lantra Awards prides itself on always working closely with industry to develop and deliver the training and qualifications industry needs for the real life work it does. We’ve been delighted to work closely with the team at Equine Podiatry Training Ltd, to develop this high-quality Level 5 Diploma that will both enhance the skills and knowledge of those studying and achieve recognition and respect from across the equine world.”

The EPA Chair, Catherine Bradley said “The new Lantra Awards level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry will now be our chosen route for entry into the EPA. It further assures us that new EP’s are trained and qualified to the highest accredited standards available. Barefoot Hoof Care is a fantastic option for many horses and owners – this should give further reassurance to all concerned when choosing a member of the EPA(UK)”

For more details of the Equine Podiatry Association (UK) navigate around our website. For more details of EPT’s training provision go to www.eptrain.co.uk, and more details on the new qualification can be found at www.lantra.co.uk

About the Author: Vikki Fear