Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Gadvasu) has partnered with Brooke Hospital for Animals (India) to establish a Farriery Institute aimed at professionalizing hoof care for horses and mules. This new institute will provide certified, skill-based training in farriery—a traditionally informal trade—to improve hoof health and reduce lameness in working equines, particularly those owned by low-income individuals. Serving as a regional training hub, it will support veterinarians and farriers from Punjab and neighboring states.

The collaboration addresses long-standing issues of poor hoof care exacerbated by the decline of traditional farriery and increased paved roads, which have led to more injuries and infections in working animals. The institute will also educate owners on proper shoeing and animal care, enhancing equine welfare and livelihoods. Additionally, the partnership will foster research on horse health, contributing to sustainable farriery practices and improved welfare for working equines in the region.