About Rafael Forteza

Rafael Forteza is a specialist in equine podiatry and therapeutic farriery, with international training and hands-on experience in some of the leading centres and programmes for the study, treatment and rehabilitation of the horse's hoof.

His professional career has developed mainly in the field of equine biomechanics, functional hoof analysis and the treatment of foot pathologies, combining traditional farriery knowledge with new techniques, materials and diagnostic tools.

His method starts with an individual assessment of each horse, considering hoof morphology, balance, biomechanics, the animal's activity and, when necessary, the information obtained from radiographic studies.

The goal is to develop solutions adapted to each horse's needs and to support the health, function and stability of the hoof.

International training in equine podiatry and therapeutic farriery

Rafael Forteza's training includes several programmes and placements in the United States, Switzerland and other specialised centres, with particular emphasis on equine podiatry, therapeutic farriery, biomechanics and hoof rehabilitation.

This international training has allowed him to work and learn alongside highly respected professionals within the world of farriery and equine podiatry.

Heartland Horseshoeing School – United States

Rafael Forteza began his specialised training at Heartland Horseshoeing School, where he trained with Chris Gregory and Cody Gregory.

This stage provided a solid foundation in:

• Hoof anatomy and physiology.
• Shoeing and shoe fitting.
• Forging and horseshoe making.

Training at this school became an essential base for later developing a more specialised approach to equine podiatry and therapeutic farriery.

Training with Steve Stanley – International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame

Rafael Forteza has also trained with Steve Stanley, a farrier renowned for his career and particularly specialised in Standardbred racehorses.

This training allowed him to go deeper into:

• Hoof balance.
• Biomechanics.
• Locomotor efficiency.
• Shoeing sport horses.
• Adapting shoeing to the needs of the competition horse.

Working with high-performance horses shows how important small changes in hoof balance and support can be for locomotion and sporting performance.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital – Lexington, Kentucky

A particularly important part of Rafael Forteza's training took place at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, one of the leading equine veterinary centres in the United States.

During his stay he attended observation cases with Scott Morrison, a specialist in therapeutic farriery, biomechanics and locomotor rehabilitation.

This experience deepened his understanding of the interaction between veterinary medicine, equine podiatry and therapeutic farriery, working on real clinical cases and learning to interpret the hoof within the horse's overall context.

Topics studied included:

• Biomechanical analysis of movement.
• Functional hoof evaluation.
• Therapeutic farriery.
• Locomotor rehabilitation.
• Radiograph interpretation.
• Podiatric treatment of complex pathologies.
• Coordinated work between vets and farriers.

Advanced training with Dr Ric Redden

Rafael Forteza has completed specialised training with Dr Ric Redden, one of the international references in the study and treatment of equine hoof pathologies.

Intensive equine podiatry courses

He has taken part in three intensive equine podiatry courses taught by Dr Ric Redden, focused on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of complex cases.

These courses covered in depth:

• Hoof biomechanics.
• Functional anatomy.
• Radiographic interpretation.
• Hoof pathologies.
• Laminitis.
• Hoof deformities.
• Chronic lameness.
• Therapeutic farriery.
• Rehabilitation strategies.

This training helped develop an approach based on the individual assessment of the horse and on adapting treatment as each case evolves.

International Equine Podiatry Center – IEPC

Rafael Forteza also completed a three-month individual internship at the International Equine Podiatry Center (IEPC) with Dr Ric Redden in Lexington, Kentucky.

During this period he gained advanced experience in treating complex hoof pathologies and in the practical application of different therapeutic farriery and equine podiatry techniques.

The training included:

• Mechanical shoeing.
• Radiograph interpretation.
• Venogram interpretation.
• Assessment of coffin bone position.
• Laminitis.
• Navicular syndrome.
• Collapsed heels.
• Club-footed horses.
• Chronic hoof disorders.
• Design and adaptation of therapeutic solutions.

This clinical experience gave particular insight into the relationship between the internal structures of the hoof, its external conformation and the biomechanical forces acting during movement.

American Farriers Team – Clinic AFT

Rafael Forteza has also taken part in Clinic AFT, a training programme linked to the American Farriers Team focused on developing advanced forging and shoeing skills.

The training focused on:

• Advanced forging techniques.
• Precision in horseshoe making.
• Fitting and modifying horseshoes.
• Working under technical demands.
• Improving precision and efficiency in shoeing.

Forging experience complements equine podiatry training, making it possible to understand not only how a shoe should work, but also how to modify and adapt it to the specific needs of each case.

WEPA certification – FARRIER MODULE 1-2

Rafael Forteza is also trained as a WEPA farrier, having completed WEPA Farrier Module 1-2 in Heldswil, Switzerland.

This training goes deeper into the functional anatomy of the horse, gait analysis and hoof assessment from a biomechanical perspective.

The contents covered include:

• Functional anatomy of the horse.
• Gait analysis.
• Radiograph interpretation.
• Conformation assessment.
• Detailed hoof examination.
• Measurement of angles and lengths.
• Assessment of coffin bone position.
• The WTS concept.
• Trimming techniques for shod and barefoot horses.
• Use and adaptation of WTS horseshoes.
• Fitting standard and specific horseshoes.
• Mechanical rasping.
• Nailing techniques.
• Monitoring and follow-up protocols.

This training broadens the technical knowledge needed to assess the hoof as a whole and to establish strategies aimed at maintaining or restoring its balance and function.

An approach based on biomechanics and innovation

Rafael Forteza's career combines international training, practical experience and continuous professional development in equine podiatry.

His work focuses on understanding the relationship between hoof morphology, its internal structures, biomechanics and the individual needs of each horse.

To this foundation he adds new materials, manufacturing technologies and innovation applied to the hoof, including custom 3D printed solutions for certain cases.

Technology is used as a tool to widen treatment possibilities, always starting from knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and the particular characteristics of the animal.

Equine podiatry for complex cases

The training and experience gathered make it possible to address different situations related to hoof health and function, including:

• Laminitis
• Navicular syndrome
• Hoof deformities.
• Imbalances and asymmetries.
• Collapsed heels.
• Cracks and fissures.
• Weak hooves.
• Chronic hoof disorders.
• Biomechanical problems.
• Podiatric rehabilitation.

Every horse requires an individual assessment. The aim is not to apply a predetermined solution, but to select the techniques, materials and support systems best suited to each case.

Training, experience and innovation at the service of the horse

Rafael Forteza's working philosophy is based on combining knowledge, experience, international training, technology and innovation to develop increasingly precise solutions within equine podiatry.

The ultimate goal is to improve hoof function, comfort, locomotion and the horse's wellbeing through a technical, individual and constantly evolving approach.