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      Preface

      Fractures in the Horse was conceived in the hiatus between the first and second editions of Equine Fracture Repair in an attempt to fill the void and to provide a contemporaneous text. It was undertaken with the realization that it would represent a recorded time point in perceived knowledge. Authors were invited on a best available basis because of their collective experience, not simply to provide literature summaries. The discerning reader will recognize differing approaches and opinions: this is important. No chapter provides the definitive account on the subject; all continue to evolve. However, understanding the principles on which causation, diagnosis and management are made is critical. The book should also provide a source of references for those who wish to delve further into particular knowledge pools. It has been written in the hope that it will spawn subsequent editions which, in turn, will improve the care of horses with or at risk of fracture.

      I am extremely grateful to the authors who gave their time, shared their knowledge and to varying degrees ignored, tolerated or responded to my attempts to motivate, cajole or beg into action.

      The debts of gratitude to other who have led, taught, inspired and motivated me is long and while not exhaustive includes my parents, grandparents and extended family who worked tirelessly to provide an education and Trinity College, Cambridge, which opened my mind. Alasdair Steele‐Bodger, Donald Steven, Robert Walker and John Hickman gave early inspiration. Hugh Davies taught me much about people, horses and their complex inter‐relationships. John Houlton grafted in some surgical skills, Les Gray kept me grounded and Wayne McIlwraith introduced me to the wonderful world of arthroscopy. I have been blessed by working for great owners, trainers and referring veterinary surgeons; it would be invidious to name individuals, but I am particularly grateful to those who had faith in me in the early stages of my career. Colleagues at Newmarket Equine Hospital have supported, questioned and debated to good effect, while the imaging, anaesthesia and theatre teams have provided services that I have yet to see bettered. My cases have been cared for by dedicated stable staff and a stream of interns. Emma Yeates has juggled the book, PA duties and day‐to‐day running of the hospital for which there can never be sufficient thanks. Finally, nothing would have been possible without the love and support of Gaynor.