For several years, we’ve been adding a boxed list of important points to many of the feature articles that appear in American Farriers Journal. We call these points,
“Farrier Takeaways.”

In this article, you’ll find
some of the best tips that were featured in 2014, as well as the names of the professionals who shared these ideas.

Use these top 50 tips as a reminder for yourself, information you can share with fellow footcare professionals and as a useful learning tool for apprentices who work with you

Trimming and Shoeing

1. Although clients may appreciate professionalism and courtesy, the more important result of any work you perform is a sound horse.

— Christian Roy,
Cowansville, Quebec

2. Leaving a proper amount of heel is critical in a wet climate since the horn has a tendency to fold under.

— Darren Owen,
Suffolk, Va.

3. It’s important to understand how raising and lowering heels change the biomechanics of tendons, ligaments and bones of the foot and leg before applying wedge pads.

— Red Renchin, Mequon, Wis., and Wellington, Fla.

4. The problems you may have introduced through a poor trim may take multiple cycles to remedy.

— Mitch Taylor,
Kentucky Horseshoeing School, Richmond, Ky.

5. Taking careful measurements and keeping track of them will make you aware of changes that may occur in a horse’s feet over time.

— Matt Frederick,
Napa Valley, Calif.

6. There are things you can’t control, yet have tremendous influence on the decisions you make with…