AAEP Annual Convention
Date: 12/09/19
Location: Denver, CO
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Ramsey, Minn., farrier Mark Thorkildson grew up around horses. During his youth, the work by the farriers who shod his family's horses didn’t spark Thorkildson's interest in footcare. It wasn't necessarily that their work was bad, but these shoers were in-and-out backyard practitioners. Nothing stood out about their work with horses that would catch the eye of a novice.
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Farrier Resources
Attend the International Hoof-Care Summit
Attend the 17th annual International Hoof-Care Summit, offering unparalleled hoof-care education through highly informative and engaging General Sessions, practical Hoof-Care Classrooms, collaborative Hoof-Care Roundtables, instructional “How-To” Clinics and 10 uninterrupted hours to discover 2020’s newest footcare products at the Summit Trade Show.
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American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Equine Reciprocating Systems: Connecting Tendon to Bone
Using clips as needed, not as trends dictate, will enable farriers to improve a horse’s hoof-health and performance
Shoeing Mackinac Island’s Horses With Limited Resources
Farrier Tips
- Eliminate Mold by Flash Soaking Hay
- The Farrier Business Success Academy is Now Live – View the Presentations for Free Through Sunday, November 17
- An Emergency Savings Account is Critical for Your Small Business
- The Ideal Hoof Stand Position for Farrier and Horse Comfort
- Teach New Farriers How to Nip ... With a Marker
Farrier Videos
Mapping the Equine Hoof
Lubbock, Texas, farrier Blane Chapman demonstrates Professor William Russell’s hoof mapping technique, which he utilizes on each of the horses that he shoes.
Using a Router to Cut Horseshoe Pads and Plates
In this video, Steve Stanley shows how he modifies a woodworking router to use as a pad cutter on his anvil.
Farriers Week 2019 Tributes
Farriers Week is a time to annually recognize the hoof-care professionals who make a difference in the equine industry. American Farriers Journal solicited tributes from members of the equine community. This video honors many of the farriers featured in this year's tributes, with words of wisdom taken from International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member Dave Farley's closing speech at the 2015 International Hoof-Care Summit
How to Make Golden Ratio Calipers for Farriery
This slide shoe shows the process Cornell University farrier Steve Kraus uses to make calipers for applying the golden ratio to his work evaluation. You can read more about this at AmericanFarriers.com/goldenratio.
Hoof Nutrition Intelligence
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How important is making sure my insulin-resistant mare gets the right minerals in her diet?
The best place to start supporting your insulin resistant (IR) horse is by feeding a low sugar and starch diet along with a balanced intake of key minerals. Minerals have direct and indirect involvement in virtually every action in the body, and have important effects on IR and its consequences. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by Banixx. -
How can I help my 7-year-old insulin-susceptible mare lose some weight?
While exercise can sometimes be difficult due to an extreme lack of fitness or laminitis, diet is more important and makes more of a difference. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by Banixx. -
How long does it take to build strong hooves?
A horse with poor-quality hooves can be a concern for its owner. In areas with a hot, dry climate, horses may have hoof horn that is dull, brittle and easily chipped or split. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by Banixx. -
Why is keratin so important to hoof health?
With the knowledge of what keratin is and how it contributes to hoof function as a structural component of the hoof capsule in providing both strength and flexibility, it becomes quite evident as to why it is important for hoof health. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by Banixx.
From the Desk of AFJ
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WCB Polishing Up World Championship Crown for 2020
It’s been 5 years since a world champion farrier was last crowned in Calgary, Alberta. The good news is there will be a new one in 2020. -
No Matter the Path a Young Farrier Takes, the Learning Curve is Steep
There are many paths to take to becoming a farrier. There is no right or wrong path to take. As a young person getting started, they say a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step. I’m going to tell you about my first step and journey from school to a year into my apprenticeship. -
Without a Will, Who’ll Get Your Shoeing Rig?
When Aretha Franklin, Howard Hughes and Prince died without having bothered to create a legal will, they left their huge estates in a disastrous legal mess. While a farrier’s assets and property aren’t likely to be anywhere close to the value of what these three well-known individuals left behind, you want the legal protection that can be yours by taking a few hours to pull together a needed legal document. -
Let’s Wait Until Spring
The words felt like wads of cotton in my mouth — thick, difficult to swallow. I could barely spit them out: “Neal, should I put her down?” “Neal” is my farrier, Neal Martin; “her” is Annie, my defiant, independent little rescue pony. Neal’s answer: “Let’s wait until spring.”
American Farriers Journal Podcast
A Conversation with Travis Burns
In this episode, brought to you by HorseLinc, Executive Editor Jeremy McGovern talks with Travis Burns about his work at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, his work with the American’Farrier’s Association and his path to becoming a farrier.
The American Farriers Journal podcast is brought to you by HorseLinc.
HorseLinc is a horse management app that helps you run an equine business from the palm of your hand. HorseLinc simplifies, streamline, and optimizes the lives of farriers, other equine service providers, barn managers, and horse owners. Visit them at https://www.horselinc.com/index, or call today at (888) 980-LINC.
Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs Inc
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell USA
Kawell began as a university project geared towards innovation, problem solving, and maintenance services for the veterinary industry. Over the last few years we have worked with specialized companies and professionals in order to develop the theoretical and technical basis needed to design and manufacture a therapeutic product for the care of horses and prevention of disease.
SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.
Vettec
Vettec has been manufacturing and distributing the highest level of horse hoof care products worldwide for over 15 years. Vettec’s extensive line of hoof-related materials allow your hoof-care professional to complete hoof repairs and glue on shoes with Adhere, urethane adhesive, as well as create instant horse shoes and foal extensions with Super Fast, equi-thane adhesive.
Online Hoof-Care Classrooms
Progressive Options for the Treatment and Management of Hoof Capsule Distortions
Sponsored by: SoundHorse
Farriers are often challenged in managing the various hoof capsule distortions that horses present. Stuart Muir, a resident farrier at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., reviews some successful strategies he has employed in addressing distortions. His presentation focuses on modern and unique tools that farriers can consider for the horses they work with.
Guide To Suppliers
This special digital compilation is a resource you can turn to time and again during the year as you evaluate your many choices in our vibrant hoof-care industry. Additional features will continue to be added throughout the year, so check back often to stay up-to-date!
Product Roundups
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Hoof Boots, Poultices, Liniments & Packing Product Roundup 2019
Check out the latest in hoof boots, poultices, liniments and packing from some of the industry's leading suppliers. -
Winter Shoeing, Pads & Traction Devices Product Roundup 2019
Check out the latest winter shoeing products, pads and traction devices from some of the industry’s leading suppliers. -
Shoeing Boxes, Power Tools & Rigs Product Roundup 2019
Check out the latest shoeing boxes, power tools and rigs from some of the industry's leading suppliers.
Top Store Items
2019 Farrier Business Practices Report
This annual report is your personal guide for monitoring the trends and economic changes affecting the farrier industry. You’ll gain insight into the equine industry and discover how your farrier business compares to others by getting a glimpse at yearly farrier income growth, what farriers are charging, how farriers are funding retirement, where they are obtaining footcare product information, and much more!
Special Report for Equine Veterinarians
It requires a team to care for the horse. This special 34-page report is your guide for building better working relationships with farriers for the health of the horse. In this report for equine veterinarians, gain insight about the farrier industry and helpful advice from equine veterinarians on how they start and maintain strong working relationships with farriers.
Hall Of Fame Farrier Tips - Volume 4
The latest edition of Hall of Fame Farrier Tips features a plethora of valuable advice from respected veteran members of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. Each was interviewed on various topics they thought every farrier should know; such as how to find hoof-care business success, steps for effectively shoeing horses, bridging the communication gap between veterinarians and farriers, and much more!
Red Flags For Farriers
This incredibly detailed 62-page report features detailed information on a variety of areas that hoof-care professionals have reported as impediments to the success of their business, challenges in their everyday hoof-care work and threats to the health of their horses’ feet. From posture problems to recognizing when to fire a client, this report will provide you with tips and advice to get your hands around minor issues early, before they escalate into major ones.