American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Filling Your Shoeing Box For The First Time
Pictured Above: There are a number of tools that will make your job easier; however, not all of them are necessary to get the job done. Choose wisely to keep costs low.
Farrier Takeaways
- The tools that you need will be determined by the types of horses that you’ll be working on.
- Eliminate your mistakes first before buying high-quality tools. New farriers often wear them out quicker.
- Acquire tools that properly fit your hands to avoid repetitive injuries such as tendonitis.
What equipment do you really need to start earning a living as a farrier? Three highly successful farriers with insight into the tool industry offer their thoughts.
If you’ve learned fundamental hoof-care techniques, you’ve already made the most important acquisition, according to Dan Bradley.
“Knowledge and education are the first tools for a farrier,” says Bradley, a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame and a representative for GE Forge & Tool of Grover Beach, Calif.
As for hardware, Bradley says, “To go out and shoe a horse, you basically just need an anvil, a rounding hammer, a knife, a nipper or some kind of cutting tool, some nails and a driving hammer. That’s about it.”
But he also recommends a forge, fire tongs and flooring tools such as rasps and pull-offs.
“That’s what new farriers need,” he says. “They don’t need grinders and all the toys to start out with.”
Donald Jones, another member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame and the long-time owner of NC…
Top Articles
Current Issue
How Understanding Equine Behavior Keeps You Safe
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Current Issue
Special Report For Equine Veterinarians
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Videos
Farrier Education: Heartland Horseshoeing School
Farriery requires knowledge and skills to provide proper equine hoof care. In this series, sponsored by VICTORY, American Farriers Journal visits Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo. In this edition, Chris Gregory discussed his journey to becoming an educator, his focus in teaching farrier students and the state of farrier education.
Events
EMS (IR) and PPID: Diagnosis and Management (Part 1) Webinar
Date: 02/26/24
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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 develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
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.