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Shoeing Show Jumpers in Wellington

John Favicchia shares keys for success when shoeing show jumpers during the Winter Equestrian Festival.

John Favicchia inherited a love of horses from his father, also named John. So passionate about horses, the elder Favicchia moved out of the city and bought a rundown farm in North Salem, N.Y., refurbishing it over several years. After being laid off from his job as a draftsman, Favicchia attended a 2-week farrier course and changed his career.

“My father was artistic enough to adapt quickly to shoeing horses,” he says. “From there, he also began buying and selling horses, and offering riding lessons, really making his dream come true.”

Through his father’s work with horses, John Favicchia rode every horse that came through the property. John’s father compelled his son to be a farrier as he matured. Unlike the shared love of horses, he didn’t initially embrace his father’s interest in farriery.

Farrier Takeaways

  • With white line disease cases, ensure a veterinarian is involved and explain the consequences of the available options to the client.
  • Brushing contact cement onto the sole keeps a powder application dispersed across the sole vs. migrating to the toe.
  • Considerations for shoeing must always include the horse’s job and its environment.

“In my early teenage years, I hated horseshoeing,” says Favicchia. “My father would wait in the driveway as I got off the bus after school and we’d shoe horses in the afternoon and evening. I couldn’t handle the tools, so I only passed his hand tools to him. In summer, it is hot, and I’m trying to keep flies off him and…

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Jeremy mcgovern

Jeremy McGovern

Jeremy McGovern is the former Executive Editor/Publisher. A native of Indiana, he also is president of American Horse Publications.

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