At each year’s International Hoof-Care Summit, attendees are asked to fill out surveys to help American Farriers Journal staff learn more about farrier wants and needs. This survey data also helps us learn essential information on how farriers operate their business. In this article, check out the facts and figures behind how Summit attendees ranked in several specific categories involved in equine footcare and health.

Thanks goes to the IHCS Educational Partners — Life Data Labs, SmartPak,Vettec, Castle Plastics, Equine Digital Support System and Equine Lameness Prevention Organization, who help us compile this survey data.

Footcare Practice in 2018 vs. 2019

In the IHCS surveys, attendees were asked to reflect on their business — not only on profit, but also the farriery practices and resources they find most helpful when trimming and shoeing.

Hoof Balance and Evaluating Discomfort

When it comes to understanding what is going on inside the hoof and how to support it, there are many different tools and aids a farrier can use.

Nutritional Concerns for Owners

In the IHCS surveys, attendees were also asked to share their thoughts and opinions on what seemed to be the major nutritional challenges that owners face when feeding their horses.

Providing Product Recommendations

Farriers make hundreds of visits to barns each year. As a result, they are continually asked for recommendations on a wide variety of equine, farm and other products — including…