Every case presents farriers with variables that influence the decision on trimming and shoeing a horse. The impact of these factors are weighed, some more influential than others. Ignoring any of these may result in the failure of an otherwise reasonable decision.

Clients and the role they are willing to play in their horse’s footcare may greatly influence the success of the farrier’s work, especially in the aftercare of therapeutic cases.

Woodbury, Conn., farrier Joe Santos discussed how he considers this factor, as well as others while demonstrating a crack repair at a recent American Association of Professional Farriers Hoof-Care Essentials Clinic at Northeast Farrier Supply in Winstead, Conn.

Low Maintenance Solution Needed

Santos, joined by Dr. Ryland Edwards of Fairfield Equine in Newtown, Conn., worked on a case of a horse with a substantial dorsal crack on its hind left foot. Neither farrier nor veterinarian have worked with the horse before today. About a year ago, the horse blew an abscess near the coronary band. Over months, the crack had grown down but was never…