American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Advertise Follow Us
Tips for Pain-Free Arms
Hall of Fame farriers share how they keep their wrists and elbows healthy
Pictured Above: Taking small bites with your nippers will help you avoid stress-related injuries to your hands, wrists and elbows.
Farrier Takeaways
- To ensure that a hammer properly fits your hand, there should be about ¼ inch between the tips of your fingers and your palm when lightly squeezing the handle.
- A nipper run is made easier by making ¼- to ½-inch cuts when trimming hoof wall. Larger bites require more force, which can lead to arm problems.
- A nipper run is made easier by making ¼- to ½-inch cuts when trimming hoof wall. Larger bites require more force, which can lead to arm problems.
- When swinging a hammer, keep your elbows close to your rib cage and the head should be as close as possible to the centerline of your body.
More than 30 years ago, Roy Bloom set his sights on making the American Farriers Team. He spent a great deal of time in the fire to improve his skills, efficiency and time, all while shoeing full time. Then he felt it.
“I was practicing hard and shoeing a lot,” recalls the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member. “When I tried to drag a hoof knife through a foot, I would get a sharp pain on the inside of my right elbow.”
Bloom certainly isn’t alone. According to a recent American Farriers Journal internet poll, 26% of shoers say they experience elbow pain. Another 20% have wrist pain, while 43% experience both elbow and wrist pain. Just 11%…
Premium content is for our Digital-only and Premium subscribers. A Print-only subscription doesn't qualify. Please purchase/upgrade a subscription with the Digital product to get access to all American Farriers Journal content and archives online.
Top Articles
Current Issue
How Understanding Equine Behavior Keeps You Safe
How Equine Handedness Influences Hooves & Conformation
Will the PAST Act Remain a “Sad Little Scrap of Paper?”
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.
Must Read Free Eguides
Download these helpful knowledge building tools
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
- Winter Hoof Care
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
Location:
View Event
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.