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
Taking small bites with your nippers will help you avoid stress-related injuries to your hands, wrists and elbows.
Tips for Pain-Free Arms
Hall of Fame farriers share how they keep their wrists and elbows healthy
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% do not have pain.
Each doctor who examined Bloom recommended cortisone injections, which didn’t sit well with the Drummond, Wis…
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
5 Lessons & Insights from Farriers Who Shoe for a Living
When Should the Equine Hoof & Pastern Angle Line Up?
Iron Sharpens Iron in the Scenic City
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
- Winter Hoof Care
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
Videos
Hoof Care on Parade
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Events
Missouri Association of Professional Farriers Annual Contest
Date: 01/24/25
Location: Mt. Vernon, MO
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.