This year marks the 50th anniversary (and 32nd year at Lessiter Media) of American Farriers Journal covering the farrier trade. We’re asking hoof-care professionals for a few words to include in a “From the Audience” section of our coverage – in the December edition.

International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Steve Kraus, CJF, head of farrier services and senior lecturer at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine shares his thoughts on the three questions we are asking hoof-care professionals.


Q. When you look back at the last 50 years of new technologies, what were the biggest defining moments that forever changed farriery and equine health as we know it today?

A. We read about Burney Chapman and his use of the heart-bar shoe for the treatment of chronic laminitis by reading the American Farriers Journal (AFJ). I got my first opportunity to see it and meet Burney in 1983 at the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) Convention in Houston, Texas. The use of the heart-bar shoe reintroduced by Burney has been the foundation of modern treatments for laminitis.

Q. For the newer generation, what are the biggest ways that farriery and equine health is totally different from that of 50 years ago?

A. Horseshoes, tools and supplies that are easily available now that were very limited 50 years ago. Interestingly, if you go back over 125 years ago, these items were plentiful for the types of horses that were in service for work and military use at that time.

Q. What are some specific ways that American Farriers Journal magazine impacted your business and staff?

A. The AFJ has been the main way that all this information can be disseminated to the farrier world.


Professionals from around the world share their insights into the important milestones, innovations and the role American Farriers Journal has played over the last half-century.

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