Horseshoes play a significant role in protecting the hooves of racehorses while providing stability, enhanced traction and minimizing weight. But how do they affect the suspensory apparatus?

International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Mitch Taylor of Kentucky Horseshoeing School shares his latest research on the effects of different race plate styles on hoof orientation and how they affect the tension of the ligamentous structures of the suspensory apparatus.

You’ll Learn: How race plate selection plays a role in both performance and injury prevention.

2026 International Hoof-Care Summit

A focused 4-day program covers dozens of field-tested footcare ideas from successful farriers, equine veterinarians and hoof researchers worldwide. Discover proven tips to improve your work, cut costs, boost efficiency and grow profits — all through the Summit’s unmatched learning opportunities.

View the Full Speaker Agenda & Topics

What makes this event unique is its dynamic mix of general sessions, classrooms, roundtables, and global networking with hoof-care professionals. Your 4-day registration also includes access to 3 exclusive sessions at the world’s largest hoof-care products trade show.

  • 7 General Sessions — packed with proven hoof-care strategies from experts like Hans Castelijns, Dave Farley, Blane Chapman, and more.
  • 32 Face-to-Face Roundtables — interactive peer discussions where attendees bring real-world questions and exchange practical insights.
  • 12 Classrooms — hands-on, presentation-style learning for today’s top hoof-care challenges.
  • Plus, 3 wet labs, over 9 hours of trade show time, and unlimited networking opportunities with farriers and veterinarians from across the globe.

Learn more, register, and book your hotel at IHCS2026.com.

Educational Partners

Gold Level – Glue-U Adhesives, Zoetis, EasyCare, Mustad, Platinum Performance, American Farriers Journal
Silver Level – SmartEquine
Bronze Level – Purcell Farrier Supply / MFC Tools, HoofMD, Equine Care, Anvil Brand, Breed Improvement Services, Inc.

Mitch Taylor is the director of the Kentucky Horseshoeing School in Richmond, Ky. He received the American Farrier's Association’s Educator of the Year Award for 2007, 2011, and 2022, as well as the Clinician of the Year Award for 2012. In addition, Taylor was named the 2015 Rising Star Instructor by the Kentucky Association of Career Colleges, chosen from among 200 instructors in every field of career education. In 2015, Mitch was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame.