We're excited to share the 4-Day Program for the Greatest Hoof-Care Learning Experience Offered in 2026.

Here's your first look at the just-released 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit agenda. The 2026 speaker program promises 70 hours of non-stop footcare learning...

32 Chances to Learn From Leading World-Wide Footcare Experts
56 Footcare Learning Opportunities
32 Hoof-Care Roundtable discussions
12 How-To Product Knowledge Clinics
3 VIP Equine Limb Dissection Wet Labs with Mitch Taylor & Paige Poss
Exclusive Book Signings with Dr. Simon Curtis
Access to the world's largest hoof-care products Trade Show!
An Exclusive Bonus Heel Pain Workshop with Renate Weller
12 Powerful Hoof-Care Classrooms
Register for Drawings including a chance to win a day with Mike Wildenstein
7 Exceptional general sessions that zero in on your most critical farrier challenges

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I’ve been involved in the development and planning of every Summit in its 23-year history, and 2026 is no different. I hope you'll join us this coming February in Convington, Ky., for the 2026 Summit that features a variety of sessions aimed at addressing the most critical challenges faced by hoof-care professionals today. Here's just a few of the speakers and their topics to be covered:

Laverne Mast will share how conformation, shoeing, and traction affect quarter cracks in road horses and shares strategies to prevent and repair them.
Katie LoPresti will explain how endocrine disorders like Cushing's and insulin resistance affect the equine hoof, helping farriers recognize signs and manage care effectively.
Terri Babineau will share quick brain-based tools to reduce stress and boost productivity and joy for farriers and vets running small business.
Maarten van Hal explores underrun heels, their development, impact on the hoof, and long-term effects, offering practical diagnosis and management strategies for farriers.
Cody Bogard shares a system for budgeting and scheduling to help farriers manage their businesses with less stress.
Gavin Moody and Simon Curtis present a study showing how exercise improves hoof angles in Thoroughbreds, aiding hoof health and preventing lameness.
Allan Voeller highlights how improving forging skills and craftsmanship boosts farriers' expertise and competitiveness, emphasizing research and practical application.

As someone deeply entrenched in the hoof-care industry for the past 3 decades and the founder of the IHCS, I know that our commitment to providing top-notch educational opportunities, networking avenues and access to cutting-edge technologies and techniques sets IHCS apart as the premier, unrivaled gathering for hoof-care professionals worldwide.

With a mix of educational sessions, hands-on labs and networking opportunities, the 2026 Summit is set to be another fantastic event this February in Covington, Ky.

Our team looks forward to seeing you there!

Frank Lessiter
Editorial Director
American Farriers Journal & International Hoof-Care Summit

2026 Program Just Released!

2026 International Hoof-Care Summit Program

70 Hours packed with 50+ Sessions,
Hoof-Care Roundtables & Expert Speakers

98.7% of Past Attendees Recommend the Summit!

The 2026 IHCS Program is now available for download! We are dedicated to creating an agenda for farriers like you to take home the best tips and advice from industry leaders. Take a look at all the great things we have planned for 2026!

PLUS, lock in your $80 savings when you register by September 30 with early bird pricing.

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"By far the Summit is the most educational equine footcare event to be found anywhere in the world."

- Simon Curtis, Newmarket, England

Session Highlights

Henry Heymering Legacy Lecture, Presented by Kahn Forge

Trimming: Are We Getting It Right?

The trim is the foundation of everything we do. Even the best shoe can't overcome a flawed base. Sometimes we're working with what someone else left behind; other times, the issues start with us. Sagamore Beach, Mass., farrier Nicholas Denson focuses on assessing and normalizing heel structure, understanding what we're looking at, and making trimming decisions that set the horse up for long-term soundness.

You’ll Learn: Essential trimming strategies that you can incorporate immediately into your daily practice.

Hoof-Care Classroom

Preventing & Fixing Quarter Cracks in Road Horses

Conformation, shoe selection and placement, as well as the application of traction devices and many other factors, can contribute to quarter cracks in road horses. Middlebury, Ind., farrier Laverne Mast discusses the strategies he uses to avoid quarter cracks and how to repair them when they occur.

You’ll Learn: Step-by-step insight into proven techniques for effectively repairing quarter cracks in road horses.

Special Book Signing with Simon Curtis

Visit the American Farriers Journal Trade Show booth at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4 and Thursday, Feb. 5 where British farrier Simon Curtis will hold 2 exclusive book-signings. All paid Summit attendees are also eligible to win a drawing for a 4-book set personally autographed by the International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer.

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Win a Day with Mike Wildenstein!

Register Today to be Entered in the Drawing

When you register for the Summit by Dec. 31, you are automatically entered into a drawing for the chance to have International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Mike Wildenstein spend a day working along-side you!

Wet Labs & Workshops

VIP Hands-On Dissection Wet Lab

The external appearance of the equine hoof offers farriers and veterinarians indications of what is transpiring with the internal structures. In this VIP Hands-On Dissection Wet Lab, Paige Poss of Tucson, Ariz., leads a lively and informative discussion in which attendees inspect cadaver limbs before, during and after dissection. Admission is $199. Attendance is limited.

Special Equine Limb Dissection Wet Lab

Understanding anatomy is the foundation of farriery. International Horeshoeing Hall of Famer Mitch Taylor of the Kentucky Horseshoeing School presents a special, extended equine limb dissection featuring an interactive discussion of vital structures that improves your understanding of quality hoof care. Admission is $99. Attendance is limited.

Bonus Heel Pain Workshop

Navicular disease, navicular syndrome, caudal heel syndrome, palmar foot pain — regardless of the label, the chronic, shifting distal limb lameness is common to many breeds and disciplines. International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Famer Dr. Renate Weller leads a highly informative, interactive panel discussion on real-world heel pain cases that illustrate the complexities of characterization, diagnosis and treatment. Admission is $199. Attendance is limited.

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Still Need to Save Your Seat?
Don't Wait to Clear Your Calendar!

Early Bird Registration Saves You $80! Register for the early bird rate of just $479 by calling or texting (262) 777-2401 or click the register button below. Early Bird pricing is good through 9/30.