American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Burning keratin releases toxic gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane. These gases can lead to significant lung problems. Source: Jeff Cota
Can Hot Shoeing Horses Harm Farriers?
Nurse compares dangers of surgical smoke with burning keratin
Takeaways
- Studies examining incineration of keratin-rich materials report that burning releases ammonia, nitrous oxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane. These gases contribute to environmental pollution and would also irritate the respiratory tract.
- Although studies on hot‑shoe smoke are rare, farriers often report symptoms reminiscent of chronic smoke exposure, including persistent coughs, sinus irritation and breathlessness.
- Farriers should consider respirators with P100 or N95 filters capable of capturing ultrafine particles and gases.
Simon Heslop has shod horses since the late 1970s and, until his retirement 4 years ago, he was at the forge every day.
During the decades I have known him, he has gone from a fit, ski‑loving horseman to a man constantly struggling for breath. Each visit to shoe my horses brought a new cough or chest infection. He explained that his respiratory problems started just before the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020 and escalated into breathlessness, nocturnal wheezing and repeated courses of antibiotics and steroids.
After years of inconclusive chest X‑rays, a computed‑tomography scan finally diagnosed asthma, furring of the arteries and — somewhat surprisingly — an allergy to horsehair. Medication has since improved his breathing…
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American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Anatomy, Trimming and Hoof Protection – Tennessee
Date: 11/08/25
Location: Bristol, TN
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Equilox International
Equilox International Inc. specializes in equine horse hoof adhesives. Developed in 1988 after many trials and extensive research at leading universities and equine centers throughout the U.S., the Equilox Adhesive Hoof Repair System was originally used to treat competitive horses. Now, Equilox Adhesive is used by farriers, equine centers, and horse owners — as well as various zoo and wildlife centers — throughout the world.
NC Tool
NC Tool is a leading manufacturer of farrier tools and horseshoe supply company.