Volume 9 |  November 12, 2025  | 83 Days To Go

GET READY TO EXPERIENCE WHAT NO OTHER HOOF-CARE EVENT OR CLINIC CAN OFFER  

IHCS 2026

Hosted by American Farriers Journal

Summit Countdown

February 3-6, 2026 | Cincinnati Metro Area

Check out the latest Summit news and updates below.

It’s hard to believe we’re just 83 days away from the 2026 Summit kicking off in Cincinnati Metro

As you prepare for the event, we wanted to remind you of a valuable benefit available to attendees who register before the end of the year… you may be able to deduct your 2026 registration fee as a business expense on your 2025 taxes.

Each year, many attendees make it a point to register for the International Hoof-Care Summit before the end of the year, so they can claim the expense in the current year.

For many, the costs associated with attending professional conferences and educational events — like the Summit registration fee — can qualify as a tax-deductible expense, as long as the event is directly related to your business or profession. This may also apply to associated travel and lodging expenses, but please consult with your tax advisor to confirm what applies in your specific case.

If you need another copy of your registration receipt, please reach out and we can email or mail you a copy for your records.

If you still need to register and you'd like to take advantage of a 2025 expense write-off — while expanding your hoof-care knowledge and professional network exponentially in 2026 — it is encouraged that you consider registering for the 2026 Summit before the end of the year.

If you have any questions about the registration fee or the event, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re excited to welcome you soon!

Joanne Volkert

Joanne Volkert
Brand Manager
American Farriers Journal & International Hoof-Care Summit

Win a Day with Mike Wildenstein!

Register by November 16 to automatically be entered into the drawing. 

Win a Day with Mike Wildenstein!

All attendees who registered on or before November 16th will be automatically entered to win a day working alongside International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Mike Wildenstein!

Mike Wildenstein is among only five people in the world to have passed the distinguished Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers examination in the United Kingdom with an “Honors” designation, as well as one of only a handful of farriers in the U.S. who have passed the Fellowship exam. He spent 19 years as resident farrier and adjunct associate professor at Cornell Univ. and continues to share his knowledge through clinics and consultations.

Read what previous winner Dallas Risser had to say about his experience.

Whether you’re gaining forging tips, hoof-care techniques or business advice, you’ll have the exclusive chance to draw from Wildenstein’s expertise as he shadows YOU for the day with YOUR clients.

2 New Panelists Added!

2-Hour Heel Pain Workshop & Panel Discussion Led by Renate Weller

Patrick Reilly
Steve Kraus

Led by Dr. Renate Weller, internationally recognized equine veterinarian and Hall of Fame inductee, this interactive panel discussion with Patrick Reilly and Steve Kraus goes beyond textbook definitions. Attendees explore real-world case studies, learn how to better characterize heel pain, and discuss treatment strategies that have shown practical success in the field.

This special bonus workshop is designed to give farriers, veterinarians and hoof-care professionals a deeper understanding of one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: heel pain. Whether you call it navicular disease, caudal heel syndrome, or palmar foot pain, these conditions continue to frustrate professionals due to their complex and often shifting nature.

Through open dialogue with Dr. Weller and the newly-added panel speakers, you’ll gain: 

  • Fresh insights into the latest research and clinical approaches
  • Strategies to identify heel pain across breeds and disciplines
  • Practical takeaways for improving outcomes in your daily work
  • The opportunity to ask questions and learn from peers facing similar challenges 

This workshop promises to be both educational and collaborative, helping attendees walk away with new tools and confidence to address this widespread problem.

This workshop has limited seating. Admission is $199. Add this workshop when you register or call/text 262-777-2401 to add it on to your existing registration.

Limited-Seating Bonus Wet Lab Sessions

Paige Poss

Only 10 Spots Left for 2nd Paige Poss Wet Lab Session!

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 2-Hour 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.

Add on one or more of these bonus sessions when you register. Already registered? Call or text 262-777-2401 to sign up.

Connect With Other Attendees

Facebook Event

Let others in your network know you're attending the 2026 International Hoof-care Summit by marking yourself as "Going" or "Interested."

Stay Updated:
You’ll automatically receive event updates, news and reminders.

See Who Else Is Going:
You can check which friends or contacts are attending — great for networking or coordinating plans.

Easier Planning:
Facebook adds the event to your calendar, helping you keep track of date, time, and location in one spot.

Engagement Opportunities:
You can comment, ask questions, or share posts in the event page before it happens (like parking info, restaurant recommendations, etc.).

Early-Morning Devotional

Start Your Day with Purpose on Thursday, Feb. 5

Before the Summit sessions begin on Thursday, Feb. 5, you're invited to join fellow attendees for an meaningful early-morning devotional. This special gathering, beginning at 7 a.m., offers a peaceful and uplifting start to the day. Led by a farrier, the session weaves faith-based reflections into themes from the hoof-care trade — offering practical wisdom, spiritual insight, and authentic conversation. It's an open, participant-driven experience where you're welcome to listen, share, and reflect in community with others who share your values.

To get an idea of what to expect, read this article that summarizes the early-morning Devotional held at the 2025 Summit led by Jason Critton, owner of C-Cross Farrier Services.

Reserve Your Room Yet?

The room blocks are filling up!

Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter 

Marriott at RiverCenter

$159

per night based on block availability

The Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter is connected by an enclosed skywalk to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Overnight Parking is $12/night in hotel parking garage. Call ahead to inquire about truck parking.

Book your room online or call 859-261-2900. Be sure to mention "Lessiter Publications: International Hoof-Care Summit" when booking your room over the phone

 Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter 

Marriott at RiverCenter

$159

per night based on block availability

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter also has rooms available for Summit Attendees. While there is no skywalk that connects to the Convention Center, it is directly across the street. Overnight Parking is $12/night in hotel parking garage. Call ahead to inquire about truck parking.

Book your room online or call 859-261-8400. Be sure to mention "Lessiter Publications: International Hoof-Care Summit" when booking your room over the phone.

When booking your room online, enter your check-in/check-out dates and click the "Search" button. Both hotels will show if they have availability. You can then click the "Select" button to choose a hotel.

STILL NEED TO REGISTER?

Join us for our 23rd annual event at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in the Cincinnati Metro area, this February 3-6, 2026. This event promises focused learning opportunities that can transform your practice forever. Come see for yourself why past attendees say they take home an average of $4,576 in ready-to-use ideas!   

IHCS 2026
Registration Type Registration Rate Valid Through
4-Day Pass $529 1/26/26
Student/Apprentice $279 2/6/26
1-Day Pass $259 2/6/26
2-Day Pass $438 2/6/26
Trade Show Only Pass $145 2/6/26

See FAQs for apprentice/student registration requirements. Students, apprentices. 1-day, 2-day and trade show only should register by calling (262) 777-2401 or (866) 839-8455 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.

Thank You to Our 2026 Educational Partners

 GOLD PARTNER 

Zoetis

 GOLD PARTNER 

EasyCare

 GOLD PARTNER 

Glue-U Adhesives

 GOLD PARTNER 

Mustad

 GOLD PARTNER 

Platinum Performance

 GOLD PARTNER 

American Farriers Journal

 SILVER PARTNER 

Smart Equine

 BRONZE PARTNER 

Hoof MD

 BRONZE PARTNER 

Equine Care

 BRONZE PARTNER 

Anvil Brand

 BRONZE PARTNER 

Purcell Farrier Supply

 BRONZE PARTNER 

Breed Improvement Services

The International Hoof-Care Summit is Hosted By

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