Volume 10 |  December 10, 2025  | 55 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.

I’m so excited to make my way back to the Cincinnati area to attend the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit this coming February 3-6. Will I see you there?

If I’m being honest, it’s been too long. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you — all the familiar faces who've been with us since the beginning and all the new faces who are now making their mark. This Summit has grown into something even more powerful than our team first dreamed of 23 years ago.

Recently, I was chatting with a farrier friend, and they used an analogy that really stuck with me: "filling up the gas tank." It’s such a simple, perfect way to think about your hoof-care practice.

After all, your daily work can't run on fumes. You need a constant, steady supply of fresh ideas, innovative strategies, and new connections to keep your business strong and thriving.

The 2026 Summit is exactly where dedicated professionals like you come to refuel. It's your Continuing Education "Gas Station."

The International Hoof-Care Summit is where hardworking, ROI-seeking hoof-care professionals come to refill their tanks.

  • Battle-worn farriers build knowledge, strength, and calibrate their thinking against the best in the industry.
  • Younger farriers can gain years of thought process understanding in just a few days, getting away to truly "level up" their career.

And here’s the best part: You are not alone. Yes, the job has its challenges, but there are countless proven solutions discovered by those who have been there and are willing to share their experiences. The return on investment you get from attending is truly immeasurable.

For over two decades, attendees tell us the same thing: this event sharpens you, encourages you, and challenges you. Every year, new ideas are discovered, tested, and put into practice immediately. Check out the 8-page program to learn more about the speakers and sessions.

You’ll hear it. You’ll witness it. You’ll experience it. You’ll leave saying, “I can’t believe I almost missed this unique, unrivaled, one-of-a-kind educational experience.”

Don’t let your hoof-care practice run on fumes in 2026. Fill your tank. Rekindle your fire. Renew old friendships and make new ones.

If you, your friends, or your colleagues haven’t registered yet, now is the time to secure your spot!

I look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Summit! Register today and save $75 on your 4-day or 2-day pass with coupon code LESSITER.

Registration Type Registration Rate Valid Through
4-Day Pass $529 $454 w/ code LESSITER 1/26/26
Student/Apprentice $279 2/6/26
1-Day Pass $259 2/6/26
2-Day Pass $438 $363 w/ code LESSITER 2/6/26
Trade Show Only Pass $145 2/6/26

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

Frank Lessiter

See you in Cincinnati Metro!

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

"It's been too long!"

For the first time in several years, American Farriers Journal's Editorial Director Frank Lessiter is attending the 2026 Summit, and he looks forward to seeing old and new faces. 

Don't Miss These Crowd-Drawing Speakers and Can't-Miss Session Topics

Simon Curtis

Session Topics:

  • Farriery Around the World
  • Improving Hoof Angles During Exercise
  • A New Angle on the Hoof
  • 2 Exclusive Book Signing Sessions During the Trade Show in the American Farriers Journal booth
Renate Weller

Session Topics:

  • Vet-Farrier Relations: Drawing the Line Between Science & Opinion
  • Updates on the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority
Paige Poss

Session Topics:

  • 2-Hour Hands-On Dissection Wet Lab — 3 SPOTS LEFT!
  • Exploring Laminitis: Comparing Structural & Anatomical Changes in Mild to Severe Cases
  • Working Together, Speaker Together: Improving Vet-Farrier Collaboration
Patrick Reilly

Session Topics:

  • Vet-Farrier Relations: Drawing the Line Between Science & Opinion
  • Updates on the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority
Nicholas Denson

Session Topics:

  • Trimming: Are We Getting it Righter?
  • Traction: Necessity or Necessary Evil?
  • Summit Closing Motivational Lecture
Mitch Taylor

Session Topics:

  • 2-Hour Equine Limb Dissection — Limited Spots!
  • How Race Plates Affect the Suspensory Apparatus

New Speaker & Session Added!

Profit Margin & Why it Matters

What is profit margin, and how does a good or poor margin affect a business?

It shows how people in less affluent areas can sometimes compete with more prestigious areas if they control their expenses. Paris, Ontario, farrier Andrew DeVisser explains these important factors, as well as shows how having a good margin helps farriers control their business, take home more money and set themselves up for earlier retirement.

You’ll Learn: How to improve your bottom line and prepare for life after hoof care.

Earn Continuing Education Credits

IAPF

Members of the International Associations of Professional Farriers who attend the entire International Hoof-Care Summit will earn 27 credit hours. That's more than the minimum hours for their annual continuing education requirements.

Check out the full 4-day program to learn more about the speakers and topics!

WIN 4 NIGHTS STAY AT THE HOST HOTEL

  Register by Sunday, Dec. 22 @ 11:59 PM CT!  

countdownmail.com

Register for the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit by Sunday, Dec. 22 at 11:59 PM CT, and you could win up to 4 FREE nights at the host hotel.

But don't wait to book your room! The block is filling up. Secure your stay now and we'll contact the winner and roll the free nights over to their stay.

 Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter 

Marriott at RiverCenter

$159

per night based on block availability

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter has rooms available for Summit Attendees. This hotel is directly across the street from 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 859-261-8400. Be sure to mention "Lessiter Publications: International Hoof-Care Summit" when booking your room over the phone.

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 $454 w/ code LESSITER 1/26/26
Student/Apprentice $279 2/6/26
1-Day Pass $259 2/6/26
2-Day Pass $438 $363 w/ code LESSITER 2/6/26
Trade Show Only Pass $145 2/6/26

See FAQs for apprentice/student registration requirements. Students and apprentices 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

AFJ Logo

Copyright ©2025 Lessiter Media
16655 W Wisconsin Ave, Brookfield, WI 53005 USA
All rights reserved.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe.
View online