Getting involved in Pre-Purchase Exams Makes Your Work Easier

Phil Hartley tells clients he’s always available to check the feet of new horses before they are purchased. The San Jose, Calif., farrier has done this free of charge since it makes his life easier later when dealing with conformational concerns. While a vet covers the health of the horse, Hartley concentrates on how well the horse and rider can work together.

Among key items he looks at are whether the hooves are equal on both sides of the center of gravity, whether one side of the hoof is steeper and whether left and right hooves match. 

Mustad Consolidates Worldwide Nail Production

The Mustad Hoofcare Group has consolidated global nail production in Sweden and Colombia, following the closing of the Capewell production facilities in Bloomfield, Conn. Some 26 employees were affected by the late February announcement of the move of Capewell nail operations to Mustadfors, Sweden.

“We are continuously looking for ways to improve our production, distribution and customer service,” says Hans Mustad, CEO of Mustad Hoofcare. “With the focus on two state-of-the-art production facilities in Sweden and Colombia, we are in a position to further improve the quality of our products, utilize innovations and even better manage supply, as well as customer service,”

Members of the North American sales and customer teams for Mustad Hoofcare are not affected by the move. Mustad officials say the Capewell brand of nails will remain unchanged.

How Hoof Shape Can Impact Overall Soundness

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