When it comes to finding new trimming, shoeing and business management ideas for running your shoeing business, nothing beats the highly practical and time-tested ideas successfully used by veterans in the business.

At last year’s Purina Mills Farrier Clinic, Red Renchin shared a number of valuable ideas. The certified farrier and International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame member from Mequon, Wis., operates a multi-farrier operation that handles the footcare needs of 410 Thoroughbred and warmblood sport horses.

1. Small lateral extensions are used on the hind shoes of jumpers because when the horse prepares to jump, he sets his hind feet, rocks back and balances on his hind feet to push off. I want maximum — yet not excessive — length behind the horse’s heel. When he puts his weight on his heels, he’ll have maximum support.
2. There has to be a compromise between having enough shoe underneath the horse’s foot, but not so much that he’ll pull it off.
3. If you don’t like what you’re doing or it’s not working, then change it. That’s the beauty of the horseshoeing business.
4. My preferred front nail pattern is to drive three nails on the outside and two nails on the inside. I often leave out the inside heel and toe nails. I try to use the smallest nails and the least number of them in the shoe that will…