If someone told you to pick out anything that you wanted from all of the innovative farrier tools and supplies displayed at last winter’s farrier industry trade shows, what would you take home?

That’s the question we asked two dozen American Farriers Journal readers at the 2003 Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium in Louisville, Ky., and the American Farrier’s Association convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The idea was for them to figure out how they would spend a $750 “bonus” on items that caught their eye.

While most of these farriers didn’t spend anywhere near the $750 limit, some came up with some interesting ideas on what they’d add to their lineup of shoeing tools and supplies. Some would stock up on supplies used in their daily shoeing work while several would have used the $750 as a down payment on more expensive shoeing gear.

Here’s what they’d purchase with the extra dollars.

• A new product from FarrierFACTS.com called Buffy is a sanding belt that works with a cordless drill for effectively sanding, buffing and finishing a foot. Farriers Depot introduced a similar product this winter. I also like the new lightweight, yet sturdy, nippers with aluminum handles and replaceable jaws that have been introduced recently.

—Henry Heymering, Frederick, Md.

• The new hand tools from MFC Horseshoeing Tools are good quality, heavier and appear sturdier than many other tools on the market.

—Vance Glenn, Chester County Farrier Associates, Unionville, Pa.

• I’d buy a $145 Myron McLane apron since it is durable…