Every farrier knows the importance of regular maintenance for keeping a foot healthy and a horse happy. In the same way, a farrier’s business must be kept up-to-date to prosper and to stay competitive. Updating the technological side of the business may seem costly and perhaps intimidating, but the available benefits can drastically improve both a farrier’s day-to-day business practices as well as the business’ long-term success.

Shoers Tom Rock of Wadsworth, Ill., and Lowell Johnson of Racine, Wis., believe Apple’s iPad offers new possibilities for farriers that aren’t readily available through other devices.

The iPad is a tablet computer designed by Apple with a large multi-touch screen that allows users to access the Internet, e-mail, videos, pictures, documents and numerous other applications (apps) with the touch of their finger. Filling in the gap between a laptop and a smartphone in both size and capabilities, the iPad has forged a new path in the world of technology and could make a similar trek through the realm of farriery.

But I’ve Got A Laptop

Even before turning the iPad on, it wasn’t difficult for Rock to notice one significant advantage of the iPad. “Its size is probably one of the best features,” Rock says. “It’s big enough and small enough at the same time.”

Weighing in at 1.5 lbs with a screen size of roughly 8-by-10 inches, the iPad definitely cannot be carried around in the front pocket of a pair of jeans; however, its light weight and portability outshine…