Having practiced his craft for well over 50 years, David Farmilo could be considered the face of Australian farriery. Through consultations, clinics, videos and other methods, he is well known for his efforts in footcare education — the latest effort being his book ABC Of Hoof Related Lameness.

Direct and concise, the quick read is divided into two sections: Farmilo’s approach for balancing the hoof and an alphabetical index of hoof lamenesses.

Farmilo’s guide to balancing the hoof is aimed solely at the farrier. He is very matter of fact in his writing, avoiding unnecessary detail. Whether you subscribe to Farmilo’s or another’s theory for balancing, there is solid advice that can’t be discounted and is applicable across the board.

Somewhat missing is Farmilo directly drawing from his more than a half century of experience. It is certainly assumed and understood, but inserting his personal history, such as with case histories, would help some readers understand this farrier’s approach.

The other, and larger, portion of the book contains the promise of the title. This section is key to helping the new farrier understand how a properly balanced hoof is key for avoiding many lameness issues. Farmilo has a style, for the most part, that delivers a listing with definitions, causes, effects and treatment. This is a unique presentation for illustrating lameness issues and their interrelationships. Many of the entries also provide illustrations or images. A few of the entries that lacked visual additions would have been aided by including them.

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