They’re everywhere. Every time you turn around, someone’s nose is in a smartphone. In fact, you probably have a holder or two who do little but text, check social media or surf the Internet the entire time you’re under the horse.

Although most use them for entertainment purposes, mobile devices are taking on increasingly larger roles in hoof-care practices, too. According to the exclusive 2016 American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices Survey, 68% use a smartphone — a 5% increase over the previous 2 years.

There are a number of ways in which farriers are incorporating mo­bile devices into their footcare work. Among them, the vast majority — 83% — employs them to stay in contact with clients, while 74% photograph their hoof-care work, and another 54% record video for their practice. Yet, they are capable of so much more.

As technology continues to improve, manufacturers are offering faster devices with more memory. These advances are opening up a whole new world to access and improve farrier knowledge and education.

Where To Begin?

Getting started might seem overwhelming, considering there is no shortage of choices. However, approaching it the same way you handle seeing a horse for the first time — analyze it — is a good way of getting the ball rolling.

“Equine professionals should determine what their needs truly are,” advises Lake Elmo, Minn., farrier Scott Lampert, developer of the Ontrack equine software. “Start out with simple documentation. Using your smartphone to take pictures and videos enables you…