When it comes to problems with composite hoof repair materials, Bill Moyer is convinced the major cause is inadequate preparation.

Farriers beware. Avoid diagnosing a horse with navicular disease, a problem that even experienced equine veterinarians using high-technology cannot always determine with absolute certainty.

Pedal osteitis, an inflammation of the coffin bone usually resulting from severe bruising of the sole or consistent pressure on the bone, often reveals itself through an obvious, crescent-shaped bruise on the bottom of the foot.

PROBABLY NO OTHER TOOL in horseshoeing can generate such widely differing opinions as hoof testers.