Aiming to improve its equine footcare education, the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine is acquiring MiddleFork Forge and Midwest Horseshoeing School.
Over the past 28 years of my shoeing career, clients, veterinarians and other farriers have asked three common questions about hoof angle.
What is the ideal hoof angle?
What angle do you like the front hooves?
What angle do you try to achieve for hind hooves, etc.?
Danville, Ill., farrier Steve Sermersheim points out that when trimming the frog, it’s important to realize what looks good isn’t always good for the horse.
What consideration do you give to trimming the frog?
“I think we overlook it,” Danville, Ill., farrier Steve Sermersheim told attendees at the D.L. Schwartz Farrier Supply clinic in October. “I used to overlook it. I would just trim the frog and go on.”
Before I wrote this article, I thought it would be a quick write up with pictures of poorly fitted shoes and correctly fitted shoes. As I began typing, I quickly realized how many factors are essential for a properly fitted shoe and how many "red flags" about improper fit can pop up.
Criticism creates a very definite reaction when it's offered.The best farriers evaluate their own work, and more often than not, find flaws in each job. The judging starts to get tricky, though, when others offer their 2 cents.
As the elderly horse population grows, the horse community is trying to adopt conscientious methods to help make them more comfortable, and farriers are not exempt.
Oleo Acres Farrier and Blacksmith Supply owner Rob Michel walks viewers through the Littleton, Colo., warehouse. Inventory is organized with the customer in mind. If the product is in stock and easy to find, farriers can spend more time under a horse, which Michel says is more money in your pocket.
At Doc Foal's, we manufacture The Black Pads and The Black Pads PLUS (featuring embedded magnets and copper). Our hybrid pads work seamlessly with your choice of conventional horseshoe, combining metal for structure with polyurethane for exceptional comfort and shock absorption.
Designed as a...
We stock a wide range of high-quality products from trusted brands to ensure durability, performance, and reliability in every job you undertake. Our extensive inventory of horseshoe products and farrier tools means you can find everything you need in one place, saving you time and effort. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to providing excellent customer service, prompt shipping, and hassle-free returns.
Equilox International Inc. specializes in equine horse hoof adhesives. Developed in 1988 after many trials and extensive research at leading universities and equine centers throughout the U.S., the Equilox Adhesive Hoof Repair System was originally used to treat competitive horses. Now, Equilox Adhesive is used by farriers, equine centers, and horse owners — as well as various zoo and wildlife centers — throughout the world.