In his shoeing program at Cornell University, Mike Wildenstein (CJF, FWCF, hon.) starts a new class every 4 months with four students.

French equine veterinarian Philippe Benoit says one of the keys to dealing with situations that require opening up the heels is to promote proper heel expansion. He told attendees at the 21st annual Farriers Conference at Cornell University that one way to do this is by trimming the edges of the frog with a hoof knife to open the edges in a narrow V-cut, even cutting the bars. Benoit believes there can be problems with a loop knife or a hoof knife with a hooked blade, since you may not get deep enough to allow the heels to expand. He uses a straight knife.

Say “Ivy League” and the image that comes to most minds probably does not include anvils, shoeing aprons and horseshoes — unless you’re one of the many farriers and horse owners who have benefitted from the farrier education program at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.