The 2008 International Hoof-Care Summit again lived up to its name. The event’s emphasis on high-quality education drew nearly 800 dedicated hoof-care professionals. They came from almost every state in the U.S. and 15 foreign countries, including such faraway spots as Japan, South Africa, Australia, China and numerous European nations.

The old cliché about the basic qualifications for a farrier being a strong back and a weak mind certainly took a beating from the presenters at the fifth annual International Hoof-Care Summit. A high degree of expertise and sophisticated thinking was evident and in abundance.

In a perfect world, you could get away with saying “I’m a horseshoer — not a horse trainer.” But in a perfect world, an owner or handler would always be present to hold a well-mannered horse, ensuring a safe experience for all.