Mark Aikens of Norwich, England, recently earned his foundation degree (equivalent to an associate's degree in the United States) in farrier science from Myerscough College in Preston, England. The intensive, 3-year program is offered only to qualified, working farriers as a way for them to further their education.

This book offers a rare treasure of sound, basic horseshoeing principles for the normal foot. Captain V.S. Scratchley's goal in writing Notes On Shoeing For Horse-Owners in 1911 was to provide horse owners with the means to evaluate the work so they could "employ the best farrier obtainable." He presents many good arguments for the need of frequent quality hoof care.

It is not uncommon to hear farriers speak about giving back to the industry by educating the next generation of hoof-care professionals. Chris Gregory is an avid supporter of that notion. As owner of the Heartland Horseshoeing School and clinician, he has done his fair share of work to advance farrier education. The veteran farrier from Lamar, Mo., recently dedicated himself more so by becoming an examiner in the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF). He became the first non-United Kingdom resident to earn this distinction after receiving the WCF council's approval in March 2010.