A team of researchers from Australia’s University of Queensland has determined that the population of a specific type of bacteria increases in the equine hindgut just prior to the onset of laminitis.

When American Farriers Journal readers provided data for the 2008 Farrier Business Practices Survey (see Pages 19 to 28), they were asked to estimate the percentage of horses living in their area that get different levels of hoof care. Here’s how the national averages worked out:

Several states have already passed new racing regulations — with others soon to follow — that will prohibit the use of horseshoes with toe grabs that are over 2 millimeters in height on the front feet. In mid-June, The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred safety committee...

Having loyal clients is a key to running any successful footcare business, but sometimes you have to work closely with them, maintains Karen Trebitz. Operating in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, the East Stroudsburg, Pa., farrier says her area of the Poconos has been known over the years for its vacation resorts.

An owner's choice of a farrier can have a significant impact not only on hoof shape, but also on a horse's soundness and athletic ability as well, indicates a Switzerland researcher.

When asked whether clients object when footcare prices are raised, 62% of recently surveyed farriers said it isn’t a concern.

With Laminitis Concerns, Reduce Inflammatory Effects Right Away

Frustrated by a lack of consistency in diagnosing degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) in the early stages, Jeanette Mero and Janet Scarlett took a close look at the case records of 45 Peruvian Paso horses. Nearly half of these horses had earlier been diagnosed with a DSLD injury that was confirmed by a histological examination of the ligament tissue.