Many farriers struggle with hiring and keeping apprentices in the fold. While the reasons vary, complaints frequently revolve around apprentices’ failures — they lack motivation and work ethic. Perhaps some do, but what if we’re failing them?
In an ideal and unrealistic world, horse owners would be model clients with mounts that had perfect conformation and feet. Rather, it’s necessary to ask questions and gain some knowledge about that horse and client before saying “yes.”
A younger farrier recently rode in Tom Trosin’s shoeing truck. While chatting between stops, the junior horseshoer identified one aspect of farriery that the Oklahoma farrier excels at — and it has nothing to do with trimming and shoeing.
In honor of the 25th annual Farriers Week celebration (July 10-16, 2023), we collected these tributes from members of the equine community to recognize all of the hard work and dedication farriers put forth to keep horses sound.
When the man in charge of the pack and riding stock for the Wenatchee National Forest in Cle Elum, Wash., called and said he wanted me to take over the shoeing, I was delighted.
With a 15-inch-long beard that’s been growing for 15 years, New Jersey farrier Frank Bevacqua has been selected as the American Farriers Journal “2025 Farrier Beard of the Year” winner.
Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners host a 3-day anatomy, trimming and hoof protection clinic June 21-23, 2025, in Quincy, Calif. The clinician is Melody O’Brien.
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.