More than 90% of American Farriers Journal readers report that they have backyard accounts. While performance horses draw much attention, the backyard horse is the backbone of the industry. We assembled a panel of farriers whose books contain a significant percentage of backyard horses. Mark Aikens of Norwich, England; Pete Healey of San Los Obispo, Calif.; and Dean Moshier of Delaware, Ohio, present their ideas covering the footcare and business of backyard horses. This fast-paced session allows each presenter 1 minute for each idea, so the presenters can cover as many ideas as possible in the time allowed.

There are endless ways to improve your practice. An idea of improved efficiency can save you time and health. A business tip may help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Often, great ideas in these areas come from other farriers who’ve picked them up along the way. Mike DeLeonardo of Salinas, Calif.; Steve Prescott of Hardeeville, S.C.; and Bob Smith of the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif.; will present their ideas for you to implement into your practice as soon as you get home. This fast-paced session allows each presenter 1 minute for each idea, so the presenters can cover as many ideas as possible in the time allowed.

There are endless ways to improve your practice. An idea of improved efficiency can save your time and health. A business tip may help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Often, great ideas in these areas come from other farriers who have picked them up along the way. Todd Allen of Vandergrift, Pa., Matt Cooper of Cleveland, Texas; and David Nicholls of West Sussex, England, will present their ideas for you to implement into your practice as soon as you get home. This fast-paced session allows each presenter 1 minute for each idea, so the presenters can cover as many ideas as possible in the time allowed.

If I were a horse, I would want to be friends with Dr. Frank Gravlee.

Part craftsman, part psychologist, part teacher, farriers are specialists in equine hoof care, particularly trimming hooves and shoeing horses.

A client has fired you at some point in your career. In the future, you likely will be fired again. It’s just the nature of the business. And the causes for firing are seemingly endless.

You’d be surprised how many heads will turn when you smell like the bottom of a horse’s hoof.

The American Farrier’s Association became the latest equine organization to endorse the American Horse Council’s National Welfare Code of Practice.