Like many equine veterinarians and farriers, Jay Merriam says his work was his only hobby for many years.

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

Whether we might end up sometime in 2008 with an economic slowdown or an actual recession, either would have interesting implications for the horse industry.

Two companies, long known for manufacturing aluminum racing plates, have signed a joint exclusive distribution agreement for Werkman horseshoes in the United States. Thoro’Bred and Victory reached the agreement with Hoefizerfabriek Werkman & Co. of The Netherlands, a company that has been manufacturing horseshoes for over 100 years.

During last winter’s 4th International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, two veteran farriers tackled a few of the most frequently asked questions about the footcare industry. This unrehearsed, fast-paced session sparked a number of highly interesting views for attendees.