Whether at a convention, certification or contest, you can usually see Andy Darden with his red truck. His set up is simple: sitting in a lawn chair with his tailgate down displaying an incredible selection of beautiful, quality tools. I met him a few years ago at the first Forge of July in Shelbyville, Ky. He took the time to explain his tool making process, offered advice and shared the wisdom he’s earned over decades as a farrier and toolmaker to all who stopped by his truck. I’ve enjoyed many of these conversations over the years and keep in touch with Darden. With COVID-19 limiting travel, I haven’t seen Darden because of the cancellation of events, so we chatted online.

The dangers of farriery, Dr. Scott Morrison's footcare approach and dealing with thin-soled horses were among the topics covered in some of the most-read articles of September 2020.

The past year has been interesting, to say the least. While the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in restrictions in our daily lives, it also has been one of the busiest years within the farrier industry as horse owners spent more time with their mounts. With increased business comes a greater need for hoof-care education. As the year comes to a close, American Farriers Journal editors compiled the articles that you read most from each month in 2020.

Congress passes omnibus spending bill that addresses a number of equine issues — including unsafe horseracing practices and “soring,” which is the intentional application of substances or devices to horses’ limbs to inflict pain in order to achieve an exaggerated high-stepping gait.

The nomination of a familiar name to President-elect Joe Biden’s cabinet might be a precursor to the incoming administration sidestepping Congress in a bid to end horse soring.

A piece of farriery and horse racing history has been placed on the auction block — a racing plate worn by Secretariat.