When Bob Smith concluded the International Hoof-Care Summit program in late January, he told attendees that he hoped they had taken full advantage of the more than 10,000 years of trimming and shoeing experience that was represented by the folks attending this event.

Most hoof-care professionals see the need to give back to an industry that has treated them well during their careers. But at the same time, some farriers have shared with us how difficult it can be to pick and choose where they want to volunteer their services.