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Heather Smith Thomas

Heather Smith Thomas is a freelance writer based in Salmon, Idaho. She has been writing books and articles for nearly 50 years.

Articles

ARTICLES

How To Read A New Horse

Decipher what the horse is trying to tell you during hoof care

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on November 28, 2018 | Posted in Clients, Safety & Healthcare

A trio of farriers share their tips on reading and handling a new horse in the December 2018 issue of American Farriers Journal.

Basics Of Horsemanship For The Farrier

Appropriate handling and communication skills prevent injury to the horse, farrier and owner

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on October 28, 2018 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

Horsemanship is critical for the safety of you and the horse, not to mention it makes your job easier. Learn some important handling and communication skills in the November 2018 issue of American Farriers Journal.

Farrier Tips

Understanding The Horse Is Critical For A Mutually Beneficial Relationship

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on October 12, 2018 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

When farriers approach a horse they’ve never worked with before, they have to be able to develop some sort of communication and a rapport with that horse — a relationship that is mutually beneficial. You want the horse to be at ease with you, and you at ease with it.

Don’t Panic When Encountering Milky Frog Fluid

Plugged ducts can result in white discharge during trimming

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on September 9, 2018 | Posted in Anatomy, Trimming

The frog is the softest part of the hoof, even though it is made up of the same fibrous material as the rest of the external foot. It’s softer and more pliable because it contains oil glands and more moisture than the hoof horn and sole. In moist conditions, the frog might be nearly 50% water, by weight.

How Reading The Horse Can Make Your Job Easier

Reading a horse’s body language can help you understand what frame of mind it’s in — and give you a guideline for approaching the horse.

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on September 6, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Education, Safety & Healthcare

Many farriers starting out in the business today may not have much experience with horses. They might not realize the importance of reading a horse to understand its frame of mind before they pick up a leg to start working on the foot — especially if it’s a new horse they haven’t worked with before.

A Humble, Open Attitude Benefits Young Farriers

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on July 24, 2018

Good farriers are always learning and always open to new ideas or better ways to do things. Chuck Jones started shoeing horses in 1997 and has been striving ever since to learn as much as he can, in as many different ways as he can.

Farrier Tips

“Dean Math” Helps Ohio Farrier Define His Work Day

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on July 12, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Safety & Healthcare

How much work do you want to do during any given day?

Help Your Backyard Horse Practice Thrive With These Business Tips

Farriers share their insights on establishing a successful clientele

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing

Backyard horses comprise a significant portion of some farriers’ businesses and can be a very successful and profitable part if handled correctly. Prince Frederick, Md., farrier Patrick Quinn didn’t aspire to provide hoof care for backyard horses, but this is often the bread and butter of a farrier’s operation.

Educating Your Clients On Supplements

Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and even algae can support healthy feet and joints

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on September 12, 2016 | Posted in Clients, Diseases, Lamenesses, Nutrition

Proper equine nutrition is pivotal in support of healthy feet and joints. However, it’s not always attainable without some help. There are a number of supplements on the market today that help horse owners provide an adequate and balanced diet with the goal of improving hoof strength and growth, as well as protecting joints from wear-and-tear problems.

Get A Good Start With A Mentor

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on July 25, 2016 | Posted in Business Practices, Education

Even if you have graduated from shoeing school, this is just a start, in terms of practical knowledge. Learning from someone who has been shoeing horses for many years is invaluable.

View All Articles by Heather Smith Thomas

Current Issue

American Farriers Journal

American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.

Remembering Dick Harris

New Hampshire Farriers Learn From Each Other

Teamwork Is Crucial At The World Equestrian Games

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Footing Considerations For Show Farriers

Florida farrier Sandy Johnson talks about footing considerations, including the effects of extreme weather on arena footing and how to address problems competing horses can experience at the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

Events

SWOFA Forging Clinic

Date: 12/10/18

Location: Uniondale, IN

The Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association is hosting a forging clinic in Uniondale, Ind.

View Event

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Top Directory Listings

Life Data Labs Inc

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 USA

Kawell began as a university project geared towards innovation, problem solving, and maintenance services for the veterinary industry. Over the last few years we have worked with specialized companies and professionals in order to develop the theoretical and technical basis needed to design and manufacture a therapeutic product for the care of horses and prevention of disease.

SmartPak

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.