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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

Therapeutic Farrier Achieves Hoof-Care Goals Using Pads and Pour-ins

Products can provide frog support, cushion the sole and reduce concussion

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on April 10, 2020 | Posted in Education, Therapeutic Shoeing, Products

Pads and pour-ins offer farriers a variety of options when servicing hoof-care clients. Nick Denson, a farrier in Sagamore, Mass., works on many therapeutic cases and relies on these products regularly. During the 2020 International Hoof-Care Summit, Denson presented “Shoeing Tips with Castle Pads and Pour-in Urethanes” during a How-to Hoof-Care Product Knowledge Clinic, sponsored by Castle Plastics.

Hemp for Horses: What You Need to Know

CBD offers a variety of benefits, but buyer beware

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on November 5, 2019 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Diseases, Lamenesses

Humans have been using cannabis for various reasons for more than 2 millennia, yet because of its mind-altering effects, all forms were illegal in the United States until recently.

Strategies for Working with Difficult Horses

Get in tune with horses by understanding their perspective

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on September 12, 2019 | Posted in Clients, Safety & Healthcare

Farriers often have to work with less than cooperative horses, and sometimes it’s a challenge to assess why a horse is acting the way it is and figure out how to resolve a certain issue. The reward outweighs the effort, though, because many problem horses can then be approached or addressed a little differently — and successfully — without causing future issues.

Equine Body Work Benefits Hooves

Making uncomfortable horses comfortable makes farriers’ jobs easier and improves feet

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on July 3, 2019 | Posted in Education, Lamenesses

Each horse is born with its own conformation, but many factors affect skeletal structure and posture as the foal grows up. Often by the time a farrier is working on that horse’s feet, there are issues that put stress on various parts.

Overcome “Bad” Horses in Your Hoof-Care Practice

Gaining trust and nurturing your relationships with horses will make your job easier

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on May 17, 2019 | Posted in Education, Safety & Healthcare

Every farrier at one time or another comes across a horse that’s difficult to work with — or has a reputation of being difficult. There might be some horses that you would prefer not to have to deal with, but you realize that it’s in your best interest to go ahead and do them.

Utilizing Pads in Your Footcare Practice

Proper use and application is crucial for the well being of the horse

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on April 8, 2019 | Posted in Therapeutic Shoeing

Over the more than 50 years that Blake Brown has been shoeing horses, he estimates that about 85% of the lameness issues he’s dealt with have been the result of hoof imbalances.

Horses Benefit From Frog and Sole Support

Pour pads can provide the necessary help for a variety of issues

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on April 7, 2019 | Posted in Therapeutic Shoeing

It’s often said that the horseshoe provides protection for the trim and the equine foot. Yet, there are times when horses need a little bit more support, particularly for the frog and sole.

How to Deal with Softhearted Clients and Spoiled Horses

Farriers offer advice on how to break bad habits of both owners and horses

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on March 20, 2019 | Posted in Clients, Education, Safety & Healthcare

Farriers are generally prepared to deal with just about any situation they are faced with in terms of the horse’s behavior — determining whether it’s scared, nervous, inexperienced, in pain or spoiled — and having a strategy to successfully handle that horse.

Farrier Tips

Helpful Advice for Working with Young Horses’ Feet

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on March 1, 2019 | Posted in Education, Trimming

Working with the feet of young horses or babies can be trying for a farrier. Yet, with a little patience and preparation, it doesn’t have to be a chore.

Hoof Care for the Nervous Horse

Patience is the key to earning the trust and respect of anxious horses

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on December 25, 2018 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

Sometimes the farrier is confronted with a new horse that is averse to being handled, and it is important to be able to tell whether the horse is evasive because it is afraid and nervous or independent and spoiled.

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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.

Equine Reciprocating Systems: New Parts and Novel Attachments

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May/June 2020 Issue Preview: Patching Hoof Wall Cracks

Travis Burns, the associate professor of practice and chief of farrier practice at the Virginia-Maryland College of veterinary Medicine discusses his research in patching materials for hoof wall cracks.

Events

Miller and Associates Offers 2-Part Farrier Webinar

Date: 05/29/20

Location: Brewster, NY

Miller & Associates Clinic is hosting a 2-part webinar, May 29 and June 5, featuring Dr. Jenny Hagen, DVM. Hagen will be discussing the medial-lateral balance of the hoof.

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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.