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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

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.

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.

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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.

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Farriers Week 2019 Tributes

Farriers Week is a time to annually recognize the hoof-care professionals who make a difference in the equine industry. American Farriers Journal solicited tributes from members of the equine community. This video honors many of the farriers featured in this year's tributes, with words of wisdom taken from International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member Dave Farley's closing speech at the 2015 International Hoof-Care Summit

Events

Southern California Classic Warm Up & AFA Certification Training and Support

Date: 08/23/19

Location: Lake Perris, CA

The Western States Farrier's Association will host a Southern California Classic Warm Up and American Farrier's Association Certification Training and Support Clinic. Travis Baker will be the clinician.

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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.