Articles by Steve Kraus

Is The Saddle The Problem?

Understanding general principles can help farriers confirm or eliminate causes of lameness
As farriers, we are aware that poor fitting horseshoes can cause discomfort and lameness in horses. Unfortunately, many farriers do not realize that poor fitting saddles can cause lameness, gait faults, shoeing problems and even personality problems.
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Treating Hoof Infections With Maggots

Following a consultation with a veterinarian, this farrier uses maggot therapy for tough case
Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) to heal infected wounds has been used for centuries with humans. In the 1920s, Johns Hopkins University became the first place documented in the United States to use maggot therapy in a clinical situation.
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Continuing Education Is A Farrier’s Lifeline

The definition of continuing education is as it reads - there's no mystery there. Farriery is a lifelong endeavor, but sadly there are many farriers who believe that once they can trim or nail a shoe on a horse, they are done learning. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trimming a hoof, shaping a shoe and nailing it on are just the beginning. Only then are you ready to really start learning.
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Red Flags for Farriers

Are you Driving Proper Nails?

If you’re shoeing horses that are coming up lame, look for signs that your hammering is missing the mark
While shoeing, nail placement can mean the difference between a well-shod horse and one that's lame.
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Continuing Education: The Farrier’s Lifeline

The definition of continuing education is as it reads — there’s no mystery there. Farriery is a lifelong endeavor, but sadly there are many farriers who believe that once they can trim or nail a shoe on a horse, they are done learning. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trimming a hoof, shaping a shoe and nailing it on is just the beginning. Only then are you ready to really start learning.
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One Farrier's Viewpoint

The WIDTH Protocol

An objective approach to determining appropriate hoof care for a horse
For some time, farriers, trimmers, and horse owners have debated the merits of placing shoes on horses' feet.
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A New York Yankee in a Cattle King's Court

Farrier Steve Kraus takes part in a Montana roundup and does a little barefoot vs. shod observation on the side
When some friends of ours told us about the ZN Ranch cattle roundup in northern Montana, events were set in motion for my wife, Betsy, and I, as well as friends Tacie and Peter, to go on an adventure.
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Dealing With Lost Shoes

End your frustrations with this concern by knowing when the farrier, the owner, the rider or the horse is to blame
A LOST SHOE is among the more frustrating situations that horse owners and farriers experience.
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