Jeremy McGovern has been a journalist for nearly 20 years. He has been a member of the American Farriers Journal staff for 7 years and serves as the Executive Editor/Publisher. A native of Indiana, he also is a member of the board of directors for the American Horse Publications organization of equine media.

Frankly Speaking: COVID-19 Forces New Course for the International Hoof-Care Summit

By Jeremy McGovern posted on December 1, 2020 | Posted in Education

Throughout the past 9 months, COVID-19 has negatively affected society. Regardless of how you align politically, this is undeniable. Obviously, there are the lost lives and diminished health cases. There are lost businesses that will never come back.

Will Insurers Require Farrier Liability Coverage?

Increasingly, insurance companies want farriers to carry a liability policy to work in their customers’ barns

By Jeremy McGovern posted on November 12, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices

Even with new products filling supply shop shelves every year and initiatives in farrier-based scientific research, the farrier industry isn’t one for swift and universal change. Lexi Barron says insurance is somewhat similar. The Snohomish, Wash., attorney and insurance broker notes that the insurance industry can be old fashioned. But old-fashioned doesn’t mean that impactful changes don’t occur.

4 Traits Your Farrier Help Should Have

By Jeremy McGovern posted on November 10, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices

About 20 years ago, Jessica McGrane wanted to begin a career as a farrier. She asked West Chester, Pa., farrier Dave Werkiser if she could learn the trade from him. Werkiser admits that he was at first hesitant, having had some previous helpers join his practice, but leave just when they became useful.

Pros and Cons of Selling Equine Products to Clients

These considerations will guide you to make an informed decision before selling products to your hoof-care clients

By Jeremy McGovern posted on November 9, 2020

To say there is a subject in which farrier opinions differ doesn’t make much of a story. Instead, sharing the farriers’ experiences on the topic and allowing the audience to come to their own conclusion that best fits their practices.

Frankly Speaking: Keeping Talent in Your Farrier Practice

By Jeremy McGovern posted on November 7, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices

Several months ago, I had dinner with a group of farriers in Texas. We learned another farrier couldn’t join us because he was working late because his helper didn’t show up, leaving him alone to shoe that day’s horses.

Frankly Speaking: Dangers Facing Police Horse Farriers

By Jeremy McGovern posted on September 12, 2020 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

By the nature of the business, farriery is a dangerous job in which your fate can change without warning. Even the most skillful horseperson is one horse away from loss of career or worse. Beyond the horse, factor in the equipment carried on a shoeing rig and used on a daily basis.

News and Notes

Diego Almeida Named New Director of Montana State University Farrier School

By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 3, 2020

Diego Almeida was named Farrier School Director at Montana State University to help craft new direction for the school.

How Much Does It Cost You to Shoe a Horse

This article was originally published July 27, 2018 and has been updated.

By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 3, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices, Equipment

There are differences in how every farrier approaches his or her business. Still, the most common and effective way to manage the finances of a farrier business remains knowing what it costs to shoe a horse.

Spring 2020 Data Shows Farriers Largely Unaffected by COVID-19

Farriers report that COVID-19 has resulted in the same number or more clients seeking service

By Jeremy McGovern posted on July 4, 2020

Most of the United States began their late spring figuring out how to return to some normalcy from the measures taken to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. While businesses in some states were reopening under guidelines on providing an environment that would limit the spread of the virus, others were less certain.

What Influences a Farrier’s Shoe Choice?

Farrier Wayne Preece discusses shoe types and criteria for choosing the right application.

By Jeremy McGovern posted on July 2, 2020

British farrier Wayne Preece has worked as the resident farrier at a veterinary hospital, taught those aspiring to become farriers and conducted research to benefit our understanding of footcare. Reflecting on his 35 years in the trade, he simplifies his resume.

Videos

Factory Shoe Size vs. Steel Length

Illinois farrier Vern Powell shares the benefits of looking at feet in terms of steel length instead of a standard factory shoe sizes. It could give you a leg up in a forging competition or when sitting for an examination.

Events

NEAEP Virtual Symposium

Date: 09/23/20

Location:

The Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners will host its annual symposium virtually beginning Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020.

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Top Directory Listings

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Jeremy McGovern

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