Articles by Jeremy McGovern

DIY Hammer Handles Fit Farrier Well

South Carolina farrier Steve Prescott makes hammer handles from sections of hardware store oak trim

Years ago, Hardeeville, S.C., farrier Steve Prescott didn't set out to craft his own wood tool handles - it just happened out of necessity. Newly relocated to the Palmetto State, he moved away from his local supply shop. This forced him to be creative with the tools he uses.


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Shoeing For A Living

Farrier Guided by 'Classical Shoeing'

Horseshoer Alexi Gutierrez uses a solid base of footcare fundamentals to cover a wide range of horses in South Florida
It seems today that many horseshoers found farriery after having careers in non-equine fields. The influence of that previous life emerges in their everyday work. A horseshoer who served in the military often is very disciplined in showing up to footcare appointments on time. Farriers with a background in accounting tend to closely mind the dollars and cents going in and out of their practice. You get the point.
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Jeremy McGovern
From The Desk Of AFJ

Your Last Chance Be Part Of Calgary

Earlier this year, it was announced that the World Championship Blacksmiths' Competition (WCBC) would be dropped from the Calgary Stampede lineup after 2014. While there is much disappointment in the horseshoeing world over this, there is also optimism that another event, unaffiliated with the stampede, will take its place.


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horse

How Reliable Is The Use Of Hoof Testers?

Researchers take the first step in a comparison of learning more about the consistency of this instrument’s usage
Hoof testers are a go-to tool for veterinarians and farriers alike. But how consistent is the usage among practitioners? Can differences in applied force tell us anything about how hoof tester results can vary?
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Shoe Modifications

Clip Considerations

Drawing clips in manufactured shoes remains popular among many farriers despite access to pre-clipped shoes
Within footcare, there are plenty of subjects that inspire debate. Handmade vs. manufactured shoes is one such subject. I think there is a happy medium within this debate that is manifested in a farrier who can find value and benefits in using manufactured shoes. This farrier, who also is skilled in the fire, can build a shoe and modify an existing shoe for specific needs and correctly apply either shoe to a horse.
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Jeremy McGovern
From the Desk of AFJ

The Danger of Overdoing It

Today marks the first day I've felt better since being infected with norovirus earlier this week. This wasn't a pleasant way to spend time off from work, but thankfully this illness wasn't long-lasting. Others are not so lucky when it comes to being sick.


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