Farrier Justin Fry places grip on tool handle

Farrier Tips

Get a Better Grip on Tool Handles

By Jeremy McGovern posted on September 3, 2021 | Posted in Equipment

Anyone who’s tried to slide a snug rubber grip onto a tool handle knows it can be frustrating. Justin Fry has a tip to ease this task that he learned from working in a bicycle shop as a teenager. The Crosslakes, Minn., farrier and tool manufacturer says this will help get the grip on — and keep it there.

Farrier Randy Luikart (left) and veterinarian Adam Pendleton (right) hosting a clinic for hoof-care professionals

Communication and the Shoeing Prescription

By Jeremy McGovern posted on September 1, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Education, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

When friction occurs in the veterinarian-farrier relationship the likely culprit is failed communication. That’s a large umbrella. Poor communication in this dynamic could be failing to return a phone call.

Farrier Tips

A Farrier’s Top Priority is Always the Horse

By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 6, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices, Education

Craig Trnka is one of the most sought after clinicians for farrier education. Through his experiences of traveling around the globe to educate farriers, he says the clinician should focus on helping the audience keep the horse their No. 1 priority.

Farrier Pat Broadus shaping a shoe at a stall jack.

Your Costs Help Determine the Prices You Set

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

By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 3, 2021 | 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.

farriers Dave Werkiser (left) and Jason Hillman (right) work together to shoe a horse.

4 Traits Needed to Succeed as a Farrier Apprentice

By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 1, 2021 | 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.

Farrier Tip

Drilling 4 Tap Holes Might Just Benefit Your Practice

By Jeremy McGovern posted on July 16, 2021 | Posted in Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing

When drilling and tapping horseshoes, how many holes do you drill? More than likely, it’s two. However, you might want to consider four.

Badass Rigs & Trailers

Farrier Upcycles Air Compressor Trailer for Shoeing

A retired Ingersoll Rand trailer helps Pennsylvania farrier Billy Romjue accomplish his goal of downsizing

By Jeremy McGovern posted on July 5, 2021 | Posted in Equipment

A couple of years ago as he entered his 30th year of shoeing horses, Billy Romjue began looking for ideas to downsize his shoeing trailer. His service area was limited from southern Pennsylvania to northern Maryland, and hauling his 10-foot gooseneck shoeing trailer wasn’t practical for servicing most of his clients.

Evaluate a Horse Before Working with it

University of Illinois veterinary school farrier Steve Sermersheim warns against cutting corners when working with a horse

By Jeremy McGovern posted on July 5, 2021 | Posted in Shoeing, Trimming

Earlier in his career, Steve Sermersheim says that he was headstrong in thinking his approach to horseshoeing was the only correct way. Over the years, he became open-minded, realizing what works for him may not work for others. Although fads come and go, he finds adapting to solid shoeing basics is what helped him keep horses sound or improve.

Shoeing For A Living

A Deliberate Approach with Every Horse

Texas farrier Tommy Boudreau combines enthusiasm and skill to help cutting horses stay in competition

By Jeremy McGovern posted on July 2, 2021 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing

Being a farrier is a challenging profession. It is even tougher if you don’t enjoy the work, horses or clients. There are easier ways to make a buck if you aren’t having fun shoeing horses. That seems to be Tommy Boudreau’s philosophy. The Mineral Wells, Texas, farrier brings an infectious enthusiasm to his truck and the barn aisle every day.

Farrier Tips

A Simple Do-it-Yourself Packing and Application Method

By Jeremy McGovern posted on June 18, 2021 | Posted in Diseases, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

Over the years, farriers have shared various techniques for applying packing to horses’ feet. While some farriers use a bilge cloth or soufflé cup to apply hoof packing, a Texas farrier not only uses an easy method for applying it, but also for making it.

Videos

Farrier Education: Heartland Horseshoeing School

Farriery requires knowledge and skills to provide proper equine hoof care. In this series, sponsored by VICTORY, American Farriers Journal visits Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo. In this edition, Chris Gregory discussed his journey to becoming an educator, his focus in teaching farrier students and the state of farrier education.

Top Directory Listings

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Kawell USA

Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.

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.

Jeremy McGovern

ARTICLES

Get a Better Grip on Tool Handles

Communication and the Shoeing Prescription

A Farrier’s Top Priority is Always the Horse

Your Costs Help Determine the Prices You Set

4 Traits Needed to Succeed as a Farrier Apprentice

Drilling 4 Tap Holes Might Just Benefit Your Practice

Farrier Upcycles Air Compressor Trailer for Shoeing

Evaluate a Horse Before Working with it

A Deliberate Approach with Every Horse

A Simple Do-it-Yourself Packing and Application Method

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