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Kristen Kubisiak

Kristen Kubisiak

Kristen Kubisiak has been a writer and photographer with newspapers and magazines for 15 years. A native of Wisconsin, she served as the Managing Editor of American Farriers Journal.
Articles

ARTICLES

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How to Make an Open Toe Heart-Bar Shoe

Ohio farrier-veterinarian offers an option to support an acutely lame horse
By Kristen Kubisiak posted on December 3, 2019 | Posted in Anatomy, Education, Lamenesses, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming
Farriers have a variety of shoeing options to consider when providing mechanical support to an acutely lame horse. Depending on the horse’s specific circumstances and the farrier’s particular skill set, a hand-forged heart-bar shoe or modified keg shoe may offer a solution. Ohio certified journeyman farrier and equine veterinarian Adam Pendleton has found open toe heart-bar shoes can be a useful application in certain cases.
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Changing Your Farrier Practice

Ohio farrier extends his career in spite of arthritis by transitioning to trims only
By Kristen Kubisiak posted on November 6, 2019 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Education, Equipment, Trimming
Kirk Underschultz has been a hoof-care professional since 1979 — a testament to his love of the work and devotion to his clients. But it wasn’t long ago that his future as a farrier seemed uncertain. Several years ago, Underschultz started experiencing painful arthritis in his fingers and wrists — the most critical tools of any farrier.
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Indiana farrier Cody Bogard shares his strategy for increasing hoof-care clients

Hiring a dedicated marketing person lets farrier focus on the equine foot while growing his business
By Kristen Kubisiak posted on November 4, 2019 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Education
When Cicero, Ind., farrier Cody Bogard started shoeing a little over 10 years ago, his mentors told him not to worry about getting clients. He would have plenty of work in a couple of years if he did two things: show up on time and return phone calls.
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Simple Strategies to Extend Your Tool Life

Proper maintenance can save farriers time and money on equipment
By Kristen Kubisiak posted on September 10, 2019 | Posted in Business Practices, Equipment
The farrier’s toolbox is critical to his or her livelihood. Quality tools should be built to last, but there are some things that farriers can do to extend — or shorten — the life of their tools. Dan Bradley, International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member and a representative for GE Forge and Tool of Grover Beach, Calif., offered common-sense tips that he has found helpful with farriers gathered for a clinic and grand opening of Ocala’s Farrier Supply in Florida.
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Farriers are Key for Laminitis Early Detection

University of Pennsylvania veterinarian James Orsini offers laminitis early detection and management tips
By Kristen Kubisiak posted on September 9, 2019 | Posted in Lamenesses
Laminitis is one of the most dreaded equine diseases. Many horses affected by it eventually develop severe or chronic lameness. Dr. James Orsini, former director of the Laminitis Institute at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center, is well-acquainted with the disease.
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Increased Knowledge of the Equine Anatomy Can Help Farriers Improve Hoof Care

The choices farriers make in trimming and shoeing should take into account bones, tendons and other internal structures of the limbs
By Kristen Kubisiak posted on September 9, 2019 | Posted in Anatomy, Education
The choices farriers make when trimming and shoeing to achieve a certain result are going to have an impact on the entire equine limb and, at times, may result in unintended consequences. Understanding the anatomy of the equine limb beyond the hoof can help reduce the chances of a farrier’s action having an adverse reaction elsewhere. It can also improve the quality of communication among equine colleagues.
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Farrier Education: Heartland Horseshoeing School

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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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