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Articles by Doug Butler

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Horse Foot Balance is Verified

Scientific research easily defines and proves hoof balance is understood
By Doug Butler posted on December 4, 2022 | Posted in Anatomy, Education, Trimming

Recently it has become popular for some farrier and veterinary clinicians to speak of horse foot balance as “not easily definable,” “not well understood,” and even “controversial.” They apparently are unaware of the vast body of published empirical evidence and scientific research verifying the principles of balance. Or, they have chosen to ignore such and have a favorite shoe or technique they desire to sell that is based upon an unsubstantiated idea.


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How to Prepare for a Successful Career Shoeing Gaited Show Horses

What you need to know before ever picking up a foot
By Doug Butler and Lauren Faas posted on November 28, 2021 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds
Gaited show horses are a small niche within the horse industry, and shoeing them is equally so within the farrier industry. Before putting on an apron and picking up a foot, a farrier must understand the discipline, potential clientele and what is expected in the horses’ hoof care.
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What Horse Owners And Farriers Should Expect From One Another

The success of a hoof-care practice hinges on meeting expectations
By Doug Butler posted on November 29, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Education
Horse owners have many expectations of a farrier. Recognizing and positively acting upon horse owner expectations are critical aspects of building a successful farrier business. Ignoring those expectations will negatively affect a farrier’s ability to build a successful business.
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Book Notes

Try Three Styles of Interactive Learning to Expand your Skills

Essential Principles Of Horseshoeing, Foundation Guide To Sound Trimming And Shoeing
By Bob Smith and Doug Butler posted on September 1, 2012 | Posted in Business Practices
For hundreds of years, books on horseshoeing have followed a very similar format. The books have focused exclusively on the mechanical aspect of shoeing. Some reflect the author's passion for the forge while others focus on shoeing to overcome numerous gait and lameness issues.
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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

Life Data Labs Inc

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 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.
Smart Pak

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.
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