Take a moment to look back on 2025. It’s impossible to start 2026 out on the right foot without knowing what worked and what didn’t in 2025. Maybe something unforeseen happened, a medical emergency or a major rig repair. How can you shore your finances against a repeat blow this year? Maybe you lost some clients or spent too much time in the shop. How can you regain a level footing between your personal and professional relationships this year? Would a financial or lifestyle change benefit you? What does that look like?

Maybe everything went perfectly right this year. Go knock on wood, pick up a rabbit’s foot and figure out how to build on that success in 2026.

Whether everything went right or only some of it did, it’s important to recognize each accomplishment while still finding something to learn from them.

This year at American Farriers Journal, we celebrated hosting another successful International Hoof-Care Summit in Kansas City, Mo., jam-packed with timely and in-depth sessions (and we’re excited for the next Summit, Feb. 3-6, 2026, in Covington, Ky.). Our second-annual Supply Shop of the Year award went to Oleo Acres Farrier & Blacksmith Supply in Littleton, Colo. We launched “1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year” with Hall of Fame farrier Esco Buff, a series that follows the hoof care of one horse, recognizing the unique and long-term challenges that come with caring for equines. We also announced Hall of Fame farrier Steve Kraus as our technical editor following his retirement from the Cornell University Farrier School. On top of that, we published a year of informative, straight-forward content to help farriers maximize their practices.

Here are 15 articles I enjoyed and that might help you succeed in 2026:

One thing I wish I’d done more of in 2025 is travel. Editor Jeff Cota and I spent a good amount of time on the road and in different parts of the country learning from farriers so we can bring you relevant and educational content that supports your practice. Still, I spent more time talking on the phone than in a barn! As we gear up for the 2026 Summit and plan for what comes next, I put together a list of some events to look forward to in the next few months.

Whether it’s professional or personal development you’re seeking in 2026, attending contests, clinics and other equine events can help you achieve your goals. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with day-to-day routines and obligations. Make sure you’re looking back at 2025 and recognizing where old patterns might need to change as we enter 2026. And don’t forget to acknowledge your wins — big or small — along the way.

Happy New Year!