American Farriers Journal is celebrating is 50th anniversary in 2025. Image: Jeff Lazewski

Editor’s Note: American Farriers Journal is celebrating its 50th anniversary and we’re reflecting on the relationships and partnerships we’ve forged, the milestones and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In the famed Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” protagonist George Bailey gets to see, via a dramatic intervention by an angel named Clarence Oddbody, what the world might have been like had he never been born. Hoof-care professionals share their thoughts on what the farrier industry would be like if AFJ never existed.

Without AFJ, the industry would probably be stuck in the past when farriers were more isolated and on their own. The Journals’ willingness to discuss industry issues like physical and mental health concerns helps to create a positive community that farriers can be a part of. AFJ is a strong source of education and support for many farriers and for other equine professionals.

— Nancy McLean, Columbia, Ill.

In my 34 years as a farrier, the American Farriers Journal has been a great resource. I think the AFJ has helped the industry by providing farriers many opportunities to learn from the top farriers in the world with articles and photos on many subjects. It’s also been great to see the newest products as they come along. Way before the internet connected farriers and events, the AFJ did. I think it’s made a very positive impact on the farrier world.

— Rick Denning, Chuluota, Fla.

Bragging rights. I often felt after reading through the texts, supplies, editor notes and innovations that I knew some current instructional things to share and so often rule out problems for a client or any assumption of not seeing the whole picture of their horse. This led to referrals and 5 and 6 generations of client progress. Then talking even more to others across the U.S, some bragging rights on certain local community habits (mostly because of climate or particular season) always give more people a sense of options to consider making good choices in new horizons.

— Allan J.D. Jaworski, Lubbock, Texas 

AFJ gave me a look at new techniques and products that I wouldn’t have seen or read about because in the mid-1990s when I started, the internet wasn’t in my area.

— Wes Fleisher, Franklin, W.Va.

I remember it was rough in the beginning, but we needed it, and it was a great thing for our industry.

— David Mackoff, Montpelier Station, Va.

I started my journey shoeing horses in 1979 and gaining knowledge from other farriers was nearly impossible. The American Farriers Journal put information out there that created conversation. We didn’t all agree with everything that was printed, but it allowed us to learn from others by listening to their point of view. I don’t know how long it would have taken for our industry to come together if not for the Journal. I still look forward to receiving mine. It has made a world of difference in the farrier industry.

— John Watkins, Rocky Mount, N.C.