Every decision made with the rasp, nippers, knife, shoe, pad or other appliance has the potential to change the relationship between the hoof capsule and the structures contained within that capsule.
The quest to define the ideal foot and ideal balance has been the Holy Grail of horseshoeing since the late 1800s when William Russell first coined the term “balance” in the context of footcare. The dilemma facing all books on the horse’s foot has been the concept of what is a “normal” foot.
More than 90% of American Farriers Journal readers report that they have backyard accounts. While performance horses draw much attention, the backyard horse is the backbone of the industry. We assembled a panel of farriers whose books contain a significant percentage of backyard horses. Mark Aikens of Norwich, England; Pete Healey of San Los Obispo, Calif.; and Dean Moshier of Delaware, Ohio, present their ideas covering the footcare and business of backyard horses. This fast-paced session allows each presenter 1 minute for each idea, so the presenters can cover as many ideas as possible in the time allowed.
Backyard horses are a staple of the farrier industry.
In fact, according to the latest American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey, 92% of U.S. farriers work with backyard horses.
There are safety factors all around us — ladders, bridges, elevators and a host of others. Safety factors tell us how much more load can put on a structure before it fails.
Proper management includes critical measurements that allow a farrier to position the breakover point to meet the functional needs of the horse throughout the shoeing cycle
After 20 years of horseshoeing, I believe farriers and horses would benefit if more emphasis was placed on the biomechanics of the hoof. That’s why, after consulting with other farriers and closely scrutinizing the horses I’ve worked on, I’ve come to define balance as the relationship of the hoof capsule to the coffin bone.
This exclusive series of American Farriers Journal reviews will help you select the latest videos and DVDs on shoeing techniques, hoof-care ideas and new products.
Breakover is a function of the equine foot. A chronic problem that we see in the clinic where I work is that the breakover of the hoof capsule is out of balance with the coffin bone at a given point in the shoeing cycle.
Oleo Acres Farrier and Blacksmith Supply owner Rob Michel walks viewers through the Littleton, Colo., warehouse. Inventory is organized with the customer in mind. If the product is in stock and easy to find, farriers can spend more time under a horse, which Michel says is more money in your pocket.
Brier Equestrian & Wellness Centre presents Foundations Clinic on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Fenwick, Nova Scotia. Hall of Fame farrier Ada Gates Patton is the clinician.
At Doc Foal's, we manufacture The Black Pads and The Black Pads PLUS (featuring embedded magnets and copper). Our hybrid pads work seamlessly with your choice of conventional horseshoe, combining metal for structure with polyurethane for exceptional comfort and shock absorption.
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We stock a wide range of high-quality products from trusted brands to ensure durability, performance, and reliability in every job you undertake. Our extensive inventory of horseshoe products and farrier tools means you can find everything you need in one place, saving you time and effort. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to providing excellent customer service, prompt shipping, and hassle-free returns.
Equilox International Inc. specializes in equine horse hoof adhesives. Developed in 1988 after many trials and extensive research at leading universities and equine centers throughout the U.S., the Equilox Adhesive Hoof Repair System was originally used to treat competitive horses. Now, Equilox Adhesive is used by farriers, equine centers, and horse owners — as well as various zoo and wildlife centers — throughout the world.