Items Tagged with 'symmetry'

ARTICLES

Duckett Vs. Russell

Similar or not, comparing the hoof balancing ideas William Russell used almost 100 years ago and those advocated today by David Duckett have resulted in considerable confusion

By Matthew Taimuty posted on September 2, 2026 | Posted in Shoeing

With today’s keen interest in hoof mapping that offers external hoof landmarks to explain the location of a hoof’s internal anatomy, the American Farriers Journal staff decided it was time to share the extraordinary Dave Duckett vs. William Russell article that appeared in the March 1999 issue.

Preparation is Key to Rebuilding Walls

New York farrier provides his insights into making the best of a tough task

By Jeff Cota posted on December 28, 2015 | Posted in Anatomy, Diseases, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

Rebuilding hoof wall is no small task. There are a number of things that can, and often do, happen to make the job even tougher than it already is.

Preventing And Addressing Hoof Flares

Identifying and correctly managing deformations are critical to keeping horses sound

By Audrey Pavia posted on November 30, 2015 | Posted in Education, Diseases, Lamenesses, Trimming

Hoof flare is one of the most common issues facing farriers today. Yet as often as it’s seen, hoof flare is also potentially crippling to the horse. Recognizing hoof flare and treating it can be crucial to keeping your clients’ horses healthy and sound.

The Effect of Laterality on Shoeing and Trimming

Horses tend to favor one side over the other, which has implications for hoof care and the farrier

By Simon Curtis posted on January 1, 2012 | Posted in Anatomy, Diseases

Laterality is the term used to describe any animal’s propensity for using one side of the body predominantly and the preference for one limb over the other opposing limb. Put simply, we can call it “one-sidedness.”

Farrier Tips

Farrier Role Is Critical in a Horse's Soundness

August 13, 2011 | Posted in Anatomy

Getting the farrier involved with finding ways to balance a horse's joints is just as essential as balancing the foot.

Common Hoof Beliefs — Uncommon Measurements

Digital imaging and measuring software present a challenge to six farriery adages

By John Craig posted on May 1, 2005

Humans seem to be drawn toward simplifying rules of thumb in all aspects of life. In farriery, such rules of thumb tell us that certain aspects of the hoof should be "balanced 50-50" or "align in a straight line" or "should be parallel." Whether or not there are careful measurements to back up such statements, such assertions have a certain allure and "sound right" to many people. After a while, such beliefs become second nature to many practitioners.

Fault Piled On Fault May Make Long-Toe, Low-Heel Syndrome Worse

Combination of biological, environmental and shoeing factors may be the culprit

By Richard A. Mansmann posted on December 1, 2004 | Posted in Lamenesses

Conformation has always been seen as an important factor in evaluating the athleticism of a horse and possibly the prevention of lameness problems. But conformational problems alone may not be responsible for the development of bad cases of long-toe, low-heel syndrome.

Making Sense Of Hoof Balance

Several theories and models are available, but knowing which principles to choose and when to use them can make the difference between soundness and lameness

By Ron Perszewski posted on September 1, 2004 | Posted in Anatomy

Farriers understand the need to balance every foot they trim, yet hoof balance might be one of the least understood concepts in shoeing.

Understanding Balance In Relationship To Movement

Horseshoe developer says the interplay of these concepts is key to a horse being shod correctly

By Gordon C. Haight posted on December 1, 2003 | Posted in Anatomy, Therapeutic Shoeing

Horseshoeing is often practiced without regard for the individual horse’s conformation and without examination of his manner of movement.

Whose Leg Is It Anyway?

Instead of paired front feet, think in terms of diagonals

By Scott Brock posted on December 1, 2002 | Posted in Shoeing

In my travels and years of shoeing horses, I’ve worked with at least 100 shoers.

Videos

Organized & Efficient to Better Serve Farriers w/Oleo Acres: 2025 Supply Shop of the Year

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.

Events

The Smart Way to Feed Horses - Part 1

Date: 09/08/26

Location: CO

Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners are hosting a two-part webinar, The Smart Way to Feed Horses. The clinician is Carol Layton.

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Top Directory Listings

Doc Foal's | The Black Pads

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. Designed as a...

Sunrise Farrier Supply

We are here to support you.

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

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.