March 2016

American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.

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Table Of Contents

Table Of Contents

Frankly Speaking: Looking To Broaden The Farrier’s Role In Research

By Jeremy McGovern posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Education

Farriers already are conducting research — they just don’t realize it, according to Dr. Renate Weller. At the 2013 International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, Weller explained that farriers conduct research with each horse.
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Briefings March 2016

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Education, Diseases, Lamenesses, Nutrition

Memory Foam Orthotic Can Comfort Horses

Ethylene-vinyl acetate — better known as memory foam — is noted for its softness and flexibility. Manufacturers use it for mattresses, pillows and shoe liners to provide comfort and support for human consumers. Lake Elmo, Minn., farrier Scott Lampert uses them for the same reasons with horses by placing a lightweight memory foam pad under a foot.

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Letterbox: March 2016

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Education

“It isn’t the qualification that creates the professionalism or ability, but the character of the worker ...”
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Shoeing for a Living

Horseshoeing’s Engineering Puzzle Charms Finger Lakes Farrier

Kirk Smith enjoys the challenge of balancing the horse’s system of levers and pulleys

By Jeff Cota posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Education, Equipment, Forging, Diseases, Lamenesses, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming

Horses have been a staple in Kirk Smith’s life long before he started shoeing horses in Freeville, N.Y.

He always had horses while growing up in the small farming town of Clark in northeastern South Dakota. He cut his teeth working cattle part-time as a high school student and later during his summer breaks while attending Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Along the way, he broke and trained horses.

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Attendees Marvel At The “Strongest Summit To Date”

Footcare professionals enjoy 4 days of “priceless” education

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Education, Equipment, Diseases, Lamenesses, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming

A record number of footcare professionals invaded Cincinnati, Ohio, for the 13th annual International Hoof-Care Summit for the sole purpose of “Working Together For Healthy Hooves.”
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IHCS Photo Album

Another Year, Another Record Crowd To Improve Equine Footcare At The International Hoof-Care Summit

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Education, Lamenesses, Nutrition, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming

Each year, the International Hoof-Care Summit continues to grow and 2016 is no exception.
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Key Points for Managing Laminitis

At a winter clinic, farrier Travis Burns reviews options available and the critical need to adhere to principles of treatment

By Jeremy McGovern posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Diseases, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

When encountering acute or chronic laminitic cases, the best possible outcome relies on a team consisting of the horse owner, husbandry staff, veterinarian and farrier. Every case is different, yet the principles remain the same.
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When is Something a True Innovation Vs. a Fad?

In the absence of hard scientific data, hoof-care professionals must turn to critical thinking

By Pat Tearney posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Education

Many veteran farriers still recall the days when some of their colleagues kept what they’d learned about hoof care under lock and key. Stories are still told about a horseshoer packing up his tools and leaving a barn, rather than take a chance that a newcomer might learn any of his hoof-care secrets.
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Six Honored For Lifetime Contributions To Hoof Care

Three farriers and three veterinarians are inducted into Halls Of Fame for their life-long achievements in the footcare field at the International Hoof-Care Summit

By Jaime Elftman posted on March 7, 2016

Three farriers and three veterinarians were honored for their outstanding careers in equine footcare during Hall Of Fame induction ceremonies at the 13th annual International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Farriers Recognized As Future Footcare Leaders

Three farriers were honored at the 2016 International Hoof-Care Summit for making remarkable progress in their footcare careers just 3 years out of shoeing school

By Amy Johnson posted on March 7, 2016

In 2009, American Farriers Journal joined six industry suppliers to create the Rising Shoeing Star award to be given out each year at the International Hoof-Care Summit. This award is presented to three farriers who have made incredible professional progress within 3 years of graduation from farrier school.
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Watching The Horse At Work

Observation offers valuable trimming and shoeing insights

By Christy Corp Minamiji, DVM posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing, Trimming

Reiner, jumper, trotter, racing Thoroughbred, trail horse — each has a unique stride that places distinct stresses on the foot.
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Success with Show Horses Demands Managing the Schedule

Managing the schedule of show horses requires careful planning and thorough communication with the footcare team

By Tim Shannon posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds

For about 20 years, I have worked at busy 3-day eventing, endurance, dressage and driving barns. These barns range in size from a half-dozen to 3 dozen horses. Over the years, I’ve developed a strategy for managing show barns that fits most disciplines, regardless of size.

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Getting Better Results With Hospital Plates

Various insights on using hospital plates can help improve your chances for success when the need arises

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Equipment, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

As a tool in a farrier’s arsenal for addressing hoof-care issues, hospital plates are like fire extinguishers — they are seldom used, but you are glad to have them as an option when needed. Also like fire extinguishers, incorrect or ineffective application of hospital plates could lead to disastrous outcomes.

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Shop Talk: New Hampshire Supply Shop Owner Accepts Presidential Appointment

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Business Practices

After providing farrier supplies for more than 2 decades, Bruce Cilley is temporarily stepping back from his duties at Horseshoes Plus in Barrington, N.H., to fulfill a presidential appointment.
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Hygiene Considerations for the Farrier

In the already dangerous profession of farriery, pests and bacteria present additional threats to your well-being

By Drew Morales posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Clients, Safety & Healthcare

One of the many attractive qualities of being a farrier is working outside with animals on a daily basis. While this is an enviable part of our profession, being outdoors with animals does expose us to potential job-related health risks. Farriers are subjected to a high volume of insects, bacteria and problems associated with each. The day-to-day interaction with horses can be a breeding ground for health-related issues if proper hygiene is not adhered to.
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Boost Your Practice By Adding Perceived Value

Enhance your business and bottom line by providing services that cost you little

By Shane Westman posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Education

There is a term in business that garners much attention and research by any company, big or small. As consumers, we are all subject to it and influenced by it when making our buying decisions.
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Improve Your Tool Efficiency

Proper care and use will make your job easier and boost your bottom line

By Jeff Cota posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Equipment, Forging

The earliest evidence of human cultural behavior is the manufacture of tools. Early man was developing tools to make tasks easier for at least 2.6 million years. Oldowan tools — the oldest-known stone tool industry — have been unearthed throughout Africa with the oldest found in Gona, Ethiopia.

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Spotlight On Hoof Care: Clinic Stresses Forging And Modifying Shoes For Efficiency

English farrier Jon Atkinson walked attendees at the Well-Shod clinic in Amarillo, Texas, through his process for forging and modifying shoes

By Jaime Elftman posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Education

Sometimes, the key to learning to make a new kind of shoe is as simple as understanding the measurements.
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Research Journal March 2016

The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.

By Albert Kane posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Diseases, Lamenesses

Researchers in Canada used cadaver limbs to study the effects of hoof angles and loading patterns on joint surface contact areas in the fetlock. Eight limbs from Standardbred horses that died for reasons unrelated to this study were fitted into a mechanical pendulum device to simulate hoof strike at a trot. Strips of pressure-sensitive film were placed across the joint surfaces inside the fetlock to measure contact areas, and the limb was loaded while simulating flat, toe-first and heel-first landings.
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Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Shoeing for a Living

Horseshoeing’s Engineering Puzzle Charms Finger Lakes Farrier

Kirk Smith enjoys the challenge of balancing the horse’s system of levers and pulleys

By Jeff Cota posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Education, Equipment, Forging, Diseases, Lamenesses, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming

Horses have been a staple in Kirk Smith’s life long before he started shoeing horses in Freeville, N.Y.

He always had horses while growing up in the small farming town of Clark in northeastern South Dakota. He cut his teeth working cattle part-time as a high school student and later during his summer breaks while attending Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Along the way, he broke and trained horses.

Read More

IHCS Photo Album

Another Year, Another Record Crowd To Improve Equine Footcare At The International Hoof-Care Summit

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Education, Lamenesses, Nutrition, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming

Each year, the International Hoof-Care Summit continues to grow and 2016 is no exception.
Read More

Frankly Speaking: Looking To Broaden The Farrier’s Role In Research

By Jeremy McGovern posted on March 7, 2016 | Posted in Education

Farriers already are conducting research — they just don’t realize it, according to Dr. Renate Weller. At the 2013 International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, Weller explained that farriers conduct research with each horse.
Read More
Digital Edition

Digital Edition

For Digital Subscribers: Login To Your Digital Flipbook Of The March 2016 Issue

March 7, 2016

Now view magazine-like digital flipbooks on your desktop and tablet. Starting in 2015 issues, included for FREE with your Digital or Premium subscription, view the magazine on your laptop, tablet, and mobile device. You need to be logged in to view.
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Online Extras
Online Extras
Online Extras: March 2016 Issue

March 7, 2016

Web-exclusive content for this issue includes:

Video of farrier Kirk Smith forging concave shoes.

Advice from a farrier/vet on modifying hoof boots to address chronic laminitis.

2016 International Horseshoeing & Equine Veterinarian Hall Of Fame induction videos.

Farrier insight on hospital plates.

World Health Organization's guidelines for hand washing.

Jon Atkinson's guide for calculating the measurements of surgical shoes.

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Shoeing For A Living

[Video] Forging Concave Shoes At The Horse

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Forging

Freeville, N.Y., farrier Kirk Smith explains the benefits he gains by forging most every shoe at the horse with concave stock.
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Web-Exclusive Feature

Gluing Shoes To Hoof Boots To Treat Chronic Laminitis

Modifying hoof boots to accept handmade or commercial shoes can improve the outcome for chronically laminitic horses that present a variety of needs.

March 9, 2016 | Posted in Equipment, Diseases, Therapeutic Shoeing

Modifying hoof boots to accept handmade or commercial shoes can improve the outcome for chronically laminitic horses that present a variety of needs.
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2016 International Horseshoeing & Equine Veterinarian Hall Of Fame Inductions

Video tributes of the 2016 class of inductees into the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame and International Equine Veterinarian Hall Of Fame

February 9, 2016 | Posted in Education

Video tributes of the 2016 class of inductees into the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame and International Equine Veterinarian Hall Of Fame
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Web-Exclusive Article

More Advice On Using Hospital Plates

Farriers share quick tips on using this therapeutic protection device.

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Equipment, Therapeutic Shoeing

Farriers share quick tips on using this therapeutic protection device.
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Web-Exclusive Feature

Mom’s Advice Still Best in Barn Hygiene

To reduce the risk of infections, wash your hands after every horse.

March 7, 2016 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

To reduce the risk of infections, wash your hands after every horse.
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