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American Farriers Journal

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July/August 2018

Volume: 44

Edition: 5

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: What I Wish They’d Taught In Farrier School

By Frank Lessiter posted on June 25, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Education, Equipment

A few weeks back, we emailed a single question survey to a number of veteran farriers. We asked them to look back at their farrier school experiences and identify the one thing they wished they’d learned that would have helped their careers and would help new students get started on the right foot.
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Reader Commentary: July/August 2018

June 25, 2018 | Posted in Anatomy, Business Practices, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing

Regarding the loss of Danny Ward, it is hard to estimate the influence he has had, and will still have, on our profession — the profession that he helped shape. You couldn’t get enough of his enormous character. With his lifetime of service and good will in the horseshoeing industry, everyone knew of his dedication.

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Book Review

Equine Laminitis

By James K. Belknap and Raymond J. Goer

By Travis Burns posted on June 25, 2018 | Posted in Diseases, Therapeutic Shoeing

Renowned researchers James K. Belknap and Raymond J. Goer are the editors for the book Equine Laminitis, released in January 2017 by Wiley Publishing. This 472-page book is necessary for all equine practitioners, specifically all farriers, as well as equine veterinarians.
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Briefings: July/August 2018

June 26, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Education, Equipment, Safety & Healthcare

Legislation Aims To Ease Livestock Transportation Rules New legislation in the United States Senate aims to relax federal rules for transporting livestock, but it might not benefit the farrier industry.
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What's This? Rare Air

June 26, 2018 | Posted in Equipment

ANSWER: The Revere Rubber Co., which had operations in Boston, Mass., New York, N.Y., and Chicago, Ill., manufactured the Air Cushion Racing Pad for trotters, pacers, roadsters and light-driving horses.
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Always Consider What Affects The Hoof’s Shape

Dr. Simon Curtis reminds farriers that there are a multitude of factors that affect hoof shape — and should be considered when trimming and shoeing horses

By Jeremy McGovern posted on June 26, 2018

When working with horses, it is imperative for the farrier to mentally review aspects that affect the shape of the hoof. Some of these factors can be influenced by you as the farrier, while others are completely out of your control. All should be considered when trimming and shoeing the horse, as these factors will influence your decisions in maintaining its hooves.
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Shoeing For A Living

Waging The Battle Against Distortion

After 30 years as a farrier, Pennsylvania shoer Doug Neilson finds his everyday work has evolved by becoming more straight-forward in his approach

By Jeremy McGovern posted on June 26, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Trimming

Doug Neilson never set out to be an eventing farrier. He rode show hunters when growing up on Long Island, N.Y. After meeting his wife Ann in college, they married and lived in Delaware, where she came from.
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What Eventing Riders Want Farriers To Know

Educating clients about mechanics of the distal limb and appropriate hoof care is critical to a successful relationship

By Katie Navarra posted on June 26, 2018 | Posted in Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Lamenesses

Every farrier’s dream client is likely a lot like eventing competitor Savannah “Woodge” Fulton. As the daughter of farrier Steven Fulton, the 23-year-old rider experienced firsthand the relationship between farriers and clients when she was growing up.
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Beware of Equine Respiratory Disease Outbreaks

Recognizing and preventing the spread of illnesses help both horses and farriers

By Ron Perszewski posted on June 27, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Diseases, Safety & Healthcare

Moving from horse to horse and barn to barn, farriers are in a key position to recognize equine respiratory diseases, notify horse owners and take steps to help prevent the spread of such illnesses.
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Protecting The Barefoot Horse’s Feet

Two studies from Western Kentucky University explore how hoof boots help barefoot horses

By Mollie Nelson posted on June 27, 2018 | Posted in Education, Equipment, Safety & Healthcare, Shoeing

Although some would argue that going barefoot is more natural for the horse in the long run, the fact remains that barefoot horses still face many of the same health concerns that shod horses do — and perhaps are at greater risk for developing complications from walking on man-made or rough terrains. Yet when a client insists that their horse is better off barefoot, what can a farrier do?
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Strategies for Correct Biomechanical Function

English farrier discusses techniques to help horses compensate for conformational issues

By Wayne Preece posted on June 27, 2018 | Posted in Education, Lamenesses, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming

As farriers, we can use farriery and different farriery techniques to aid biomechanical function. But first, we must study the foot and understand form and function.
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Tool Prep Makes Your Job Easier

Investing just a few minutes to maintain your forging tools will save you time and frustration at the anvil

By Jeff Cota posted on June 27, 2018 | Posted in Equipment, Forging

Tools are manufactured to make a job easier. Yet, when tools aren’t properly maintained, efficiency and performance can suffer. Investing a little time to keep your tools tuned up will go a long way toward helping you at work or while competing.
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Help Your Backyard Horse Practice Thrive With These Business Tips

Farriers share their insights on establishing a successful clientele

By Heather Smith Thomas posted on June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing

Backyard horses comprise a significant portion of some farriers’ businesses and can be a very successful and profitable part if handled correctly. Prince Frederick, Md., farrier Patrick Quinn didn’t aspire to provide hoof care for backyard horses, but this is often the bread and butter of a farrier’s operation.
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Developing The Eye For Detail

Learn to observe greater detail in the equine foot by breaking it down into smaller parts and sketching it

By Ric Redden posted on June 28, 2018 | Posted in Education, Therapeutic Shoeing

I am constantly striving to find ways to teach my veterinarian and farrier students how to tune their eyes to observe the smallest details. Many years ago, I learned that the caveman mentality is still a great way to teach. Simply studying the many messages left on stone by our predecessors from thousands of years ago allows us to step into their bare footprints and visualize what their eyes were seeing.
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Thank You, Farriers

June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Shoeing

This year marks the 20th annual Farriers Week, a time we set aside to celebrate the farriers who have made a difference. We’ve received dozens of thoughtful tributes, and would like to share some of them with you here.
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Shop Talk: July/August 2018

June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Education

INDUSTRY NEWS The American Farrier’s Association (AFA) recently announced that Dechra Veterinary Products, creator of Osphos clodronate injection, has renewed its sponsorship for a second year for a series of five free regional hoof-care clinics.
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PAST Act Could Spur More Changes

If enacted, legislation could eventually change shoeing for more than Tennessee Walkers, Spotted Saddle Horses and racking horses

By Jeff Cota posted on June 22, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have introduced legislation that targets the practice of soring. If the bill becomes law, it will fundamentally change how farriers shoe Tennessee Walking Horses and could shift into other breeds and disciplines.
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From the AFJ Archives: July/August 2018

July/August 1982

By William Moyer posted on June 22, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing

1982 Article Overview Dr. Bill Moyer originally shared the ideas found in his article “Commentary On Racehorse Shoeing” at the 11th annual American Farrier’s Association Convention in 1982 in Valley Forge, Pa. When this article was published, he was on staff at the New Bolton Center in University of Pennsylvania. Moyer’s presentation and article both served to share his views on current and future shoeing methods for racehorses.
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Remembering Lee Liles

Members of the farrier community reflect on Lee Liles’ dedication, knowledge and friendship

June 22, 2018 | Posted in Education, Shoeing

Renowned farrier and member of the Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame Lee Liles passed away May 11, 2018, at the age of 68. He was well-known in the industry for founding and curating the National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools, which he started as a private collection and expanded into a source of knowledge for the entire farrier community.
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“Grooving” Away Hoof Cracks

An electrically-heated iron makes it easy to burn grooves into the hoof wall to halt the progression of cracks

By Bob Shirley posted on June 22, 2018 | Posted in Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

One of the things I’ve always feared is dealing with hoof cracks, specifically toe cracks. Conventional crack treatment usually requires frequent monitoring and additional follow-up repairs.
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Genetic Condition Triggers Hoof Problems

The Connemara Pony may present Hoof Wall Separation Disease, which can be avoided through breeding and managed through proper farriery

By Sarah Logie posted on June 30, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Therapeutic Shoeing

The Connemara Pony is an athletic, versatile equine with a kind and willing temperament. The breed is elegant, hardy and intelligent. A good example should show great agility and superb jumping scope. These attributes have made it one of the most popular United Kingdom native breeds.
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Research Journal: July/August 2018

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 June 30, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

Genetics Of Osteochondrosis It is widely agreed that osteochondrosis (OC) is a multifactorial problem with nutrition, environment and genetics all playing a role in its development. This retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the genetic component of OC and estimate its heritability in a population of Australian Thoroughbreds.
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Final Say

The Grass Is Always Greener

June 30, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices

Many farriers aspire to show the top level of sport horses and dream about shoeing in Wellington, Fla. Be careful what you wish for. There is a lot of stress that comes with this world.
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Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Shoeing For A Living

Waging The Battle Against Distortion

After 30 years as a farrier, Pennsylvania shoer Doug Neilson finds his everyday work has evolved by becoming more straight-forward in his approach

By Jeremy McGovern posted on June 26, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Trimming

Doug Neilson never set out to be an eventing farrier. He rode show hunters when growing up on Long Island, N.Y. After meeting his wife Ann in college, they married and lived in Delaware, where she came from.
Read More

Beware of Equine Respiratory Disease Outbreaks

Recognizing and preventing the spread of illnesses help both horses and farriers

By Ron Perszewski posted on June 27, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Diseases, Safety & Healthcare

Moving from horse to horse and barn to barn, farriers are in a key position to recognize equine respiratory diseases, notify horse owners and take steps to help prevent the spread of such illnesses.
Read More

Remembering Lee Liles

Members of the farrier community reflect on Lee Liles’ dedication, knowledge and friendship

June 22, 2018 | Posted in Education, Shoeing

Renowned farrier and member of the Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame Lee Liles passed away May 11, 2018, at the age of 68. He was well-known in the industry for founding and curating the National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools, which he started as a private collection and expanded into a source of knowledge for the entire farrier community.
Read More
Digital Edition

Digital Edition

For Digital Subscribers: Login To Your Digital Flipbook Of The July/August 2018 Issue

June 30, 2018

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 July/August 2018

June 25, 2018

Web-exclusive content for this issue includes:

Read how Pulaski, Tenn., farrier Stan Trimble demonstrates how he shoes Tennessee Walking Horses.

Read how Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., farrier Matt Lybeck shares a “cool” find — safety glasses that don’t fog up while forging.

Read more Farriers Week tributes to farriers from their clients, equine veterinarians and mentees.

Watch a panel of backyard farriers offer their advice for building a better practice.

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THIS MONTH'S DIGITAL SPONSORS:

Current Issue

American Farriers Journal

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

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Current Issue

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Special Report For Equine Veterinarians

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

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Must Read Free Eguides

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Farrier Education: Heartland Horseshoeing School

Farriery requires knowledge and skills to provide proper equine hoof care. In this series, sponsored by VICTORY, American Farriers Journal visits Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo. In this edition, Chris Gregory discussed his journey to becoming an educator, his focus in teaching farrier students and the state of farrier education.

Events

EMS (IR) and PPID: Diagnosis and Management (Part 1) Webinar

Date: 02/26/24

Location:

Metabolic Disorders in Horses Part I Webinar.

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Top Directory Listings

Life Data Labs Inc

Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.

Kawell USA

Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.

SmartPak

From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.

American Farriers Journal

July/August 2018

Table Of Contents

Featured Articles

Digital Edition

Online Extras

THIS MONTH'S DIGITAL SPONSORS:

Top Articles

Current Issue

Current Issue

Must Read Free Eguides

Videos

Events