I recently read a tribute posted to Facebook about the late farrier Bob Skradzio. The International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member passed away more than 10 years ago, but is remembered by the countless farriers he impacted through his 60-plus years as a horseshoer. He was a link to industry history — one of the last to work street horses in an urban area who transitioned to a largely recreational riding practice.
The World Championship Blacksmiths awarded its 2020 title to Chris Madrid last month, but it’s worth recalling a tribute from the season. This story begins about 8 years ago when Waxhaw, N.C., farrier Dillon Crane was a young farrier shoeing with his father Jeff.
Contributions
Do you have a shoe or tool you would like to share or want more information about? Submit a photo of the item, as well as its history and how it was used to Kristen Kubisiak at kkubisiak@lessitermedia.com
In Memoriam, Massachusetts Farrier Creates Snow Pads to Bolster Cancer Research, World Championship Blacksmiths Concludes 14th Season, AAEP Honors Hall of Fame Veterinarian
“People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.” This quote by English writer Samuel Johnson is the heart behind this article. The majority of readers have a functional grasp of forging as it relates to shoeing horses. However, when a skill is not honed with the intent of understanding, small details often can be overlooked or forgotten along the way.
Farriery is in the Galli family blood. The family’s shoeing legacy dates back to Fondi, Italy, when blacksmith Orazio Savocchio immigrated to Millbrook, N.Y., in the early 20th century. He changed his name to Galli — another family’s name back in Fondi — because the longer name was difficult for non-Italians to spell or pronounce. His son Louis continued into the trade, later passing the torch to his son Paul. Fourth-generation farrier Justin Galli carries on the family tradition, following his father into the trade about 25 years ago.
Out of the blue, a client texts to say they’ve found another farrier. They may have a reason, whether good or bad, and explain to you why they’ve decided to switch farriers. Or you may never know why they made a change.
Horseshoe production has developed to a high level of quality and variety that’s unparalleled since the 1900s. The many companies that have emerged in the last 35 years, as well as the ease of manufacturing and importing shoes from all over the world, have enabled farriers to have unprecedented choices in our modern age.
Training your eye is one of the most important skills you will learn as a farrier. It’s also one of the skills for which time has no substitute. Fortunately, new and veteran farriers alike have a variety of measurement tools that can serve as a guide, whether you’re at a barn earning your living or at a competition honing your shoemaking skills.
When driving across several states to shoe horses, a farrier requires a reliable truck. Shelbyville, Ky., farrier Paul Human has counted on a 2005 Chevrolet C5500, which has logged more than 300,000 miles traveling across the seven states his clients reside. Because his practice combines traveling long distances and shoeing gaited horses, Human’s truck body also must fit his business.
For farrier Steve McConnell, the day his life changed started out like any other. One moment, the Waterford, Ontario, native was absorbed in the ordinary task of fueling his shoeing rig for the week; the next, he was drowning in a powerful vortex of emotions and memories he’d spent years trying to forget.
Farriers are well-acquainted with the phrase “no foot, no horse.” They understand probably better than anyone that strong, sound feet lay the groundwork for the overall health of the equine. Despite this understanding, farriers are often surprisingly unaware about their own footcare needs, and the adverse health effects that can result from poor shoe selection and fit as it relates to the farrier’s foot — the most significant being poor posture.
Life would be simpler if the definition of breakover, as it relates to horses, is as unambiguous as Merriam-Webster’s entry of breakover, as it relates to publishing. The dictionary describes breakover as, “the portion of a newspaper or magazine story continued on another page.” This leaves little room for interpretation.
“The information, ideas, and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture."
Whether at a convention, certification or contest, you can usually see Andy Darden with his red truck. I met him a few years ago at the first Forge of July in Shelbyville, Ky. He took the time to explain his tool making process, offered advice and shared the wisdom he’s earned over decades as a farrier and toolmaker to all who stopped by his truck.
“People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.” This quote by English writer Samuel Johnson is the heart behind this article. The majority of readers have a functional grasp of forging as it relates to shoeing horses. However, when a skill is not honed with the intent of understanding, small details often can be overlooked or forgotten along the way.
Farriery is in the Galli family blood. The family’s shoeing legacy dates back to Fondi, Italy, when blacksmith Orazio Savocchio immigrated to Millbrook, N.Y., in the early 20th century. He changed his name to Galli — another family’s name back in Fondi — because the longer name was difficult for non-Italians to spell or pronounce. His son Louis continued into the trade, later passing the torch to his son Paul. Fourth-generation farrier Justin Galli carries on the family tradition, following his father into the trade about 25 years ago.
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Let Calipers Be Your Guide Fairhope, Ala., farrier Daniel Jones shares his tips in a video about how to make the most of this important tool.
Badass Certified Rig Shelbyville, Ky., farrier Paul Human offers a video tour of the rig he relies on for efficiency in a Saddlebred shoeing practice that spans seven states.
The Breakover Debate International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member Mitch Taylor explains what creates the differing views about breakover in this video.
Horse Owner Survey ResultsAmerican Farriers Journal staff recently surveyed horse owners who had decided to change farriers within the last 3 years. The responses might surprise you.
In this episode, Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin, recalls Red’s relationships with area veterinarians, his legacy and the second career as American Farriers Journal’s technical editor.
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 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.
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.