For the farrier industry, the surge in equine activity was a business blessing to come out of COVID. While other business segments were negatively affected, the farrier industry largely has experienced a positive impact.
In the late 1800s, both state and federal laws emerged to protect animals in the United States. One such law passed in the 1890s required that horse drawn delivery carriages carry a spare horseshoe. In the case of a lost shoe, the driver — hopefully also competent in driving nails, too — could apply the shoe without shaping it.
Imagine walking into an old country store and there is a guy sitting around a pot-bellied stove. He looks up and says, “Hello! You must be new here. Whatcha do for a living, son? Horseshoeing? Well son, have a seat and lemme tell ya about horses, horseshoeing and blacksmithing!” This is the essence of Leonard Crotts’ book, Shoeing to Win, Memoir of a Master Farrier and Blacksmith.
Many farriers diversify their hoof-care practices across multiple disciplines. The disparity often leads to a variety of shoeing modifications that are incorporated into one’s everyday work, and Doug Corey is no exception.
Laminitis is a common hoof disease that often recurs, leaving the afflicted horse in debilitating pain. Although the malady can prove fatal, it also can be prevented or managed.
Developed in France during the 17th century, the shoe was forged to protect the heel from corns or bruising. However, the French didn’t call them corns. Rather, they were called onions — hence the name of the shoe.
Practicing at Tufts University in Massachusetts, equine veterinarian Kate Chope brings her expertise to the clinic’s ultrasound team. When challenged with understanding what is behind an equine limb injury, ultrasound is a valuable tool that can help the team determine the cause and arrive at a decision to best help the horse.
Mike Phillips’s original goal wasn’t to outfit his new work van. But after finding out how long he’d have to wait to have a manufacturer build and install the work, the South Salem, N.Y., farrier realized he’d have to do the build to have it ready for the beginning of the 2021 show season.
Bacterial and fungal infections are among the most prevalent hoof-care issues that farriers face. They also can prove frustrating to get under control, particularly when clients fail to follow through with treatment between farrier visits. There is an option that can help — copper.
Pads are a versatile and beneficial tool in a farrier’s arsenal. Although they are primarily used for protecting the bottom of the foot, pads can also provide concussion relief and enhance movement.
One of the more confusing aspects of selecting drill bits and taps is the variety of available coatings since the manufacturers provide little information about the coatings themselves. The issue is further confused by the wide range of quality of coatings of the same type, despite looking similar.
We have all owned “that” horse. You know, the one with poor-quality feet? Often, we have learned the phrase, “no foot, no horse” is very applicable to many of these horses and maintaining their soundness is a big problem.
Borium is a hard-facing rod that we weld to horseshoes to extend wear and/or adds traction, depending on how it is used. Borium is applied to the shoe with a torch using a technique called brazing. The rod contains carbide particles in various sizes depending on what size rod one uses.
As the adage goes, “A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife.” Just like any tool in our boxes, a well-made and well-maintained hoof knife will help us at the horse.
For those who have never used a coal forge in their daily work, especially in a mobile practice, there are a few things to know. It takes some time and effort to get a coal forge up to a nice even working heat.
The information, ideas, and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.
For the farrier industry, the surge in equine activity was a business blessing to come out of COVID. While other business segments were negatively affected, the farrier industry largely has experienced a positive impact.
Many farriers diversify their hoof-care practices across multiple disciplines. The disparity often leads to a variety of shoeing modifications that are incorporated into one’s everyday work, and Doug Corey is no exception.
Mike Phillips’s original goal wasn’t to outfit his new work van. But after finding out how long he’d have to wait to have a manufacturer build and install the work, the South Salem, N.Y., farrier realized he’d have to do the build to have it ready for the beginning of the 2021 show season.
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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.
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...
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.