Winter hung around longer for those of us in colder climates — and for many in some areas that typically don’t see springtime snow. With this issue of American Farriers Journal falling over late spring and early summer, many farriers likely are seeing an increase in work as hoof-care needs adjust.
What draws farriers to their calling? For many, simply the love of horses. There also is the draw of a career that lets you determine your path — something many professions forbid. And after acquiring enough knowledge and ability, the satisfaction that comes from having helped a horse improve.
Many disease pathologies that affect the equine hoof require intervention from a veterinarian and farrier team. In addition, a resection of hoof wall portions may be necessary.
Several disorders affecting the hooves can be an indication for a partial hoof wall resection. However, high risks and harmful side effects are associated with a loss of supporting hoof wall, so the hoof must be stabilized and protected to promote successful healing.
If you have attended any of my presentations, you know full well that I incorporate mathematics, trigonometry and physics into the explanations. My goal is to deliver a clearer and less disputable understanding.
It’s been said that some bank robbers in the old American West nailed horseshoes on backward in hopes of deceiving the law during their getaway. It’s unclear whether the strategy worked, but the bank robber shoe can provide a benefit to the horse in some therapeutic situations.
Every second counts in racing, even when the horse isn’t on the track. Vero Beach, Fla., farrier Tom Curl and Pleasant Grove, Calif., farrier Leah Clarke know this well after repairing quarter cracks on top racehorses and show horses across the country.
Miguel Vasquez doesn’t pretend to be a professional fabricator. Although it isn’t his career, the Grand Rapids, Mich., farrier enjoys learning the skill set through taking on tough projects. When it came time to launch his full-time shoeing business, he found a challenging fabrication project in building a new trailer.
As I reached out to open the door of the nondescript building, it opened in my face. A man, the spitting image of Hoss Cartwright (think of the TV show Bonanza, for those under 50), down to the 10-gallon hat, fished about a half ounce of chaw from his lower lip, deposited it neatly on the winter-bare ground and said, “Come on in!”
The information, ideas, and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Winter hung around longer for those of us in colder climates — and for many in some areas that typically don’t see springtime snow. With this issue of American Farriers Journal falling over late spring and early summer, many farriers likely are seeing an increase in work as hoof-care needs adjust.
What draws farriers to their calling? For many, simply the love of horses. There also is the draw of a career that lets you determine your path — something many professions forbid. And after acquiring enough knowledge and ability, the satisfaction that comes from having helped a horse improve.
Many disease pathologies that affect the equine hoof require intervention from a veterinarian and farrier team. In addition, a resection of hoof wall portions may be necessary.
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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.