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American Farriers Journal

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September/October 2025

Volume: 51
Edition: 6

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

  • Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents

    Jeff-Cota-2023.jpg
    Foot Notes

    1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year, 1 Dream Come True

    By Jeff Cota posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds
    Eleven years ago, American Farriers Journal President Mike Lessiter shared one of his dream projects with the editors during an editorial planning session.
    He wanted to follow a horse for 1 year and chronicle the details of its hoof care over 8 issues within the pages of AFJ.
    Read More
    Open_Luikart P3_AFJ.jpg
    Trimming & Shoeing

    “Misguided Practices” are Damaging Horses’ Coffin Bones

    Keeping P3 closer to the ground increases the likelihood of morphology
    By Randy S Luikart posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Anatomy, Shoeing, Trimming
    I wrote an article in the late 1980s on the development of the third phalanx (P3) from a neonate to an adult of 3 years of age. That article went into the stages of morphological development from the dorsal surface to the cup on the bottom and the palmar processes (wing tips). That developmental process is dependent on the animal having a somewhat normal weight-bearing posture. Excessive, abnormal, or focused compression features should not exceed osmotic cellular pressures, ensuring that the growth period occurs in a timely and correct manner. This excessive compression process is similar to a tourniquet, bed sores or other pressure necrosis.
    Read More
    Open 1 Horse_Hind-foot-before-trimming.png

    A Year in the Life of a Horse

    An intimate chronicle of hoof care, training & partnership through a farrier’s eye
    By Esco Buff posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Nutrition, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming
    What does it truly take to support the health, soundness and performance of a horse over a full year? What happens to a hoof — and the horse it supports — across the changing seasons? Behind every graceful stride and subtle moment of trust lies a complex web of daily decisions, expert care and thoughtful management. The 1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year project is made possible by Triple Crown Nutrition.
    Read More
    Heel_and_Horn_2.jpg

    Farriery & the Equine Gut: How Nutrition Supports the Hoof

    Vitamins & minerals play key roles in growing strong, healthy hooves
    By American Farriers Journal Staff posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Nutrition
    The foot, its related structures and the role of biomechanics are often top of mind as hoof-care providers when assessing health and soundness. When managing laminitis or other pathologies, metabolic monitoring and veterinary teamwork come into play. Though, other aspects of equine health may not feel relevant to farriers.
    Read More
    F1ab_PerformanceLaminitis.png

    Understanding Laminae Strain in Sport Horses

    Recognizing & addressing performance-related laminar inflammation
    By Scott Lampert posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Lamenesses
    Laminitis is a term that can send shivers down the spine of any horse owner or equine professional. Historically associated with catastrophic hoof failure, career-ending lameness or even life-threatening consequences, the word alone carries weight.
    Read More

    Research Journal: September 2025

    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 August 19, 2025 | Posted in Diseases, Lamenesses
    • Owners Happy with Diabetes Drug for Laminitis
    • Tiludronate Safe for Bone Healing
    • Donkeys Get Underrun Heels, Too
    • Using 2.5% Polyacrylamide Hydrogel for Arthritis

    Read More
  • Featured Articles

    Featured Articles

    Jeff-Cota-2023.jpg
    Foot Notes

    1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year, 1 Dream Come True

    By Jeff Cota posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds
    Eleven years ago, American Farriers Journal President Mike Lessiter shared one of his dream projects with the editors during an editorial planning session.
    He wanted to follow a horse for 1 year and chronicle the details of its hoof care over 8 issues within the pages of AFJ.
    Read More
    F1ab_PerformanceLaminitis.png

    Understanding Laminae Strain in Sport Horses

    Recognizing & addressing performance-related laminar inflammation
    By Scott Lampert posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Lamenesses
    Laminitis is a term that can send shivers down the spine of any horse owner or equine professional. Historically associated with catastrophic hoof failure, career-ending lameness or even life-threatening consequences, the word alone carries weight.
    Read More
    Open_Luikart P3_AFJ.jpg
    Trimming & Shoeing

    “Misguided Practices” are Damaging Horses’ Coffin Bones

    Keeping P3 closer to the ground increases the likelihood of morphology
    By Randy S Luikart posted on August 19, 2025 | Posted in Anatomy, Shoeing, Trimming
    I wrote an article in the late 1980s on the development of the third phalanx (P3) from a neonate to an adult of 3 years of age. That article went into the stages of morphological development from the dorsal surface to the cup on the bottom and the palmar processes (wing tips). That developmental process is dependent on the animal having a somewhat normal weight-bearing posture. Excessive, abnormal, or focused compression features should not exceed osmotic cellular pressures, ensuring that the growth period occurs in a timely and correct manner. This excessive compression process is similar to a tourniquet, bed sores or other pressure necrosis.
    Read More
  • Digital Edition

    Digital Edition

  • Online Extras

    Online Extras

    Online Extras: September/October 2025

    August 20, 2025
    Web-exclusive content for this issue includes:
    • Gain more insight from Randy Luikart
    • A Year in the Life of a Horse Podcast
    • Gain more insight on nutrition and its role in healthy feet
    • Gain more insight from Dr. Jenny Hagen 
    • Comfort the Uncomfortable
    • Trimming Sport Horses

    Read More

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Equilox International

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.
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NC Tool

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