American Farriers Journal

Take Advantage of Clinics as an Educational Tool

Sun, 31 May 2026 22:13:59 -0400

When much of your hoof-care education is coming from in-person events, it’s important that those events contain valuable information. Here, I’ve collected a few tips and tricks to demonstrate the value of getting out to your local clinic or contest.

Patrick Reilly Exemplifies Red Renchin’s Qualities

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

An independent, three-member panel that knew Red well has named Hall of Fame farrier Patrick Reilly the inaugural recipient of the Red Renchin Visionary Leadership in Innovation Award.

The Devil's in the Details of Farrier Education

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:55:04 -0400

Moving up through the stages of proficiency — like moving up a division at a horseshoeing contest — requires a skill shift. Small tips and tricks add up until suddenly you’ve built a skillset you didn’t have a year ago. What are your best farrier tips and tricks?

Luikart’s 60 Years of Hoof-Care Excellence

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Randy Luikart is a different breed of farrier. Few possess the Ashland, Ohio, shoer’s wealth of hoof-care knowledge and skills. Luikart is equally comfortable discussing the physics of equine movement as he is toolmaking. In short, Luikart owns his trade.

Why the World is So Difficult for Farriers

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

One of the most frustrating realities of being a farrier is that we are constantly judged for outcomes we do not fully control. We are working on living biological structures shaped by physics, physiology, posture, environment and management over time. We operate within the constraints of the horse in front of us, and the horse in front of us is a product of far more than just trimming.

Prepare for the Inevitable Injury

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

It’s not a matter of if, but when. Salem, Mo., farrier Parker Van Wyk was working on a bay horse’s right hind foot when it launched him into a cinder block wall. You might have seen the video making the social media rounds. The butcher’s bill included a lacerated liver, a collapsed and torn lung and bruised ribs.

Just Pick Up the Phone!

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400

An aversion to using the phone may often make it more difficult to effectively communicate with clients.

Real-Time Collaboration & Hoof-Care Content Generation Possible with AI Glasses

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:31:44 -0400

Meta's AI Glasses may be good for recording point-of-view videos and collaborating with peers in real time. Would you give them a try?

45 Years Later and We’re ‘Still the Same’

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Despite the founders’ complementary talents, there was no reason to think the business — with its untimely start with the ag depression of the 1980s — would ever see 45 years.

Helping a Proud Grandfather Celebrate a Milestone

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Back in November, a proud grandfather reached out to the American Farriers Journal team with a simple but heartfelt request. His granddaughter had just earned her farrier certification, and he wanted to give her a Christmas ornament to celebrate the milestone. There was only one problem — he couldn’t find a single female farrier ornament anywhere.

Florida Couple Create Outlet for Equine Professionals

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

It was a different world when Clayton Wilber started his career. Like many who broke into the hoof-care industry before 2000, the Oxford, Fla., farrier struggled to gain a foothold in his chosen trade. Comraderie and communication were foreign.

Ah, The Smell of Horse Manure

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Researchers at Japan’s Nagoya University and Gifu have a rather smelly idea to get people more involved in studying their cultural heritage.

Fort Huachuca’s Anvil Falls Silent

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

It’s the end of an era at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. The 4th U.S. Cavalry Troop B at Fort Huachuca is deactivating, and its horses will be retired during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.

An Editor’s Ramblings from the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Check out a few “Wow Factors” From International Hoof-Care Summit Attendees.

Why You Should Never, Ever ‘Bad-Mouth’ Other Farriers (Or Vets)

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In the footcare business, a good rule to follow is always avoid being critical of others’ work, even when the trimming, shoeing or veterinary work did not help the horse.

How the International Hoof-Care Summit is Structured for Your Success

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Over the past 23 years, the International Hoof-Care Summit has earned a reputation as the premier event for the best-in-trade practical and scientific take-home learning for farriers and equine veterinarians. This was accomplished with a time-tested yet unique format that is different than all other clinics, seminars and workshops.

U.S. Army Retains 2 Ceremonial Mounted Units

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Army is pulling back the reins on eliminating its mounted units.

Looking Back at 2025 & Forward Into 2026

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:00:15 -0500

Take a moment to look back on 2025. It’s impossible to start 2026 out on the right foot without knowing what worked and what didn’t this year. Here is some content from 2025 to take into the new year and some clinics and contests to keep in mind as you plan out your 2026.

Refill Your Continuing Education Tank at the International Hoof-Care Summit

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I’m so excited to make my way back to the Cincinnati area to attend the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit this coming Feb. 3-6. Will I see you there?

Tradition Vs. Traditionalism

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Tradition vs. traditionalism in farriery is one of those arguments that feels like a Sunday sermon wrapped neatly in barbed wire: everyone’s got an opinion, most of them loud, and half the congregation is convinced the other half is going to ruin horses, the industry, and probably Western civilization in the process.

Giving Thanks & Giving Back

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500

With Thanksgiving upon us and the holiday season knocking at the door, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on the year, our lives and what we’re thankful for.

Vets Share Farrier Tips to Stem EVM Spread

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

As equine events around the country have been cancelled because of the equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) outbreak, veterinarians are sharing biosecurity protocols to stop its spread.

Carrying On Oleo Acres’ Legacy

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Carrying on the family legacy of excellence, Rob took the reins in 2016 and has continued to improve Oleo Acres since.

Business Takeaways on Will Rogers: Who Never Met a Man He Didn't Like

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Being open to differing thoughts and viewpoints can lead to implementing new strategies and innovative technologies.

Shoeing Across the Country

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:27:25 -0400

This month, I was fortunate enough to learn valuable tips from farriers in Pennsylvania and Colorado.

Texas Shoer Aids & Abets Break N The Law’s Return to the Show Ring

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Peyton and his team were riding high 3 years ago. Competing under his pedigree name, Break N The Law, the sorrel Quarter Horse gelding is highly decorated with multiple championships, culminating in August 2022 with a National Snaffle Bit Association World Championship in Green Junior Trail.

Stay Informed & Ready for Fall Laminitis

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

For farriers, one of the scariest parts about Halloween might be an increase in fall laminitis cases.

California Farrier Featured on H3 Podcast

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:41:35 -0400

California hoof-care provider Dawn Jenkins branched out from her comfort zone to appear on the H3 podcast.

What if the Farrier Exemption is Abolished?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

One of the many benefits that attracts hoof-care professionals to practice the art and science of farriery is the freedom it offers. Yet, there’s a segment within the veterinary community — albeit a minority — who wish to wrest control of the trade from farriers.

Do Farriers Dream of Electric Hoof Care?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:17:48 -0400

I’m sure you’ve seen the AI videos of a disembodied hand trimming (I use that word loosely) a vaguely equine-looking foot with its leg pointing the wrong direction. Thankfully, there doesn’t yet exist a machine that can shoe your horse.