American Farriers Journal is completely devoted to proper hoof care. Web and print content provides news and tips for farriers about hoof care, forging, horseshoeing and farrier business advice. https://www.americanfarriers.com/rss/articles Sandy Beveridge creates the Farrier’s Globe to benefit cancer research. Sandy Beveridge creates the Farrier’s Globe to benefit cancer research.

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15570-a-hall-of-fame-farriers-global-fight-against-cancer http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15570 Stock up on water, electrolytes and fire up the fans. A heat wave stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast will subject half of the U.S. to “major” or “extreme” heat-related health issues, according to the National Weather Service. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15568-stay-cool-while-the-heat-is-on http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15568 Efficiency comes in many forms, including taking steps to maximize scheduling, control expenses and charge appropriately. Efficiency comes in many forms, including taking steps to maximize scheduling, control expenses and charge appropriately.

]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15543-measuring-up http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15543 The legal saga of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act continues with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruling for the third time that it is partially unconstitutional. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15539-fifth-circuit-rules-horseracing-law-partially-unconstitutional http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15539 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. 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.

]]> Sun, 31 May 2026 22:13:59 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15524-take-advantage-of-clinics-as-an-educational-tool http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15524 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. Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15509-patrick-reilly-exemplifies-red-renchins-qualities http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15509 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? 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?

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:55:04 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15503-the-devils-in-the-details-of-farrier-education http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15503 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. 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.

]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15483-luikarts-60-years-of-hoof-care-excellence http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15483 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. 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.

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15477-why-the-world-is-so-difficult-for-farriers http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15477 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. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15471-prepare-for-the-inevitable-farriery-injury http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15471 An aversion to using the phone may often make it more difficult to effectively communicate with clients. An aversion to using the phone may often make it more difficult to effectively communicate with clients.

]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15416-just-pick-up-the-phone http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15416 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? 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?

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:31:44 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15409-real-time-collaboration-and-hoof-care-content-generation-possible-with-ai-glasses http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15409 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. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15401-45-years-later-and-were-still-the-same http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15401 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. 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.]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15382-helping-a-proud-grandfather-celebrate-a-milestone http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15382 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. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15380-florida-couple-create-outlet-for-equine-professionals http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15380 Researchers at Japan’s Nagoya University and Gifu have a rather smelly idea to get people more involved in studying their cultural heritage. Researchers at Japan’s Nagoya University and Gifu have a rather smelly idea to get people more involved in studying their cultural heritage.

]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15374-ah-the-smell-of-horse-manure http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15374 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. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15373-fort-huachucas-anvil-falls-silent http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15373 Check out a few “Wow Factors” From International Hoof-Care Summit Attendees. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15367-an-editors-ramblings-from-the-2026-international-hoof-care-summit http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15367 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. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15359-why-you-should-never-ever-bad-mouth-other-farriers-or-vets http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15359 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. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15339-how-the-international-hoof-care-summit-is-structured-for-your-success http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15339 The U.S. Army is pulling back the reins on eliminating its mounted units. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15326-us-army-retains-2-ceremonial-mounted-units http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15326 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. 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.

]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:00:15 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15296-looking-back-at-2025-and-forward-into-2026 http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15296 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? Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15263-refill-your-continuing-education-tank-at-the-international-hoof-care-summit http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15263 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. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15259-tradition-vs-traditionalism http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15259 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. 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.

]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15243-giving-thanks-and-giving-back http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15243 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. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15233-vets-share-farrier-tips-to-stem-evh-spread http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15233 Carrying on the family legacy of excellence, Rob took the reins in 2016 and has continued to improve Oleo Acres since. Carrying on the family legacy of excellence, Rob took the reins in 2016 and has continued to improve Oleo Acres since.

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15214-carrying-on-oleo-acres-legacy http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15214 Being open to differing thoughts and viewpoints can lead to implementing new strategies and innovative technologies. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15216-business-takeaways-on-will-rogers-who-never-met-a-man-he-didnt-like http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15216 This month, I was fortunate enough to learn valuable tips from farriers in Pennsylvania and Colorado. This month, I was fortunate enough to learn valuable tips from farriers in Pennsylvania and Colorado.

]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:27:25 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15206-shoeing-across-the-country http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15206 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. Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/15204-texas-shoer-aids-and-abets-break-n-the-laws-return-to-the-show-ring http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/15204