Forging

Footcare & Farrier Business Insights

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Each week our editors will bring you data we collected in our American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey. Check back weekly for our latest update.

Troy Wood Wins the 2026 World Championship Blacksmiths Season Opener

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The World Championship Blacksmiths kicked off its 20th season with its 2025 National Champion picking up where he left off.

Team WCB Takes Home 2026 World Horseshoeing Classic Win

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:09:24 -0400

The 2026 World Horseshoeing Classic concluded March 14, 2026 at Sweet Dixie South in Reddick, Fla.

How Does Your Business Compare? Take the Farrier Business Practices Survey Today

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:43:34 -0500

American Farriers Journal needs your help in assessing the state of the farrier industry. Take the confidential Farrier Business Practices Survey today. Responses close March 15, 2026.

Hands-On Learning & Growing from Failure Help Shape Young Farriers

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Peyton, Colo., farrier Chase Rutledge uses hands-on techniques to help his students learn and grow. He also emphasizes that failure is a necessary and important part of the learning process.

American Farriers Journal’s Best of 2025

mbrusnahan@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

It’s hard to believe 2025 has already flown by, and as we look back, we’re grateful for the remarkable farrier community we have the privilege of serving every day.

Forage First: The Forgotten Foundation of Equine Nutrition

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Clair Thunes of Clarity Equine Nutrition in Gilbert, Ariz., explores why forage, comprising the vast majority of a horse’s natural diet, is the true foundation of equine nutrition and a critical driver of hoof quality, metabolic stability and overall health.

World Championship Blacksmiths Announce 2025 National Champion

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

The 2025 World Championship Blacksmiths National Championship was held Dec. 3-6, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Drilling & Tapping Horseshoes for Studs

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this short video, International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Roy Bloom demonstrates how to drill and tap horseshoes.

Horseshoeing & Equine Veterinarian Halls of Fame Elect 6 New Members

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Six hoof-care professionals are set for induction into the International Horseshoeing and Equine Veterinarian Halls of Fame in early February at the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit in the Cincinnati Metro Area.

Improving Your Forging Skills, Craftsmanship & Competitive Edge

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Bismarck farrier Allan Voeller shares how mastering forging skills and craftsmanship can elevate your competitive edge and improve horses’ hoof health.

American Farrier's Association Announces Team Trials Results

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:27:33 -0500

The American Farrier’s Association announced the results of the 2025 American Farriers Team trials.

Nigel Fennell Anvil Demonstration at Amsterdam Farrier Supply Clinic

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

At the Amsterdam Farrier Supply clinic on Saturday, Oct. 4, Nigel Fennell emphasized that there are only six different moves on the anvil — from which all shoes are made.

American Farriers Team Finishes First in Gas Forging

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

The AFT finished first in gas forging and fifth overall with a score of 386.20. Garrett Stark finished third in the reserve class and the apprentice team finished second overall with a score of 34.80.

World Championship Blacksmiths Announce 2025 Champion

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:59:01 -0400

World Championship Blacksmiths announced British farrier Steven Beane as the winner of the 2025 Spruce Meadows competition.

Success Relies on Knowing the Basics

jcota@lesspub.com — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:29:41 -0400

Learn some forging tips from American Farrier's Association president Hank Chisholm that will benefit farriers, regardless of experience.

Veteran Farriers Offer Advice to Horseshoeing Graduates

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

American Farriers Journal gathered advice from your peers to share with you in your first year after horseshoeing school

Shoeing the Draft Horse

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

There are a number of farriers who are somewhat reluctant to shoe a draft horse. This could be due to a variety of reasons not the least of which is the lack of training and experience.

A Wee Bit O' Scotland ... in Nevada

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Edward Martin was putting on his chaps and speaking to the fifty-five farriers surrounding him. They had come to Gardnerville from Oregon, Arizona, California, and Idaho to watch this man — a living legend — work the fire.

2025 Farrier Business Practices Survey Dependent on Readers Like You

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:12:19 -0500

The Business Practices Report assesses national and regional farrier trends to bring you insights that improve your business and footcare work. Take the survey by March 2, 2025.

Stan Mullen Repeats as WCB National Champion

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Stan Mullen wins the World Championship Blacksmiths National Championship for the second consecutive year.

Reflections on Hoof-Care Milestones Over 5 Decades: Gretchen Cardoso

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Gretchen Cardoso of McFarland, Wis., shares her thoughts on the hoof-care industry’s milestones as part of AFJ’s 50th anniversary.

Reflections on Hoof-Care Milestones Over 5 Decades: Brian Rusnak

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Brian Rusnak of Hay Lakes, Alberta, shares his thoughts on the hoof-care milestones over the past half-century as part of the American Farriers Journal's 50th anniversary.

Reflections on Hoof-Care Milestones Over 5 Decades: Dick Mansmann

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Famer Dick Mansmann, VMD, PhD, of Chapel Hill, N.C., shares his thoughts on the hoof-care milestones over the past half-century.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make a Hospital Plate

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Horses in the service of police departments, such as those I shoe in Israel, require sole protection from various objects and weapons that could cause significant harm. The package described below is similar to a hospital plate. While most farriers do not provide hoof care for mounted police officers, this step-by-step demonstration can easily be incorporated into your footcare practice.

Shop Talk: March 2024

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

International Forging Competition Entries Open
Kerckhaert Acquires Save Edge, will continue manufacturing in Ohio
Plus Industry News...

Entries for the 2024 Blacksmith World Championships Open

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

World Championship Blacksmiths is accepting entries for the 2024 Blacksmith World Championships at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta.

[Video] Forging Trailers and Using a Hot Cut on Keg Shoes

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Social Circle, Ga., farrier Lucas Gilleland, CJF, and Blacksburg, Va., farrier Paul Papadatos, CJF (TE), ASF, DipWCF, demonstrate how to forge trailers and use a hot cut on a keg shoe to American Farrier’s Association certification standards.

[Video] Forging Extended Heels on a Keg Shoe

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Social Circle, Ga., farrier Lucas Gilleland, CJF, and Blacksburg, Va., farrier Paul Papadatos, CJF (TE), ASF, DipWCF, demonstrate how to forge extended heels on a keg shoe to American Farrier’s Association certification standards.

Stan Mullen Wins the World Championship Blacksmiths 2023 Season Opener

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Stan Mullen took home top honors Sunday, April 16, as the World Championship Blacksmiths kicked off its 2023 season at the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wis.