American Farriers Journal is celebrating its 50th anniversary of serving the hoof-care industry. Professionals from around the world share their insights into the important milestones, innovations and the role AFJ has played over the last half century. https://www.americanfarriers.com/rss en-us In the early days, the AFJ staff’s belief in me and my ability to write allowed me to push forward and publish over 100 AFJ articles, and eventually a textbook that dramatically changed our lives. AFJ staff’s belief in me and my ability to write allowed me to push forward and publish over 100 AFJ articles, and eventually a textbook that dramatically changed our lives.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14940 Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14940-my-farrier-business-would-have-stalled-without-afj 429_Heartland-Horseshoeing-School_JC_0723.jpg jcota@lesspub.com American Farriers Journal is celebrating its 50th anniversary and we’re reflecting on the relationships and partnerships we’ve forged, the milestones and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In the famed Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” protagonist George Bailey gets to see, via a dramatic intervention by an angel named Clarence Oddbody, what the world might have been like had he never been born. Hoof-care professionals share their thoughts on what the farrier industry would be like if AFJ never existed. American Farriers Journal is celebrating its 50th anniversary and we’re reflecting on the relationships and partnerships we’ve forged, the milestones and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In the famed Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” protagonist George Bailey gets to see, via a dramatic intervention by an angel named Clarence Oddbody, what the world might have been like had he never been born. Hoof-care professionals share their thoughts on what the farrier industry would be like if AFJ never existed.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14932 Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14932-afj-readers-share-their-what-if-story 001-002_Cover Gatefold_AFJ_1224_f(1).jpg American Farriers Journal and the companion International Hoof Care Summit have long provided a continuing link and a forum for exchanging ideas among practitioners of this highly skilled profession. American Farriers Journal and the companion International Hoof Care Summit have long provided a continuing link and a forum for exchanging ideas among practitioners of this highly skilled profession.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14918 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14918-elevating-hoof-care-education-for-an-isolated-trade Jeff-Thomason-892_SFL_Virginia_JC.jpg Frank Lessiter made American Farriers Journal the leading magazine. Dean Laux did a good job, with good covers and some good articles, but Frank elevated it a notch higher than anything else. American Farriers Journal the leading magazine. Dean Laux did a good job, with good covers and some good articles, but Frank elevated it a notch higher than anything else.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14917 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14917-american-farriers-journal-sets-a-high-bar Randy-Luikart_19_Indiana_JC_0424.jpg My first contact with Henry Heymering and American Farriers Journal was in early 1975. He had a great idea, but the first issues printed in Florida were rough and received some criticism from me and others, including the director of the surgical and consulting clinic of the veterinary hospital at Cornell University, where I was a graduate student. American Farriers Journal was in early 1975. He had a great idea, but the first issues printed in Florida were rough and received some criticism from me and others, including the director of the surgical and consulting clinic of the veterinary hospital at Cornell University, where I was a graduate student.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14916 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14916-american-farriers-journal-is-a-great-positive-effect-on-the-industry-i-love Doug-Butler.jpg What will the future hold? “It can be great if we prepare and do the right things. Talent combined with skill takes time and repetition,”  Doug Butler says. Doug Butler When I first walked into the farrier industry, I knew it would be challenging. The craft demanded patience, skill, and an understanding of both the science and artistry behind equine hoof care. But I didn’t expect how American Farriers Journal would shape my path. American Farriers Journal would shape my path.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14914 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14914-american-farriers-journal-is-a-mentor-in-written-form Cover-Gatefold_AFJ_1224_v3.jpg International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Steve Kraus explains the impact of American Farriers Journal on the trade. AFJ is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. American Farriers Journal on the trade. AFJ is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14912 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14912-video-american-farriers-journal-unifies-the-industry American-Farriers-Journal-Unifies-the-Industry.png Before Henry Heymering published the first American Farriers Journal, the only information you ever had was something you might’ve heard someone say. When you went to a clinic or event, nobody would speak to you unless you knew them. American Farriers Journal, the only information you ever had was something you might’ve heard someone say. When you went to a clinic or event, nobody would speak to you unless you knew them.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14910 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14910-farrier-isolation-crumbles-after-the-birth-of-american-farriers-journal bob-smith-ca-farrier.jpg When Henry Heymering came along with American Farriers Journal, that was the only thing that focused on hoof care. American Farriers Journal, that was the only thing that focused on hoof care.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14908 Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14908-afj-unifies-the-farrier-profession Steve-Kraus.jpg Gathering the correct information about the horse and client will allow farriers to make a good assessment on what is necessary for the job. Photo by Jeff Cota If American Farriers Journal had never taken off or faded out in the ’90s, the farrier industry would likely look and feel a lot different in several speculative ways. American Farriers Journal had never taken off or faded out in the ’90s, the farrier industry would likely look and feel a lot different in several speculative ways.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14905 Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14905-afj-elevates-farrier-professionalism 0737_IHCS_2018_LH_0118-2.jpg On one of our late evening telephone calls, when a few of us friends were kicking around the idea of the American Association of Professional Farriers, I asked Henry Heymering about his thoughts concerning another association. I was fascinated with his answer. http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14903 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14903-good-ideas-become-reality-when-combining-ideas-and-goals Dave-Farley.jpg jcota@lesspub.com After a day of shoeing, Henry Heymering huddled at his kitchen table in early 1975 putting together the first issue of American Farriers Journal. American Farriers Journal.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1/post/14902 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.americanfarriers.com/blogs/1-foot-notes/post/14902-what-if-american-farriers-journal-didnt-exist Henry-Heymering.gif lessitef@lessitermedia.com A willingness to share ideas with fellow hoof-care professionals is among the industry’s biggest accomplishments over the past 5 decades. http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14622 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14622-plenty-of-hoof-care-growth-in-50-years Cover-Gatefold_AFJ_1224_v3.jpg Adapt to the Demands of the HorseEmbrace Failure

Adapt to the Demands of the Horse

Embrace Failure

]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14623 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14623-lessons-learned-from-shoeing-for-a-living Comments from American Farriers Journal readers. http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14621 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14621-from-the-audience mkrueger@lessitermedia.com “There’s a difference between shoeing horses and putting shoes on horses,” says 2014 Rising Shoeing Star Diego Almeida, CJF (TE, EE, FE), AWCF. http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14619 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14619-rising-shoeing-stars-turned-shoeing-stars RSS-AFJ50_AFJ_1224_art.jpg American Farriers Journal catches up with four Rising Shoeing Stars: Diego Almeida, top left, Gary Gullo Jr., top right, Joe Nygren, bottom left, and Sam Zalesky, bottom right.  Selected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of American Farriers Journal, these 50 influencers and innovators — chosen by AFJ readers and staff — represent a diverse group of individuals who have made profound impacts on and contributions to the horseshoeing industry. American Farriers Journal, these 50 influencers and innovators — chosen by AFJ readers and staff — represent a diverse group of individuals who have made profound impacts on and contributions to the horseshoeing industry.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14618 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14618-50-hoof-care-influencers-of-the-last-50-years Do you think about the future? Many of my students seem to have given it very little thought when they arrive. Shoeing has a great future! http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14617 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14617-farriery-in-the-future Doug-Butler.jpg What will the future hold? “It can be great if we prepare and do the right things. Talent combined with skill takes time and repetition,”  Doug Butler says. Doug Butler At some point during the first couple of weeks I spent as an editor at American Farriers Journal, I asked a farrier if he could give me a simple definition of hoof balance. Over the years, I came to appreciate the fact that he kept a straight face as he answered me. American Farriers Journal, I asked a farrier if he could give me a simple definition of hoof balance. Over the years, I came to appreciate the fact that he kept a straight face as he answered me.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14616 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14616-hoof-cares-never-ending-journey Hall-of-Fame-farrier-Eddie-Watson.jpg Despite being well into his 80s, Hall of Fame farrier Eddie Watson, center, told the audience at the inaugural International Hoof-Care Summit, “I don’t know about you, but I’ve learned things this week that I’m going to use on Monday.” American Farriers Journal Hoof-Care Memories: Walt Taylor Simon Curtis Bob Smith Stuart Muir Hoof-Care Memories:

• Walt Taylor
• Simon Curtis
• Bob Smith
• Stuart Muir

]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14615 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14615-hoof-care-memories I nailed on my first set of horseshoes 60 years ago when I was 15 in 1964. It was on a kind gelding named Maverick at the summer horse camp that I attended. http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14614 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14614-the-evolution-of-horseshoes-and-tools-in-1-farriers-career Capewell-horseshoes.jpg When Mustad wanted to bring a horseshoe to the United States market, it promoted the general use patterns under its newly acquired Capewell brand. Steve Kraus lessitef@lessitermedia.com In the summer of 2003, American Farriers Journal (AFJ) announced a new outside-the-box” educational event and Trade Show, the International Hoof-Care Summit (IHCS), debuted in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the winter of 2004. http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14613 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14613-celebrating-2-decades-of-extraordinary-hoof-care-learning IHCS-24_art.jpg Over the 21-year history of the International Hoof-Care Summit, there have been 17,214 attendees coming from all 50 states and 50 nations. With the event’s 2025 move to Kansas City, this mid-America city has ranked near the top as an IHCS location in numerous IHCS surveys. Lewis Horn III International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF, of Chadron, Neb., shares his thoughts on the hoof-care milestones over the past half-century. http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14601 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14601-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-doug-butler Butler_8_1.jpg Kim Otterson of Motley, Minn., shares her thoughts on the hoof-care industry’s milestones as part of AFJ’s 50th anniversary. AFJ’s 50th anniversary.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14608 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14608-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-kim-otterson Brian Hyodo of Toronto, Ontario, shares his thoughts on the hoof-care industry’s milestones as part of AFJ’s 50th anniversary. AFJ’s 50th anniversary.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14606 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14606-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-brian-hyodo Brian Hyodo Gretchen Cardoso of McFarland, Wis., shares her thoughts on the hoof-care industry’s milestones as part of AFJ’s 50th anniversary. AFJ’s 50th anniversary.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14605 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14605-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-gretchen-cardoso Virgil Gluth of Scottsbluff, Neb., shares his thoughts on the hoof-care industry’s milestones as part of AFJ’s 50th anniversary. AFJ’s 50th anniversary.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14604 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14604-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-virgil-gluth Virgil Gluth.jpg American Farriers Journal Brand Manager Joanne Volkert shares her thoughts on working with the hoof-care industry as part of AFJ's 50th anniversary. American Farriers Journal Brand Manager Joanne Volkert shares her thoughts on working with the hoof-care industry as part of AFJ's 50th anniversary.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14603 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14603-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-joanne-volkert 366_IHCS 24_iphone ML.jpg Hall of Fame farrier Roy Bloom, CJF, APF-I, of Drummond, Wis., drills a rivet hole in a shoe during the 2024 International Hoof-Care Summit Trade Show. Source: Mike Lessiter At some point during the first couple of weeks I spent as an editor at American Farriers Journal, I asked a farrier if he could give me a simple definition of hoof balance. Over the years, I came to appreciate the fact that he kept a straight face as he answered me. http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14600 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14600-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-pat-tearney DSC_0094_1.jpg 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. American Farriers Journal's 50th anniversary.]]> http://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14598 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14598-reflections-on-hoof-care-milestones-over-5-decades-brian-rusnak Brian-Rusnak-1.jpg