Nutrition

Footcare & Farrier Business Insights

Wed, 03 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.

Research Journal: May/June 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Botox for Laminitis, not Wrinkles
Mortality & Factors Associated with Cushing’s Disease
Maggots for Wire Cuts
AI for Gait Analysis of Endurance Horses

International Hoof-Care Summit Welcomes Platinum Performance as a 2027 Gold Level Educational Partner

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

The International Hoof-Care Summit is proud to announce Platinum Performance as a Gold Level Educational Partner for the Jan. 26-29, 2027, event set to take place in Covington, Ky.

Farrier Takeaways: March 2026

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

Read key farrier takeaways from several of the features found in the March 2026 issue of American Farriers Journal.

Injection Improves Jackson’s Heel Pain

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

Pharmacology provides relief after mechanical limitations are reached

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.

International Hoof-Care Summit Highlights: Feb 3-4

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:28:46 -0500

Missing the Summit? Check in here for a recap of the first two days of the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit.

Radiographs Lead to a Simplified Reset

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Jackson’s joints no longer tolerate mechanical influence. Meaningful progress often doesn’t come from doing more, but from understanding when less is enough by respecting physiological limits and responding thoughtfully to feedback.

Farrier Takeaways: January/February 2026

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Read key farrier takeaways from several of the features found in the January/February 2026 issue of American Farriers Journal.

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.

Pain & the Equine Orthopedic Patient

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A farrier’s role in identifying & evaluating discomfort in horses

Chewy Acquires SmartEquine

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:48:50 -0500

Chewy, a household name in pet food, supplies and healthcare, announced it has acquired SmartEquine, which recently rebranded from SmartPak in July 2025.

How Nutrition Impacts the Hoof

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:38:30 -0400

Hoof growth is influenced by age, breed, genetics, metabolic rate, exercise, external temperature, environmental moisture, illness, trimming and shoeing. In addition, a balanced diet with the necessary vitamins, minerals and protein are vital for strong, healthy hoof horn.

Farriery & the Equine Gut: How Nutrition Supports the Hoof

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

A Year in the Life of a Horse

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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? This installment of the 1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year project was made possible by Triple Crown Nutrition.

An Overview of Essential Nutrients for Hoof Health

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In the same way humans can be positively or negatively affected by the food we eat, so can horses. And it can have a big impact on hoof health.

AFJ Presents Groundbreaking Hoof-Care Journey with Hall of Fame Farrier & Triple Crown

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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 quiet moment of trust lies a complex web of daily decisions, expert care and thoughtful management.

SmartPak Rebrands as SmartEquine

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:58:19 -0400

SmartPak is changing its name to SmartEquine, the company announced July 23, 2025.

Research Journal: July/August 2025

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Researchers Explore the Digital Cushion
How Endurance Horses Fare in Nutraceuticals Trial
Cisplatin Could Cause Laminitis
Polyacrylamide Gel for Arthritis

Farnam Unveils Brand Vision

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Farnam, part of the Central Garden & Pet Company portfolio, introduces a revitalized brand identity that honors its 75-year legacy while boldly stepping into the future.

Thinking Outside the Box in Farriery

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Let’s get one thing straight — our job isn’t just to make the hoof look pretty or prevent a horse from limping around like it’s in a bad Spaghetti Western.

Reflections on Hoof-Care Milestones Over 5 Decades: Virgil Gluth

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

Virgil Gluth of Scottsbluff, Neb., shares his thoughts on the hoof-care industry’s milestones as part of AFJ’s 50th anniversary.

How to Use Nutrition to Build a Better Foot, Presented by Triple Crown

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Dr. Clair Thunes of Clarity Equine Nutrition explores how they contribute to building better feet, as well as questions you can ask your clients to determine if they need to make changes to their horse’s diets.

How to Meet a Horse’s Winter Dietary Needs

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

A horse’s nutrition needs can change significantly as the seasons come and go. This is due to higher temperatures, as well as the type of nutrition a horse is getting — and needs — during the summer vs. the winter months.

Research Journal: July/August 2024

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Insulin Risks in Australian Ponies
Return to Performance Following Suspensory Injury
Measuring the Hooves of Egyptian Arabs in Qatar
Salt Preferences of Mares Eating Grass Hay

Research Journal: May/June 2024

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Guarded Prognosis for Navicular Bursa Masses
Obesity in Irish Ponies
Chiropractic Treatment Improves the Ride
Senior Horses, Retirement and Muscle Mass

Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation Awards $2.4 million to Research Projects

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announces it is providing more than $2.4 million to 11 projects, 13 continuing studies and three career development awards.

The Danger of “Killing Frost” in Equine Pastures

amarshall@lesspub.com — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

There are many things to consider before turning the horses back out into the pasture, as a killing frost is a frost that is severe enough to end the entire growing season.

Purina Animal Nutrition Launches Scholarship Program for Students Involved in Animal Agriculture

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land O’Lakes Foundation, is announcing its new scholarship program designed to assist students involved in agriculture and livestock production in pursuing their passions and further their educations.