As AFJ marks its golden anniversary, we’re reflecting on the relationships and partnerships we’ve forged, the milestones and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Moments like these often lead us to ponder, what if? You might recall that George Bailey was shown what Bedford Falls, N.Y., would be like if he’d never been born in the Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life. We pondered the question, what would the farrier industry be like without American Farriers Journal? The following blogs are reflections submitted to AFJ following our own "What If" column. We'd love to hear your "What If" story as well! Please share yours with us in the comments section of any of these blogs, on Facebook, or via email to jcota@americanfarriers.com. We may feature your reflection here as well! https://www.americanfarriers.com/rss en-us 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 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 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