Safety & Healthcare

Footcare & Farrier Business Insights

Wed, 10 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.

Wearable Biometric Sensors Show Potential for Injury Detection in Racehorses

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400

The American Association of Equine Practitioners' Wearable Biometric Sensor Research Project showed promise in detecting imending musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Prepare for the Inevitable Injury

jcota@lesspub.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Horses with PPID May Need More Frequent Deworming

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One of the hallmarks of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), aka Cushing's Disease, is a weakening of the immune response. This includes waning immunity to intestinal parasites.

Zoetis Returns as a 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit Gold Level Educational Partner

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:47:59 -0400

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

Florida Couple Create Outlet for Equine Professionals

jcota@lesspub.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

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.

Florida Farrier Service Creates Group Supporting Equine Professionals

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Do you work long hours, mostly independently? Do you carry responsibility for animals and clients every day? Have you ever felt isolated in the hoof-care industry? You’re not alone.

Dechra PPID Drug Gets FDA Approval

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Dechra announces the FDA approval of Zygolide, a tablet that helps control clinical signs of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction.

Sound Quarter Crack Repair Techniques

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

Reddick, Fla., farrier Curtis Burns explains the causes of quarter cracks and shares expert strategies for repairing them and keeping equine athletes performing.

Profit Margin & Why it Matters

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

Paris, Ontario, farrier Andrew DeVisser shows how managing profit margins helps farriers boost earnings, control their business, and plan for earlier retirement.

HOCI: Rejuvenation of a Historic Product

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

International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame member Dr. Melvin “Tookie” Myers discusses the discovery, early use and modern applications of HOCl and how it can benefit the horses in your hoof-care practice.

Wearable Sensor May Help Predict Catastrophic Racehorse Injury

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Catastrophic musculoskeletal injury (CMI) remains one of the most serious welfare challenges in Thoroughbred racing. A new study led by researchers at Washington State University (WSU) suggests that wearable sensor technology, combined with advanced data analysis, could help identify horses at highest risk before an injury occurs.

Potential Dangers of Hot Shoeing

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Recognizing and addressing these hazards is essential for safeguarding the health of farriers. Equismoke Awareness aims to fill the knowledge gap by disseminating research, advocating for new studies and encouraging farriers to adopt evidence‑based safety practices.

HISA Announces Review of Veterinarians' List & New Equine Recovery Foundation

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority recently announced a comprehensive review of the Veterinarians' and Stewards' Lists categories in 2026, as well as its new Equine Recovery Foundation, which aims to support Thoroughbred racehorses through career-ending injuries.

EHM Outbreak Disrupts Equine Events, Sparks Biosecurity Concerns

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Due to a recent outbreak of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalophathy (EHM), several organizations have shut down or postponed equine events.

Vets Share Farrier Tips to Stem EVM Spread

jcota@lesspub.com — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Can Hot Shoeing Horses Harm Farriers?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

While studies on hot‑shoe smoke are scarce, farriers often report symptoms reminiscent of chronic smoke exposure, including persistent coughs, sinus irritation and breathlessness.

Understand Your Health Risks When Hot Fitting Horseshoes

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A recent controversial topic in the farrier world has been about the safety of hot-fitting shoes. It has been suggested that the fumes generated from burning on a shoe may be detrimental to long-term lung health in humans and animals. To understand this issue, it’s important first to examine the range of education within the industry.

Film Festivals to Screen Equine Documentary

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

U.K. equine performance specialist Dr. Sue Dyson and U.S.-based director Kathryn Lauritzen of Padma Video announce that “Horses & the Science of Harmony” has been selected to screen at three equine-themed film festivals.

Managing Coronitis and Canker for Better Hoof Health

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 17:00:00 -0400

When subtle hoof changes hide a serious threat, every moment counts. Coronitis and canker may seem like separate issues, but often go hand to hand, causing lasting damage if overlooked. Learn how to spot the signs early, understand their connection, and take action before it's too late.

Keep (Your) Cool in the Dog Days of Summer

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:09:16 -0400

When you’re back for a lost shoe, there’s sweat burning your eyes and a horse nuzzling your back, it can be hard to see the bigger picture. Tensions might run high.

Prevent Isolation by Getting Involved in the Farrier Community

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Build a support network to avoid anxiety, loneliness & depression

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

Farrier Safety Starts with the First Touch of a Horse

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

Professional horseman emphasizes reading horses, setting expectations & building trust to improve farrier safety

When to Fire Hoof-Care Clients

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Farrier safety & positive working relationships main factors in letting clients go

Establish Trust with a Horse to Improve Farrier Safety

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A critical part of the farrier safety equation is reading body language. Understanding where the horse carries tension and establishing a relationship of trust is vital, says Chris Cox, a professional horseman and founder of Chris Cox Horsemanship.

Social Media a Mixed Bag for Hoof-Care Influencers

jcota@lesspub.com — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Watch one hoof trimming video on social media, and before long, the algorithm takes over. Your feed is flooded with everything from quality hoof-care educational content to tripe produced by engagement farmers. And the world is noticing.

Grayson-Jockey Club Approves Research Funding Beneficial to Hoof Care

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:43:24 -0400

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced approved funding for 2025 research projects, many of which benefit hoof care.

Dormosedan Can Make Hoof Care Safer & Easier

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

For some horses, sedation during hoof care is necessary. It can be dangerous for the farrier and the horse if it’s not properly acclimated to being in cross-ties, having its feet lifted, being shod or several other indeterminate factors unique to each horse.