Business Practices

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.

No Government Agency Tracks Farrier Numbers

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This exclusive 3-part American Farriers Journal series looks at facts about the hoof-care industry and its national organizations.

Hoof-Care Briefings: May 2026

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this edition:

Arthritis in Horses: Use of Intra-Articular Nanogels
Transient Hindlimb Asymmetry Following Intramuscular Vaccination in Horses
Late-Breaking News & Views
Homeschooled Scholar and Farrier Trainee Originally Turned Down For Pre-Vet Training
How to Treat Puncture Wounds to the Equine Foot

American Farriers Journal Earns Honorable Mention in American Horse Publications Awards

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

American Farriers Journal’s annual industry benchmark report earned recognition at the American Horse Publications’ Equine Media Awards in Lexington, Ky.

2027 International Hoof-Care Summit Welcomes Equine Care as a Bronze Level Educational Partner

Tue, 12 May 2026 15:15:58 -0400

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

MFC/Purcell Farrier Supply Joins the International Hoof-Care Summit as a Bronze Level Educational Partner

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:50:42 -0400

The International Hoof-Care Summit is proud to welcome back MFC/Purcell Farrier Supply as a Bronze Level Educational Partner for the 2027 event set to take place in Covington, Ky., just across the river from Cincinnati.

Tell Your Farrier or Mentor You Appreciate Them This Farriers Week

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Honor the farrier who has impacted your life by completing the form by Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Thank you to Vetericyn® for their support of 2026 Farriers Week.

Minor Fire Damages Mustad Manufacturing Plant

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A fire at Mustad’s Minnesota factory is disrupting the production of St. Croix horseshoes. There were no injuries, says the manufacturer.

Hoof-Care Briefings: April 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this edition:

Racetrack Surface Testing Makes Strides
Forget Concerns About Hoof Color!
Using Rocker Shoes for Managing Laminitis
Late-Breaking News & Views
Can New Technology Dealing with Hoof Concerns in Cattle Work With Horses?

3 Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Farrier Business

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Control expenses, schedule efficiently & charge appropriately to build a healthy profit margin

Finishing a Great Pair of Nail Nippers

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Randy Luikart explains how he modifies the tool with a grinder

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.

Hoof-Care Briefings: March 2026

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400

In this edition:

Horse Ownership Lifetime Costs Range From $300,000 to $924,000
8 Things I Learned from Burney Chapman
Late-Breaking News & Views
Proper Joint Care Can Do Wonders for Soundness

[Video] New Rapid Shipping Method a Game Changer for Farriers

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:54:09 -0400

Josh Morris of Farrier Hub in Arizona discusses a new service he's using for short-distance shipping orders.

Real-Time Collaboration & Hoof-Care Content Generation Possible with AI Glasses

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:31:44 -0400

Meta's AI Glasses may be good for recording point-of-view videos and collaborating with peers in real time. Would you give them a try?

Hoof-Care Halls of Fame Welcome 6 Members

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

5 farriers & 1 veterinarian are honored for their distinguished contributions.

45 Years Later and We’re ‘Still the Same’

mlessiter@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Despite the founders’ complementary talents, there was no reason to think the business — with its untimely start with the ag depression of the 1980s — would ever see 45 years.

Digital Record-Keeping has Benefits for Farriers

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In the last year, over 50% of farriers who responded to the American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices Survey reported that they use pen and paper to account for these various aspects of their business.

6 Wow Moments from the International Hoof-Care Summit

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hall of Fame farriers shares his top experiences from the 23rd annual event

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.

Hoof-Care Briefings: February 2026

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this edition:

What a Pre-Purchase Exam Can Reveal Before Clients Purchase a New Horse
Late-Breaking News & Views
How to Collect Money Clients Owe You

Summit Celebrates 2026 Best in Show Exhibitor Booths

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:56:46 -0500

American Farriers Journal and the International Hoof-Care Summit are pleased to announce the inaugural recognition of excellence in exhibit design, celebrating the most compelling and engaging Trade Show booth displays.

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.

Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Tariff Policy

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:47:14 -0500

The Supreme Court ruled on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, that President Trump overstepped his authority when he imposed many of his tariffs on imports from countries around the world. What does that mean for the farrier industry?

American Horse Council Begins Work on 2028 National Economic Impact Study

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:09:09 -0500

The American Horse Council Foundation announced the launch of its next National Economic Impact Study of the U.S. horse industry, with findings expected to be released in 2028.

Why You Should Never, Ever ‘Bad-Mouth’ Other Farriers (Or Vets)

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In the footcare business, a good rule to follow is always avoid being critical of others’ work, even when the trimming, shoeing or veterinary work did not help the horse.

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.

AFA Announces Hoof-Care Hardship Assistance Program

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In partnership with the American Horse Council and the United Horse Coalition, the American Farrier's Association announced the Farrier Direct Safety Net.

[Video] 2026 Farrier Dog of the Year: Luna

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Luna — full name Luna Lovegood — is American Farriers Journal’s 2026 Dog of the Year. In this video, Gibsonburg, Ohio, farrier Evan Miller gives us some insight into his business as well as Luna’s personality and day-to-day antics. The 2026 Farrier Dog of the Year contest was made possible with the support of Hemp for Horses and Hounds.