Education

Farrier Injuries: It’s Not a Matter of if, but When

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Every farrier knows the job is risky, but the real injury statistics tell a startling story. Farriers can look behind the numbers of an illuminating industry survey to understand career-threatening hazards and take practical steps to safeguard their health on the job. Mark Aikens will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

Footcare & Farrier Business Insights

Wed, 02 Sep 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.

The Gallop: Horses at Speed

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The canter and gallop are similar in that both are asymmetrical and thus can be performed on either a right or left lead. However, the canter is slower and daintier, while the gallop, by contrast, is the gait of the war horse, polo horse, jumper and racehorse.

A Farrier’s Perspective of Equine Conformation

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Every horse is built differently, but every horse deserves optimal support. Farriers can learn to systematically evaluate limb alignment from the group up, identifying key conformational deviations to craft hoof-care solutions that maximize athletic potential. Michael Wildenstein will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

An Investigation of Hoof Mechanism Characteristics Following the Application of Wire Trackers & Various Shoeing Treatments Involving the Shod & Unshod Foot

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Take the guesswork out of back-of-the-foot mechanics. Discover findings from a 90-day Thoroughbred study and controlled load testing to see how moisture, shoe choice, and support materials directly change hoof deformation in daily practice. Nigel Fennell will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

Red Renchin Innovation Lecture, Presented by American Farriers Journal Why is My Horse Lame?

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

As one of the leading reasons owners call for help, lameness demands clear action. Explore how farriers can pair equine anatomy and biomechanics with practical farriery interventions to manage common issues and restore soundness. Steve Kraus will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

Vascular Pathways of the Hoof Capsule

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

What really happens to blood flow inside the hoof capsule under load? Explore key vascular zones, mechanical perfusion theories, and clinical strategies that farriers use to support tissue growth and guide complex rehabilitation cases. Stuart Muir will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

VIP Hands-On Dissection Wet Lab

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

See exactly how external hoof appearance mirrors internal structural health. In this exclusive wet lab, farriers evaluate cadaver limbs before, during, and after dissection to refine their diagnostic eye and deepen anatomical knowledge. Paige Poss will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

[Podcast] A Conversation with Brent Chidsey

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the American Farriers Journal Podcast, brought to you by Hoof MD, International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Tom Curl sits down with founder of Stonewell Bodies and Bay Horse Innovations Brent Chidsey.

[Video] A Conversation with Brent Chidsey

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Burney Chapman Memorial Lecture, Presented by Life Data Labs How Our Understanding of Laminitis Has Changed: Nutrition, Care & Mechanics

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Tackling one of equine medicine's more daunting diseases takes a complete strategy. Explore how historical insights and modern, evidence-based practices empower farriers to safeguard horses at risk and support those in active recovery. Shane Westman will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

Hoof Mapping Workshop

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Take the guesswork out of hoof mapping. Join Stuart Muir for an interactive session where farriers map real feet, compare findings directly with X-rays, and hone their anatomical accuracy. Stuart Muir will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

Is There Such a Thing as the Perfect Length of Toe?

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400

How short is too short- and how long is too long? Explore how ground reaction forces, soft footing, and internal strain impact the horse's foot, giving farriers an objective framework to measure ideal toe length. Yogi Sharp will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

The Role of Shoeing in the Rehabilitation of Equine Patients, Presented by Bartek

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Rehabilitating a lame horse isn't just about restoring soundness; it's about restoring performance. Explore how conventional and split-shoe techniques help farriers bridge the gap between initial healing and athletic return. Bart Halsberghe will be a speaker at the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit. To learn more and register for the event, visit IHCS2027.com.

Reasons for Making Your Own Hoof Knife Blades

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

So, why does Luikart make his knives?

Research Journal: September/October 2026

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hoof Boots to Detect Lameness
Vibration for Back Pain
Turnout Makes Better Athletes
Measuring Club Feet in Donkeys

Build Your Farrier Foundations Through Competition

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Learn valuable skills, humility & the importance of diverse perspectives

I Only Did What the Horse Owner Wanted: A Cautionary Tale

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

John had been shoeing most of his adult life. He was competent. Experienced. Busy. And like many of us who’ve done this long enough, he’d grown a little complacent when it came to owner requests. Arguing just wasn’t worth the energy. After all, he was “just doing what was asked.”

3 Farriers Named 2026 Rising Shoeing Stars

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Each year, American Farriers Journal celebrates three young farriers who have made exceptional progress in their hoof-care careers within 3 years of graduation from farrier school.

How to Spot Collateral Ligament Injuries

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Collateral ligament injuries of the coffin joint are a common injury among certain athletic horses.

Using Geometry for your Show Horses

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

With just some simple geometry, guesswork can be replaced with scientific accuracy.

Tips for Early Farrier Career Success

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Go after what you want, lean on the advice of others & learn from your mistakes

[Podcast] A Conversation with Bobby Salsbury

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the American Farriers Journal Podcast, brought to you by Hoof MD, International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Tom Curl sits down with owner of California Farrier Supply, Bobby Salsbury.

Start Your Farrier Career on the Right Foot with an Apprenticeship

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The right mentor can help you become the best farrier you can be

Find Your Place in the Hoof-Care World

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The start of your farrier career can be as intimidating as it is exciting. There are an endless amount of doors to step through if you’re willing to put in the work to open them.

Getting Started in Hoof Care 2026 Digital Edition

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Troy Wood Captures World Championship Blacksmiths’ 2026 Roadrunner Classic Title

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Troy Wood continues his run of excellence by winning the World Championship Blacksmiths’ 2026 Roadrunner Classic.

Research Journal: July/August 2026

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Metals as Antimicrobials
Carpal Bone Injuries Don’t Limit Performance in Show Jumpers
Dorsopalmar Hoof Balance in Brazilian Thoroughbred Racehorses
MRI Useful for Detecting Coffin Joint Degeneration

Solid Advice From 3 International Horseshoeing Hall of Famers

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

3 International Horseshoeing Hall of Famers share essential pieces of advice.

International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame Welcomes 2027 Class

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Three veterinarians are joining an exclusive company of hoof-care professionals with their election to the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame.