Farrier Tips

What makes an Unhealthy or Healthy Digital Cushion?

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The digital cushion is a vital part of the equine foot, and its health should be accounted for when considering a shoeing package.

How to Identify a Quality Ambling Horse

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Quality ambling is very different from lame movement.

9 Critical Propane Safety Tips

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:01:00 -0400

Gas forges are used so often that it's easy to become complacent and operate them on autopilot.

Front vs. Hind Limb Function

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The difference between the workload of the front and hind limbs on a horse is often a confusing concept.

What is the Purpose of the Frog in a Horse’s Foot?

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The frog can be used for shock absorption when allowed to contact the ground.

Defining a Horse’s Balance

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Balance could be a series of points that move in a predictable fashion.

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.

The Value of Handmade Tools

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Every time you purchase a tool that you should have the skills to make, it’s money not put in your pocket.

How Shoeing & Barefoot Hoof Care Can Work Together

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Returning a horse to barefoot can work to the horse’s advantage, and as a continuation of previous care.

Utilizing Radiographs for Hoof Conformation

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Radiographs are useful tools for hoof care, but they are complicated and require precision to do properly.

Meeting a Horse’s Specific Shoeing Needs

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As blacksmithing skills are removed from the hoof-care process, horse owners increasingly do not know what’s best for their horses.

3 Reasons Why Horses Pseudo-Trot

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Horses that pseudo-trot often have abnormally shaped feet, and as a result, tend to have soundness issues that limit their useful lives and/or competitive careers. They thus typically require more farrier skill than the naturally sound horse.

Tips On Placing Orthotics

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:01:00 -0500

Understanding where P3 sits within the hoof capsule allows the farrier to position support where it functions biomechanically rather than cosmetically.

Hands-On Learning & Growing from Failure Help Shape Young Farriers

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Peyton, Colo., farrier Chase Rutledge uses hands-on techniques to help his students learn and grow. He also emphasizes that failure is a necessary and important part of the learning process.

Identifying Acute Pain in Horses

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The signs of a horse in chronic pain are often misinterpreted or even ignored. Therefore, the farrier must recognize pain in horses and give professional advice to the owner.

Focusing on the Basics Alleviates Jackson’s Discomfort

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

When Jackson, the subject of American Farriers Journal’s 1 Horse, 1 Farrier 1 Year project, showed signs of being tenderfooted, his farrier turned to the basics.

Assessing Pastern Conformation & Its Effects

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Pastern conformation is to be evaluated in the same way as the conformation of the carpus, that is, by first visualizing the plane of assessment, and then by scanning for rotations and deviations (offsets are rarely found at this joint or the coffin joint).

What Makes a Weak or Strong Digital Cushion?

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

A weak digital cushion has about the same amount of collagen and fat as a strong one — the difference is in how those tissues are organized.

Every Horse Has Different Needs — So Switch It Up

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:35:18 -0400

Technology is great. It’s a tool, not a crutch. There’s a reason I love diagnostics, but I don’t treat them as the unquestionable truth. Use these tools to guide your thinking, but never let them think for you.

Performance Laminitis & Steps to Reduce Strain

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:34:34 -0400

Performance laminitis is characterized by inflammation, micro-damage and instability of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. Gain insight on its possible causes and ways to reduce laminar strain.

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.

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.

Veteran Farrier Shaun Woodsum Shares the Secret to a Reliable Rig

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:30:00 -0400

We take a look at Shaun Woodsum’s, CJF, DipWCF, shoeing trailer that was built to maximize simplicity, practicality and efficiency while working in the hot Arizona sun.

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.

Improving Your Skills Through Teaching With Marijke Ellert

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Educating students can aid your own practices by testing your skills.

Steps Toward Optimum: Measuring the Distal Limb Effectively

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Is your horse working against its own mechanics? Learn how simple measurements can reveal the ideal hoof balance and unlock peak performance.

Dave Farley Showcases his DIY Hoof Knife Sharpening System

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Farrier Dave Farley showcases his DIY hoof-knife sharpening system.

How to Create a Bar Shoe with Russ Gaudet

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:30:00 -0400

For over 20 years, American Farriers Journal has shared video clips to help farriers sharpen skills, grow their business, and gain fresh insights.

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.