Farrier Tips

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.

EasyCare Glue-On Best Practices

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:12:53 -0400

The most important factor in determining EasyCare glue-on success is hoof prep. Maintaining a strict routine helps ensure a successful application time after time.

Efficiency & Team Work in a Multi-Farrier Practice

jcota@lesspub.com — Fri, 09 May 2025 14:04:50 -0400

The trio has developed an efficient operation, working in concert with one another under Hayward's direction.

Creative Ways to Use Modern Materials

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

There are a plethora of options when it comes to modern materials, many of which can be used in conjunction with each other to offer the most structure or support.

When & How to Use EasyCare Glue-Ons

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0400

With high-activity racehorses regularly performing on tarmac or other hard surfaces, glue-ons are a reliable option that protects the integrity of the foot. It provides caudal support that a traditional shoe cannot — preventing quarter cracks, sheared heels and performance-impacting pain — and avoids damaging hooves that may need to be shod more often than the typical horse.

Signs Indicating Acute Laminitis

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The initial signs that acute laminitis is on the horizon may be vague or go unnoticed by the hoof-care client.

What is a Keratoma & How to Identify It

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Keratomas can appear cylindrical, looking like columns deep behind the hoof wall and oriented parallel to the horn tubules. These masses typically present as aberrant columnar-shaped proliferation and thickening of keratin within the horn that extends toward the inside of the hoof.

Question Everything, Especially When You Think You’ve Found a Solution

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

How many times have you been sure of a vet’s diagnosis — or of your gut feeling, only to be proven wrong later? Yeah, me too. It’s humbling, and it just plain sucks. The problem isn’t the mistake; it’s the certainty that got you there.

Texas Farrier Works Feet in Pairs to Avoid Lameness

jcota@lesspub.com — Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Routines are part and parcel of daily hoof-care work. Some farriers prefer starting with the left front, moving on to the left hind and making their way around the horse. Often, they find that it’s more efficient to follow this pattern. Others address the front feet first before the hinds.

Identifying Insulin Resistance in Horses

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Although grossly underdiagnosed, insulin-resistant (IR) horses often share physical characteristics that make them readily identifiable.

Deciphering Why a Horse Fails to Perform

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Determining the best approach to shoeing a horse that is underperforming begins with understanding why the horse is failing to perform at its peak. Experienced riders are a great source of information. They often pick up subtle changes that can be difficult to detect while observing the horse move.

Weigh the Positives and Negatives Before Applying Pads

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

While pads provide benefits in many cases, not every pad application is well received by the horse.

A Tacky Way to Apply Copper Sulfate

jcota@lesspub.com — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Much of the country is celebrating the arrival of spring, but let’s face it — it’s mud season. As the paddocks and pastures languish into a soupy mess, you can almost hear the revelry of the bacterial jamboree that is the horse’s hoof.