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American Farriers Journal

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November 2020

Volume: 46
Edition: 7

American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.

  • Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents

    Briefings: November 2020

    November 7, 2020
    U.S. House Approves Horseracing Integrity Act The United States House of Representatives on Sept. 29, 2020, approved the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act by voice vote with no opposition.
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    Shop Talk: November 2020

    November 8, 2020
    Team Revolution Wins WCB Southeastern Team Challenge Farriers from across the country had an opportunity to compete in what was for many the first four-person team contest of 2020 when the World Championship Blacksmiths hosted the Southeastern Team Challenge at the beginning of October in Greensboro, N.C.
    Read More
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    6 Keg Shoe Modifications that Save You Money

    Invest in basic forging skills to improve your bottom line
    By Paul Skaggs posted on November 8, 2020
    It’s been said that “success doesn’t come and find you, you have to go out and get it.” That’s been the mentality for my farrier business. I’m always striving to do better, learn more and improve.
    Read More
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    2020 Farrier Business Practices Survey

    Full-time Farrier Income Skyrockets

    Data from the latest Farrier Business Practices Survey shows an 11% increase in yearly gross income compared with 2 years earlier
    By Frank Lessiter posted on November 9, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing, Trimming
    Two years ago, the gross annual income for full-time farriers crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in the American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices Survey. For 2019, the full-time farrier yearly income increased by an $14,283 compared with that 2017 figure.
    Read More
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    Pros and Cons of Selling Equine Products to Clients

    These considerations will guide you to make an informed decision before selling products to your hoof-care clients
    By Jeremy McGovern posted on November 9, 2020
    To say there is a subject in which farrier opinions differ doesn’t make much of a story. Instead, sharing the farriers’ experiences on the topic and allowing the audience to come to their own conclusion that best fits their practices.
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    Tips for Hiring Better Hoof-Care Help

    Associates must meet tough criteria to be hired by Hall of Fame farrier’s practice
    By Jeff Cota posted on November 10, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices
    Hiring help can be one of the most advantageous moves that a farrier makes. Yet, it also can be daunting, especially when the arrangement ends unexpectedly. An American Farriers Journal internet poll finds that the vast majority do not look positively on hiring. When asked about their experiences, 75% say that it’s typically a struggle finding and retaining apprentices. Another 24% say that finding and retaining apprentices is a mixed bag. Just 1% say it’s typically a smooth process.
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    farriers Dave Werkiser (left) and Jason Hillman (right) work together to shoe a horse.

    4 Traits Your Farrier Help Should Have

    By Jeremy McGovern posted on November 10, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices
    About 20 years ago, Jessica McGrane wanted to begin a career as a farrier. She asked West Chester, Pa., farrier Dave Werkiser if she could learn the trade from him. Werkiser admits that he was at first hesitant, having had some previous helpers join his practice, but leave just when they became useful.
    Read More
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    The Success Mindset Can Improve a Farrier’s Career

    Colorado farrier explains how the future of your practice hinges on your approach
    By Chase Rutledge posted on November 11, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices
    The mindset with which you approach your hoof-care practice can often be the difference between fulfillment or frustration with your chosen career. Many successful people in various career fields have adopted a positive mindset. When this mindset is developed early and followed regularly, it tends to allow beginning farriers the courage to try new things, learn from experiences and approach their chosen trade without being controlled by fear of the unknown.
    Read More
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    Make Shoeing for a Vet Clinic Worth Your While

    Prepare for the ups and downs to make your venture successful
    By Nicholas B Denson posted on November 11, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices
    Working in a clinical veterinary setting is much different than a normal day-to-day shoeing practice, and it poses interesting challenges that aren’t present in your normal life. Winston Churchill, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, once said, “Sometimes doing your best is not good enough. Sometimes you must do what is required.” This quote is appropriate for the topic and we can break it down into two different parts.
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    Will Insurers Require Farrier Liability Coverage?

    Increasingly, insurance companies want farriers to carry a liability policy to work in their customers’ barns
    By Jeremy McGovern posted on November 12, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices
    Even with new products filling supply shop shelves every year and initiatives in farrier-based scientific research, the farrier industry isn’t one for swift and universal change. Lexi Barron says insurance is somewhat similar. The Snohomish, Wash., attorney and insurance broker notes that the insurance industry can be old fashioned. But old-fashioned doesn’t mean that impactful changes don’t occur.
    Read More
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    Tips for Pain-Free Arms

    Hall of Fame farriers share how they keep their wrists and elbows healthy
    By Jeff Cota posted on November 12, 2020 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare, Shoeing
    More than 30 years ago, Roy Bloom set his sights on making the American Farriers Team. He spent a great deal of time in the fire to improve his skills, efficiency and time, all while shoeing full time. Then he felt it.
    Read More
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    AFJ’s 45th Anniversary

    The Farrier Industry’s Biggest Challenge: Mastering the Basics

    Years of study, practice and experience are necessary before a shoer is skilled
    By Jeff Cota posted on November 12, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices, Education
    Tradition that is based on sound principles should be retained and mastered. It is the foundation for everything else we do.” Dr. Doug Butler, a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, wrote those words nearly a quarter-
    Read More
  • Featured Articles

    Featured Articles

    Slide12_Skaggs.jpg

    6 Keg Shoe Modifications that Save You Money

    Invest in basic forging skills to improve your bottom line
    By Paul Skaggs posted on November 8, 2020
    It’s been said that “success doesn’t come and find you, you have to go out and get it.” That’s been the mentality for my farrier business. I’m always striving to do better, learn more and improve.
    Read More
    665_SFL_Jason-Critton_JC_1019.jpg

    Tips for Pain-Free Arms

    Hall of Fame farriers share how they keep their wrists and elbows healthy
    By Jeff Cota posted on November 12, 2020 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare, Shoeing
    More than 30 years ago, Roy Bloom set his sights on making the American Farriers Team. He spent a great deal of time in the fire to improve his skills, efficiency and time, all while shoeing full time. Then he felt it.
    Read More
    11.jpg

    Tips for Hiring Better Hoof-Care Help

    Associates must meet tough criteria to be hired by Hall of Fame farrier’s practice
    By Jeff Cota posted on November 10, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices
    Hiring help can be one of the most advantageous moves that a farrier makes. Yet, it also can be daunting, especially when the arrangement ends unexpectedly. An American Farriers Journal internet poll finds that the vast majority do not look positively on hiring. When asked about their experiences, 75% say that it’s typically a struggle finding and retaining apprentices. Another 24% say that finding and retaining apprentices is a mixed bag. Just 1% say it’s typically a smooth process.
    Read More
  • Digital Edition

    Digital Edition

  • Online Extras

    Online Extras

    Online Extras: November 2020

    November 12, 2020

    Web-exclusive content for this issue includes:

    • Tips for Setting Boundaries Register for a VIP account to watch Lee Olsen’s Farrier Business Success Academy presentation, “Setting Boundaries and Increasing Your Rates.”
    • The Need for Apprenticeships Kentucky Horseshoeing School owner Mitch Taylor details what a farrier school graduate and a mentor should expect before starting a working relationship.
    • And More

    Read More

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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary

American Farriers Journal is excited and honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publishing the hands-on magazine for hoof-care professionals. Learn more about our special edition, which comes out in December 2024.

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Events

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Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs

Life Data Labs Inc

Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
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Kawell USA

Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
Smart Pak

SmartPak

From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.
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