American Farriers Journal welcomes Aabenraa, Denmark, farrier, Jan Krogh, to the 2019 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Jan. 22-25, 2019.

Making his first appearance at the International Hoof-Care Summit, Jan Krogh brings close to 40 years of experience and knowledge in farriery. Through his travels across Europe attending various educational events, Krogh brings fresh ideas, concepts and a new expertise to this year’s Summit.

Some may find it simple to trim and shoe sport horses. Yet, a circle of obstacles not directly related to the shoeing often appear — saddle, rider, trainer and footing — that can affect the foot and the horse’s overall well-being. In his General Session on Thursday, Jan. 24, “Daily Obstacles Of Shoeing Sport Horses,” Krogh will discuss how obstacles with shoeing can hamper a farrier's ability to keep athletes sound. The audience will get helpful advice on how to approach these obstacles as a farrier.

In his Classroom Session Friday, Jan. 25, “Cold Shoeing Vs. Hot Shoeing,” Krogh will share tips and tricks in making it a little easier around the anvil and discuss pros and cons in hot and cold shoeing. He will also offer his approach to cold shoeing and how he would address the feet under certain circumstances.

American Farriers Journal had the opportunity to talk with Krogh about his sessions at the 2019 Summit as well as his thoughts on the importance of continuing education at the upcoming Summit:

AFJ: What is one key takeaway you hope attendees will take home from your general session presentation, “Daily Obstacles Of Shoeing Sport Horses?”

Krogh: My key takeaway must be communication/understanding. With the amount of people around the horse nowadays, communication is key to making sure everyone is on the same page. We all have an opinion on how or why  horseshoeing is or should be. But the most important is communication and understanding — no matter what, we need to deal with the obstacles in keeping it sound for a long life.

AFJ: Your classroom session, “Cold Shoeing Vs. Hot Shoeing,” is sure to raise good conversation since there are strong opinions on the best ways to shoe. How do you intend to balance the opinions of hot vs. cold shoeing?

Krogh: Oh yes, I am sure the topic will raise some good conversation. I was taught to use both from my father and grandfather. When it comes down to what is the best, I never ask farriers to choose, but to use what they feel is the right choice for that particular moment or horse.

AFJ: What International Hoof-Care Summit Sessions are you personally most looking forward to attending?

Krogh: There are several and it is hard to choose, but if I have to highlight some, it must be:

• Dr. Simon Curtis for his relentless research of the foot anatomy.
• Dr. Steve O’Grady’s classroom on hind limb, I simply have to see. Hindlimb is often neglected.
• Dr. Mark Caldwell classroom, “How Surface Materials Are Influencing Shoeing,” because I have a part in my session about that.

AFJ: A main reason that many footcare professionals attend education events is to meet and network with others in the industry. How important do you think educational events like the International Hoof-Care Summit are for meeting and networking with other hoof-care professionals?

Krogh: It is very important. Many of us work alone, so having that network and having someone to call if something goes wrong or to talk to during long days is incredibly important. Today, the International Hoof-Care Summit is the main summit to attend. There is nothing above. I have been attending most of the main summits here in Europe for the last 21 years. I must admit that the International Hoof-Care Summit has been on my “most wanted” list for several years. And now with social media around, it is much easier to meet and stay in touch with people you’ve met through these summits.

AFJ: Why do you think it’s important that footcare professionals make time in their schedule to seek out continuing education at events like the International Hoof-Care Summit?

Krogh: There is a saying, “he who does not get better — ceases not to be good.” My father said that to me just after I finished my apprenticeship. For me, it is a firm planned part of my business plan. I try to attend as much as possible — when it can be planned into a tight schedule of shoeing clients horses. You may not like all you see or hear, but if you can take home even 10% of the knowledge you gained from a summit, you’ve achieved a lot to use in your business.

Learn more about Jan Krogh’s sessions and other sessions that will be featured during this 4-day learning and networking event here.

A discounted registration rate of $394 is available through Jan. 2, 2019, offering a $35 discount off the full rate of $429. Registration can be made online or by calling (262) 432-0388 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday.

Educational Partners sponsoring the 16th annual International Hoof-Care Summit include: Life Data Labs, Equine Digital Support System, Castle Plastics, The Equine Lameness Prevention Organization (ELPO), Vettec and SmartPak.