Shoeing rig manufacturers are constantly looking to improve their products, knowing they can attract and satisfy customers by giving farriers what they want.

Sometimes it’s in the form of entirely new rig offerings. In other situations, small but time-saving, effort-reducing or cost-cutting tweaks are in order. A handful of manufacturers offer tips on how your rig can improve your hoof-care practice.

New Rigs Coming

Talking Rock, Ga.-based American Farrier Systems (AFS) is an example of the latter. John Halko, AFS owner for the past 20 years and former co-owner of Georgia Farrier Supply, says his company will soon introduce a walk-in, full-sized trailer for farriers.

The new trailer will be a ground-level walk-in, 13 feet long with a side door and side storage compartments. The ground-level entry will eliminate the need to climb the stairs or ramp that’s common with other walk-ins, Halko says.

Until now, AFS has been primarily a manufacturer of tonneau units for installation in short-bed, full-sized trucks, as well as its mid-sized Cub trailer.

Jon Halko, the son of the AFS owner, notes…