The world turned on its head this late winter. We all know about the emergence and spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and how quickly it shifted our lives. Things changed quickly.

Whether you agree with the measures taken by your government during this outbreak, we all had a tipping point when we recognized that this would impact our collective lives. For me, it was while attending the 2020 American Farrier’s Association Annual Convention in Chattanooga, Tenn. Early in the week, there were a handful of cancellations from trade show exhibitors, but attendance and spirit wasn’t impacted. Camaraderie, education and competition progressed. For sure, it was on everyone’s mind, but with the exception of ample sanitizer gel pumps, it wasn’t life altering for most of the American population.

That changed as the week progressed. By the week’s end, several attendees from other countries found they would need to self-quarantine upon their return. Cases started to increase and more state regulations went into effect.

Impacting the Industry

As I write this in Wisconsin, I’m quarantined at home as part of the state’s rule for citizens in non-essential professions. I’m fortunate; my position allows me to continue working from the comfort of home.

For now, farriers across the U.S. can continue to work unabated by the government. You can read in the article “How COVID-19 is Affecting the Farrier Industry” on Page 16 about farriers being classified as an essential position in agriculture.

Just because farriers are essential to…