This page lists material that supplements the April 2022 issue of American Farriers Journal.
Forward Thinking
- A “Shoeing for a Living” Day in 2015 with Minnesota farrier Mark Thorkildson delivered a mixed bag of horses and a consistent approach to quality work. Click Here
Gain more insight from Doug Corey
Gain more insight from Laura Gillespie and Mike Hayward
- Watch “From the Pages of AFJ,” in which Gillespie and Hayward discuss alternative shoeing methods.
- Reading “What are Your Options for Achieving the Benefits of a Sidebone Shoe?” in which they discuss why the shoe is helpful and various ways to create the same outcome.
- Reading “How to Achieve the Benefits of a Frog Support Horseshoe” in which they discuss the versatility and creative ways to help the horse.
- Reading “How to Float Heels and Heel Quarters” in which they discuss how farriers of all skill levels can incorporate a Z-bar shoe into their practice.
Gain more insight about copper-alloy horseshoes
- Reading “Behavioral Material and Structural Comparison of the Traditional Iron Horseshoe with the Innovative Copper Alloy Horseshoe.”
- Reading “Therapeutic Uses for Copper-Alloy Shoes.”
- Reading “A Qualitative Study and Analysis of the Results of Using Copper-Alloy Horseshoes in the Reduction of White Line Infections.”
Gain more insight on Pads
- Reading “Hoof Pads 101,” in which California farrier Bob Smith reviews pads and how to use each style.
- Watching “Hoof Pads: When to Use Them and When to Lose Them,” in which Virginia farrier Travis Burns discusses how he uses pads in his practice and what helps him determine if a pad should be used, foot preparation and what type of pad he employs in various cases.
- Watching “Attaching Pads,” in which Wisconsin farrier Mike Ehlert shares advice for attaching pads.
- Reading “Proper Application of Pads is Vital to Success,” in which a panel of experts advise thinking about how and why you’re using them.
Gain more insight on tools
- Reading “How to Select the Best Drill Bits and Taps,” in which Ryen Carlson offers advice for selecting the correct cutting tools for quality, durability and efficiency.
- Reading “Tips for Drilling and Tapping Horseshoes,” in which Carlson discusses how to save time and money with better practices.
- Watching “How to Level a Drill Press Table,” in which Carlson demonstrates how to minimize run-out by keeping the drilling forces square.
- Watching “The Importance of Drill Press Feed Rate,” in which Carlson demonstrates how to recognize whether your equipment is operating efficiently.
Gain more insight about how nutrition influences hoof health
- Watching “Effective Shoeing and Feed Strategies to Improve Poor Foot Quality in Horses,” in which Chris Cole of Pennwoods Equine and Pennsylvania farrier Dave Billotte discuss important information relating to equine nutrition and the effect on horses’ feet.
- Reading “How Nutrition Affects the Horse’s Hoof,” which explores how dietary deficiencies and excesses are reflected in the outward appearance of the equine foot.
- Reading “Understand Equine Diet Supplements Before Recommending Them to Hoof-Care Clients,” in which a nutritionist shares his insight into what farriers should know when answering clients’ questions.
