American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Advertise Follow Us
Toe grabs have been associated with an increased risk of fetlock injury, which is the major cause of racehorse fatalities due to musculoskeletal injury, according to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Traction devices alter normal limb conformation, which can predispose to injury.
U.S. Delays New Racetrack Horseshoeing Rules
Committee chair confirms ban on all traction devices
Farrier Takeaways
- Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority delays horseshoeing rule enforcement until Aug. 1, 2022, to help manufacturers meet market demand.
- Dr. Susan Stover confirms toe grabs and traction or mud nails are still prohibited.
- If conditions warrant, farriers can apply a 2 mm outside rim (around the entire circumference of the shoe) to provide additional traction. It must not alter the conformation of the hoof relative to the ground surface. The maximum height that the rim can extend from the ground surface of the shoe is 2 mm.
As the calendar flips to July, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Racetrack Safety Program is largely in effect. Implementation of the shoeing rules is the only component that remains.
“The delayed enforcement date is to allow shoe manufacturers to have sufficient time to ensure adequate inventory for compliance,” Dr. Susan Stover, chair of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Committee, told American Farriers Journal. “The horseshoe rule will be enforced starting Aug. 1, 2022.”
Stover, an International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame member from the University of California, Davis, notified horseshoe manufacturers of the extension in mid-May. Manufacturers such as Victory Racing Plate Co. and Thoro’Bred Inc. are certain that they will be ready to meet market demand.
“Victory feels confident when HISA is enacted definitively that we will be prepared to supply race plates that meet the regulation,” says Mark Hickcox, sales manager at the Rosedale, Md.-based Victory. “We are 100% behind improving the welfare of the horse and Thoroughbred…
Premium content is for our Digital-only and Premium subscribers. A Print-only subscription doesn't qualify. Please purchase/upgrade a subscription with the Digital product to get access to all American Farriers Journal content and archives online.
Top Articles
Current Issue
Plenty of Hoof-Care Growth in 50 Years
Celebrating 2 Decades of Extraordinary Hoof-Care Learning
Butler’s Insights Hold Strong
Current Issue
Special Report For Equine Veterinarians
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Must Read Free Eguides
Download these helpful knowledge building tools
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
- Winter Hoof Care
Videos
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.
Events
Michigan Horseshoers Association 55th Annual Clinic
Date: 01/02/25
Location: Lansing, MI
View Event
Top Directory Listings
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.
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.
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.