Niagara Falls, Ontario, farrier Steve McConnell explores a variety of approaches and protocols for various settings and levels of care with the materials you readily have on hand, as well as the options available within the industry.

You’ll Learn: how various modes of appliances — or not — can benefit a horse going through laminitis.

The 22nd annual International Hoof-Care Summit will be held for the first time ever at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo., from January 21-24, 2025. To reserve your room at the room rate discount of $169/night, book your room here.

A focused 4-day program covers the use of dozens of field-tested footcare ideas gleaned from successful farriers, equine veterinarians and hoof researchers from around the world. Soak up valuable tips to improve your work, slash costs, improve efficiency and build profits. Gather the latest footcare ideas from the dozens of hours of exceptional, unrivaled learning at the Summit!

View the full speaker agenda and topics here.

Unique from other conferences is the mix of general sessions, classrooms, face-to-face roundtables and networking with hoof-care professionals from around the world. Plus, your 4-day registration includes access to the 3 sessions at the world's largest hoof-care products trade show in the world! This in-depth educational format is something you can't get at a local clinic or anywhere else!

  • 15 General Sessions — covering an abundance of proven no-tilling ideas and strategies. Among the national experts this year are Hans Castelijns, Dave Farley, Blane Chapman, and many more!
  • 32 Face-to-face Roundtables — informal, moderated peer-to-peer discussions on specific hoof-care topics. Attendees should come with 5 questions to get answered in this proven format for sharing what works and doesn't.
  • 15 Classrooms — in-depth presentation-style sessions convey practical, actionable ideas from experienced hoof-care experts on the most pressing needs.
  • This year's conference also hosts 3 hands-on wet labs, over 9 hours of trade show time, and unlimited networking opportunities with hoof-care professionals from around the world!

For more information about the 2025 International Hoof-Care Summit, to register for the event and to book your hotel room visit IHCS2025.com.

The Summit extends its thanks to our Educational Partners: Gold Level – Glue-U Adhesives, Zoetis, Hemp for Horses, EasyCare, American Farriers Journal; Silver Level – SmartPak; Bronze Level – Purcell Farrier Supply / MFC Tools, HoofMD, Anvil Brand and International Association of Professional Farriers.


Steve McConnell, CF, is an AFA, OFA, FITS certified farrier from Waterford, Ontario, who has been shoeing since 1986.

McConnell will also be presenting the session "The Evolution of Temporary Hoof Care," at the 2025 International Hoof-Care Summit.