This year marks the 50th anniversary (and 32nd year at Lessiter Media) of American Farriers Journal covering the farrier trade. We’re asking hoof-care professionals for a few words to include in a “From the Audience” section of our coverage – in the December edition.

Over the decades, we’ve heard from farriers (and vets) about how the Journal started by Henry Heymering helped bring the hoof-care trade together, and fostered a trusted channel for the trade to share what previously was tribal knowledge or secrets/gems in the hands of only a select few farriers – and not shared in the aisles of local barns. We’re chronicling the last 50 years and asking if you will help Frank Lessiter and me as we put together an award-winning collection on the last half-century.

Here are 3 questions we’re asking you to answer, and to attach a color photo that we may use in our coverage. We’re hoping to collect most of the farrier contributions by this Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

1. When you look back at the last 50 years of new technologies, what were the biggest defining moments that forever changed the farrier and equine health as we know it today?
     
2. For the newer generation, what are the biggest ways that farriery and equine health is totally different from that of 50 years ago?
     
3. What are some specific ways that AMERICAN FARRIERS JOURNAL magazine impacted your business and staff?

We appreciate your help in preparing a meaningful look-back on the last 50 years of hoof care. If you have any other ideas/thoughts, please add them as well.

Please provide your thoughts and photo by the end of day, Friday, Oct. 18 to help us stay on track for this important edition. Please email your photo and contribution to me at jcota@lessitermedia.com.