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.

Heidi Larrabee, CF, of Palmer, Alaska, shares her thoughts on the three questions we are asking hoof-care professionals. 

Let me start with congratulations to American Farriers Journal on 50 years. What a milestone! AFJ got me started as a farrier. I got my first AFJ magazine about 1991 as a reference to start trimming my personal horses. That was quite a while ago now. It has led me a lifelong career that not only has let me do what I truly love but raise my family. Times certainly have been challenging but so rewarding to be able to live my life working in this craft. I work every day doing what I love and meet amazing people and their animals (not always being equines).

I have seen quite a few developments in my 30-plus years in the industry. The first thing I have to say that has moved our industry is being digital. It has helped everything from our bookkeeping to sharing skills at the touch of a finger in the palm of our hand. When I first subscribed to AFJ, I couldn't wait to get my next addition in the mailbox every month.

Then, I got to delete my Rolodex with my horse list and a receipt book, exchanging them for a computer. Now my books are up to date with every entry.

The other beauty is, now if I need some insight, I open my phone and instantly I can get more info on the subject in discussion. Whether it be a question on therapeutics with a vet or a new product to try, it’s right there. This is such a long way from years past when I waited for information or orders to complete my task; days, weeks, or a month to reach me in the bush of Alaska. But I do find a downfall to this new digital age. I feel sometimes that young people use this new platform to substitute for hands-on experience. Learning by doing is still my go-to for knowledge. Get your hands dirty.

The other development I’ve seen is the improvement of hoof-care products. From developing more user-friendly keg shoes to glue-on products. There are so many new tools to help our craft. It’s important to know the old skills, as well. Many times, I still need to rely on those skills at a moment’s notice to forge something into a shoe to help a horse. So, a big thank you to my many mentors who pushed me to have those handmade skills. Old school is still the cool school, and those skills still very much apply today.

As time moves on, I also have found that everyone has something to learn and teach. I feel that I am digitally challenged and the young generation has much to teach the elders, as well. It just shows us all that we have much to learn from each other and we need these platforms like AFJ to keep us connected. So, here's to another 50 years of keeping our craft educated to improve all our lives at so many levels. I would like to mention the biggest thank you to those who have helped teach one another and mentor each other. Stay safe and healthy.