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.

Connor Sloman, APF-I, of Bragg Creek, Alberta, shares his thoughts on the three questions we are asking hoof-care professionals.

Q. When you look back at the last 50 years of new technologies, what were the biggest defining moments that forever changed farriery and equine health as we know it today?

Portable propane forges, the introduction of synthetic materials (pads, glue for repairs and adhering shoes, polyurethane and silicone packings), widespread availability of well-made keg shoes, the sharing of knowledge, certification processes.

Q. For the newer generation, what are the biggest ways that farriery and equine health is totally different from that of 50 years ago?

A. Real-time radiographs, more effective and accurate diagnostic protocols (MRI, gait analysis, lameness evaluators), widespread availability of therapeutic shoes, alternatives to metal shoes with hybrid and synthetic models available, the instant and large database of knowledge to be found on the internet, examples of great work on the internet that you can aspire to achieve, there is also a larger emphasis on objective and science-based hoof care.

Q. What are some specific ways that American Farriers Journal magazine impacted your business and staff?

A. The first International Hoof-Care Summit I attended opened my eyes to a whole deeper level of hoof care that I hadn’t even conceived of. It started a pursuit of knowledge that has drastically shaped the type and level of care I have brought to my clients in the past 5 years.

Jenny Hagen’s articles brought to light research that allowed for evidence-based decision-making, rather than hearsay and anecdotal accounts.

Dave Farley’s articles, podcasts and videos have highlighted the importance of the business side of farriery. His role and mentorship in my life changed it and my business for the better.

Doing an AFJ hunter-jumper presentation with my father Lance Sloman opened me up to the possibility of educating other farriers. It challenged me to do something I had never done before.