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.

Gretchen Cardoso of McFarland, Wis., shares her thoughts on the hoof-care industry’s milestones as part of AFJ’s 50th anniversary.

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

A. The transition from the coal forge to LP, casting tape on hooves, feral horse studies and the “barefoot trim.” As well as, digital radiographs and Bartek's “twin-shoe” invention.

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. Communication, scheduling and payment are done on your mobile phone, which wasn’t the case 50 years ago.

Like their owners, horses are more likely to be obese and have metabolic or chronic health issues. The percentage of female horse owners and farriers have both increased.

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

A. The bi-annual industry report has always been really helpful to me. After experiencing so much inflation, I’m looking forward to the November 2024 report. It helps me adjust my rates as necessary and see trends in the industry overall. The articles on the mail-in shoe, biomechanics, lameness, canker, and new products are all interesting to me. I try to make time to read them.