We can hardly believe another year has come to a close, and as we reflect on 2024, we are humbled by the incredible industry we have the honor of working for each day. As the American Farriers Journal staff gears up for 2025, including our 22nd annual International Hoof-Care Summit to kick off the year, we’ve gathered our coverage from the past year to highlight what was most popular among farriers.

We welcome any feedback or content suggestions for the coming year. Our team is here to serve you. We hope to see you online soon — be it our website, email newsletters or social media channels. Here’s to happy, healthy hooves in the new year! 

Most Read Blogs 

Regulation is Here & it’s Gaining Momentum By Jeff Cota, Editor

• Jeff Cota tackles the increasing regulation in the farriery industry, driven by animal safety concerns and incidents like racetrack injuries and doping scandals. He highlights the gradual legislative momentum, such as the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, and looks at what could be next based on mounting bans. These trends signal growing oversight in equine professions.

Prepare Your Clients for the Ups & Downs of Laminitis By Jeff Cota, Editor

• Laminitis can sneak up on some horse owners, particularly novices or those who aren’t proactive in preventing lameness. “You have to coach the client to understand this is a long-term endeavor,” says Stuart Muir, resident farrier at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. “The first shoeing is deceptive because you’ll never make that dramatic of a change again.”

A True Mom & Pop Shop By Jeff Cota, Editor

• We introduced the inaugural American Farriers Journal Supply Shop of the Year program in 2024, which was awarded to Olympia Farrier Supply based in Olympia, Wash. Owned by Ken and Maxine Floyd, who acquired the supply shop in 2012, the store was founded in 1998 and serves a deeply loyal customer base in the Pacific Northwest. “Ken’s like the dad pushing you to do well in sports and Max is the mom who’s there to support you,” says Nick Henry, a Gig Harbor, Wash., farrier. “It’s insane how much work those two put in for the community.”

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Enrolling in Farrier School By Bob Smith

• “I just finished a class at Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School, and it wasn’t the most enjoyable class I’ve had in my 33 years of teaching horseshoeing,” says Bob Smith, Hall of Fame farrier and owner of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif. “It appears that a lot of them decided they were going to horseshoeing school based upon video clips and social media, not by exploring the profession and finding out what’s really needed to be a professional, self-employed horseshoer. So, I thought I might let students know what they need to think about prior to enrolling in a horseshoeing school, particularly mine.”

2024 Olympic Silver Medalist Laura Kraut & Looking Back at the 1992 U.S. Equestrian Trials By Frank Lessiter, Editorial Director

• Frank Lessiter recalls his personal memories from the 1992 Olympic trials on the heels of the silver medal win for the U.S. equestrian team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Lessiter met silver medalist Lara Kraut, who just made history in Paris as the oldest U.S. medalist in 72 years at the age of 58.

Most Read Print Articles 

What are the 4 Lengths of Horses’ Feet By Randy Luikart

• Hall of Fame farrier Randy Luikart defines the four different lengths of overall hoof length — too short, protective, optimum and too long — and how they apply to all disciplines. 

Sedating Horses Correctly for Hoof Care By Sarah Welk Baynum, Contributing Writer

• While many horses stand without a problem for hoof care, others are anxious and can become a danger to themselves, the handler and the farrier. This is where Zoetis veterinarian Dr. Holly Helbig says Dormosedan Gel can greatly improve farrier safety. Helbig details proper dosage and administration of the product step-by-step.

Caring for Horses with Acute Endocrinopathic Laminitis By Eleanor Kellon, VMD

• It wasn’t that long ago that a diagnosis of Cushing’s disease —  Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction — meant the horse had less than 5 years to live. The cause of laminitis in these horses was poorly understood and, therefore, poorly managed. We know better now, and better understanding leads to better management and longer lives.

How Leaning Affects Equine Anatomy By Deb Bennett

• There are many differences between the skeletons of horses and humans. One that needs to be clear in the minds of all farriers — and all riders and trainers — is the fact that humans have collarbones while horses lack them completely. The consequences of this difference impact every aspect of horsemanship, and that certainly includes the form and function of the equine hoof.

Farrier Gross Income Drops for the First Time in 8 Years By Maclaren Krueger, Assistant Editor

• The exclusive Farrier Business Practices Survey, now conducted annually by American Farriers Journal, establishes a baseline for the hoof-care industry. Farriers across the U.S. gleaned valuable information about their business and how it stacks up to their peers’.

Most Read Web Articles 

Reflections in Hoof-Care Milestones By American Farriers Journal

• American Farriers Journal is celebrating its 50th anniversary of serving the hoof-care industry. Professionals from around the world shared their insights into important milestones, innovations and the role AFJ has played over the last half century in a collection of 22 essays.

Fifth Circuit Court Again Rules HISA Unconstitutional By Jeff Cota, Editor

• In July 2024, Constitutional questions persisted for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act after the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit found that the law’s enforcement provisions violated the private nondelegation doctrine. The ruling came just weeks after the Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to the Sixth Circuit Court decision that HISA is constitutional.

Meet the Top Dogs: Download Your 2025 Farrier Dog of the Year Calendar! By American Farriers Journal

• The first-ever Farrier Dog of the Year contest was a resounding success, with over 3,000 votes and 68 nominees. Learn more about the top 12 dogs, including a commemorative calendar you can download to celebrate these farrier comrades year-round in 2025.

New Federal Rule Vows to End Soring By Jeff Cota, Editor

• Promising an end to horse soring, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in April 2024 announced amendments to the Horse Protection Act that will fundamentally change Tennessee Walking Horse shows and how mounts are shod.

George Rogerson Wins the 2024 Blacksmith World Championship By American Farriers Journal

• English farrier George Rogerson, DipWCF, took home the World Champion title at the 2024 Blacksmith World Championship at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, with a total of 924 points over the 5-day event.

Most Viewed Webinar 

Benefits & Advantages of Indirect Glue-On Shoes

• Hoof-care expert Frank Dugan of Glue-U Adhesives shared his expertise on indirect glue-on shoes and their role in modern hoof-care practices. He dove into the key benefits of using indirect glue-on shoes, when to use them and the importance of proper hoof preparation. He also provided insights into shoe fit, modifications and techniques for successful application.

Most Viewed Videos 

Remembering Red Renchin

• As we approach the 10th anniversary of Red Renchin’s passing, we are partnering with Life Data Labs to honor the former American Farriers Journal technical editor and International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer with a three-part video series. In these videos, we sat down with Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin and went on to enjoy a 38-year career in hoof care.

Supply Shop of the Year

• Learn more about our inaugural Supply Shop of the Year, Olympia Farrier Supply of Olympia, Wash., through a 7-part video interview with owners Ken and Maxine Floyd detailing everything from the store’s origins to its legacy and business values.

Facebook Reel: Pulling Clips with Roy Bloom

• Our most popular Reel on Facebook and Instagram this year taught viewers how to pull clips with International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame farrier Roy Bloom. 

Facebook Reel: I’m Your Farrier by Ralph Hampton

• Another popular Reel presented a poem by Texas farrier Ralph Hampton honoring the hard work and dedication of farriers. It prompted viewers to express their gratitude to their hoof-care professional, mentor or friend. 

Facebook Reel: How do you relate to farriers older or younger than you?

• This Reel asked our audience about generational differences and how they impact your work as a farrier.