Many farriers and equine veterinarians who attended the 9th annual International Hoof-Care Summit appear optimistic about what the coming trimming and shoeing season will bring. They believe an improving economy means more clients are getting ready to spend more dollars on horse care.

Several farriers indicated clients have added horses in recent months. Other farriers and equine vets say more horses are involved in the Florida show circuit than was the case in recent years

As a result, more footcare professionals appear optimistic about what the coming year will bring in terms of hoof-care income.

Another sign of optimism was the fact that attendance at the International Hoof-Care Summit was the highest it has been since 2006. There was an 18% increase in total attendance this year compared with 2011 numbers.

More Learning Is Key

Once again, Summit attendees were in Cincinnati for the continuing education. They were delighted with the opportunities to analyze all types of hoof-care concerns presented by more than 40 speakers in 68 different learning situations. (For coverage of this year’s Summit, turn to Pages 12 to 31.)

Michigan State University hoof researcher Bob Bowker says he was impressed with the attitude and open-mindedness of Summit attendees.

“Everyone at the Summit wanted to learn new things to help the horse,” he says. “While other folks often say that, more often than not they can’t bring themselves to open up their minds to learn something new. That certainly wasn’t the case with Summit attendees.”

Bowker says this…