The 2008 International Hoof-Care Summit again lived up to its name. The event’s emphasis on high-quality education drew nearly 800 dedicated hoof-care professionals. They came from almost every state in the U.S. and 15 foreign countries, including such faraway spots as Japan, South Africa, Australia, China and numerous European nations.

The fifth annual IHCS, held in late January in Cincinnati, featured several lively formats and plenty of opportunities for attendees to talk personally with some of the most highly regarded pros in the hoof-care business and with each other.

Although any overview of the event is bound to overlook some of the 48 farriers, equine veterinarians and researchers appearing on the program, a look at a few of the highlights provides a taste of the knowledge and revenue-producing ideas to be had.

• Farrier Ron Aalders from Eemdijk in the Netherlands presented his ideas on correcting low heels, a condition that he said stresses the deep digital flexor tendon and poses a threat to fracture P3.

He urged attendees to resist the temptation to shorten the toe on such feet, and he outlined his regular use of a banana shoe paired with a wedge to remedy a low heel.

The banana shoe creates less friction with the ground and provides easy breakover, he said, while the wedge limits the inherent potential of…