Moisture Makes A Big Difference

It was extremely wet along much of the East Coast last Spring, says Dave Ferguson. “When the hooves become saturated on horses that stay outside almost all the time, you can expect to see many split hooves,” says the Cambridge, Md., shoer. “Under these conditions, we often find that navicular and caudal heel problems develop because of line cracks in the hoof.”

How To Treat A Minor Burn

If you get burned while shoeing, you need to take immediate action says Dr. Thomas Meloy. The medical editor for the Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these valuable burned skin treatment tips.

1. Cool the burned skin under running water for 15 minutes or cover with cold compresses to reduce the pain. Don’t apply ice, as freezing burned skin can cause further damage. 2. Apply a moisturizer or lotion to prevent the burned skin from drying as well as to soothe the area. Do not apply butter as it holds in heat, may cause more damage and can lead to infection. 3. Cover with a loosely wrapped gauze bandage. 4. If blisters form, do not break them. If a blister breaks, wash it, apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

Why Good Client Relationships Are Essential

Richard Cowell credits good relationships with clients for making things go better for them, their horses and the shoer. “I work from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and not on weekends.” says the Crete, Neb., farrier. “I expect my horses…