Survey indicates farriers, other hoof-care professionals have benefited from quality, quantity and diversity of offerings

On the road to putting together our list of the 35 Biggest Hoof-Care Product Improvements, we discovered several things; first of all, that it would be easy to put together a list of more than 35 products — but not quite so easy to mention 35 by brand name.

We got hundreds of responses via e-mail, phone calls, regular mail and through face-to-face conversations. It’s clear that while many farriers and veterinarians have strong preferences on tools and products, the majority of respondents appreciate and are very impressed with the wide variety of tools and products available that help them do a better job.

You’ll notice that quite a few of the products and tools we list aren’t brand new. We include them, however, because one of the biggest things we noticed in responses is that farriers — especially long-time ones — are most appreciative of the overall improvements in variety and reliability of horseshoes, tools and other hoof-care products.

Many responders said they swear by G. E. Forge & Tools, or mentioned those made by well-known toolmakers such as Jay Sharp, Jim Poor, Shayne Carter, Jim Blurton or the Roy Bloom tools distributed by Farrier Products Distribution. Others praised Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center and Diamond brand for making reliable, quality tools that won’t send a novice shoer to the poor house. MFC Tools and Nordic Forge also had their supporters.

Again and again we…