Keeping Records Of Foot And Stock Measurements

If measuring the foot for and building a shoe, Jacob Butler says consistency is the key in building your system. That system comes as a result of experience.

“There are many variables involved,” says the Butler Professional Farrier School instructor. “I keep a notebook on the different things I’ve tried, such as with width or length. Now I have a record. So when I need a specific type of shoe, I can reference that book and be more accurate because I have an experience. Once you gain that experience, you’ll become more confident in what you are able to do.”

A Shoeing Cycle Reminder For Clients

During his lecture at the Northeast Association of Equine Professionals annual seminar in September, Grant Moon reminded the farriers and veterinarians in attendance that frequency is a critical part of shoeing.

“What is important to remember is it isn’t how well a horse is shod,” says the Welsh farrier. “Given time, all shoeing will become imbalanced and horses with better conformation will have less distortion than those with defective conformation. So for horses with imbalance problems, the best idea is to shorten the shoeing cycle to minimize excess stress.”

Professionalism Requires Action And Attitude

British farrier John Ford thinks the word “professional” is used too liberally among some farriers in the United Kingdom. In an editorial he submitted to Forge, Ford believes a true professional farrier exercises those qualities not only in the work with horses, but…