There may never be a better time to educate horse owners on the many benefits of effective footcare. That’s the advice offered by four farriers that can lead to more exposure for you in the equine community while boosting your professional image.

Stress Health Care

Scott McKendrick and a local veterinarian partner with Western wear and feed stores in putting on educational programs aimed at helping owners take better care of their horses.

“We’ve emphasized that proper hoof care, vaccinations, deworming and other items help keep the cost of horse care down compared to expensive problems resulting from improper care,” says the farrier and Utah State University extension educator from Logan, Utah.

“Proper trimming from birth through maturity can do more for their horses than all of the magical and expensive additives on the market.”

McKendrick has also offered low-cost owner clinics where owners are shown basic hoof trimming needs. “This doesn’t detract from my business as these people are not my customers,” he says. “After they try this work for themselves, they’re often better customers for me and other farriers. And they know what to look for in farrier work.”

To help clients cutting back on hoof care for economic reasons, Kim Kauranen set up a free farm call day at the local fairgrounds.

“They save my $65 farm call charge so hopefully they’ll be able to put the money toward better hoof care,” says the Elmira, Mich., farrier.

Go Over The Basics

Danny Ward maintains it’s essential to…