American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
The art of shoeing horses is perhaps a mystical experience ...
Being creative and using atypical solutions is a good thing, such as in articles like “A Little Extra Padding Can Help” (American Farriers Journal website Farriers Tip, americanfarriers.com/extrapadding).
However, when I look at the foot displayed in this tip, I first identify that the bruising at the toe is the same shape as the solar border of P3. This sign is typical of lack of sole depth. The area shown to be sore by the placement of the pads is an area commonly reactive to hoof testers when used on a laminitic horse.
I would be more concerned with discussing these external markers and what they indicate.
— Jack Millman, Worthington, Mass.
We often talk about “what” we do or “how” we do things as farriers, but rarely discuss the “why” of our work with horses. After spending a lifetime of working with my hands, I’ve realized that the “why” is far more important to me.
As an artist and farrier, I consider myself a visionary of sorts. This is my way, my “faith.” In my work, there are things visible to me, but rarely to others. Yet, the horse understands. My “art” creates the clientele, not the other way around.
As artists, we are asked to go on pilgrimages, and do things that may stretch us and challenge our beliefs. I don’t…