How Do Farriers Use Website Information When Evaluating Footcare Products?

While 68% of full-time farriers search supplier websites for footcare product information, only 43% actually purchase some of their farrier equipment and supplies online.

— 2016 American Farriers Journal Farrier Benchmark Study

What are the biggest challenges facing owners when it comes to feeding their horses?

Here’s what farriers see as the major nutritional concerns with owners:

  • Lack of nutrition knowledge and education
  • Overfeeding horses
  • High cost of feed
  • Too many feeding options
  • Finding high quality hay
  • Nutritional product balance and quality

— 2017 International Hoof-Care Summit attendee survey


Friday's Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance.

Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL) is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, and investment operations around the world. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia and founded in 1930, Markel reports its ongoing underwriting operations in three segments, and products originate from four insurance divisions and one reinsurance division. Markel Ventures, a subsidiary that makes strategic investments in companies outside of the insurance marketplace, is another important component of our business.


In each of our businesses, we seek to deliver innovative products and responsive customer service so that we can be a market leader. Our time horizon is long-term, our underwriting approach is disciplined, and our focus is on continuously improving the quality of the customer experience. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and to combine those profits with superior investment returns to build shareholder value.