The strong association between sheared heels and a spontaneous quarter crack is hard to ignore. Although inappropriate farriery may play a role, limb conformation and the landing pattern of the horse appear to be the dominant factors causing this type of hoof capsule deformation.
Keep it simple. It’s a popular adage, particularly among farriers. Ironically enough, keeping it simple isn’t really simple at all. Simplicity is the result of organization, tough choices and hard work. Yet, once it’s achieved, the rewards are plentiful.
Scores of horses will gorge themselves on that long-awaited lush, green pasture of springtime. As many of us already know, overgrazing grasses and legumes that are high in water-soluble carbohydrates puts horses at risk for laminitis.
Tolley Marney works like an old-fashioned blacksmith. He heats found steel in a forge until it glows pale orange, then holds it with tongs against an anvil. He pounds precisely with a narrow hammer, shaping it steadily until it’s too cool to manipulate. For many years, he shaped horseshoes with these tools and traveled the Coachella Valley as a farrier. Now, he uses them to shape sculptures that captivate their viewers.
The de Blasio administration began its outreach this week to horse-carriage drivers and others who would be affected by legislation to abolish the industry.
A trio of senators have introduced legislation that they say will “end the contemptible, illegal practice of horse soring once and for all” while preserving the Tennessee Walking Horse tradition.
“Although some studies support biotin supplementation, research on other ingredients commonly included in hoof supplements is needed,” warns Bryan Waldridge, head veterinarian for Kentucky Equine Research. “It is important that owners realize that dietary supplements are not a quick fix, and imbalances in the mineral content of a horse’s diet can wreck havoc on hooves.”
Charles Jr. and Leon Faulk spend their days occupied with a centuries-old trade: as farriers and blacksmiths. It is what their father did before them and their grandfather before him. And, it is the tradition that Charles Jr. hopes will be carried on by his son Christian.
The sound of a farrier hard at work means Jan Mueller is about to have a successful day at Churchill Downs. The Louisville woman drives around in her truck with the windows down just listening for farriers shoeing horses.
American Farriers Journal is excited and honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publishing the hands-on magazine for hoof-care professionals. Learn more about our special edition, which comes out in December 2024.
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