Why do I spend all this time away from my wife and kids going to clinics, pursuing certifications, competing in contests, riding with other farriers and spending time in my shop practicing?
It’s been a somber time for Kraig Milam.
You see, the New Albany, Ind., farrier recently lost John Mills, a dear friend and fellow farrier after a lengthy illness, and Milam wanted to honor him.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since his passing, yet what’s not so surprising is the indelible mark that Red Renchin left on the farrier industry.
When the United States Department of Agriculture announced the proposed changes to the Horse Protection Act in July 2016, the general equine industry rejoiced. “Finally,” they thought, “a real effort to end soring.” After all, attempted legislation against soring died in the past by being stalled in the sausage mill of Washington, D.C.
The farrier industry received a harsh reminder of this axiom while wading through the substantial changes that were recently proposed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as a means to end soring.
I attended Catholic grade school when corporal punishment inflicted by nuns was still permitted. Throughout my time in kindergarten to grade 8, there was one particular nun whose apparent fondness for punishment made her stand out from the rest. She had tactics that would make an Abu Gharib prison guard blush.
A few weeks ago, I learned Karene Topp had passed away. She had served for more than 4 decades as secretary/treasurer of the American Cream Draft Horse Association.
There never can be too many opportunities for bridging the farrier community. Too many divisions exist, and these are sometimes based in perception rather than reality. Nothing just happens to generate unity — it takes the efforts of those within the industry to accomplish this.
A client has fired you at some point in your career. In the future, you likely will be fired again. It’s just the nature of the business. And the causes for firing are seemingly endless.
By their nature, scientists bristle at the notion that anything is otherworldly — particularly in science. Where they refuse to venture, renowned writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke embraced the connection with wide-eyed wonderment.
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.