Six individuals were honored for outstanding careers in hoof during the Halls of Fame induction ceremonies at the 20th annual International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Before passing away in 2009, Ronald “Tex” Cauthen left a lasting legacy as a racetrack farrier. The Hall Of Fame shoer helped many farriers and veterinarians increase their skill and knowledge, allowing them to improve the hoof health of many horses on and off the racetrack.

There’s an old saying that time heals all wounds. It is overstated, but it certainly applies to equine athletes. Although not true in every case, many horses recover from a myriad of foot and lower limb problems if given ample time off from training and competition so they can recover. That’s a wonderful thought, but a luxury few track shoers enjoy. Georgetown, Ky., farrier Steve Norman knows that reality all too well. For more than 45 years, he’s handled footcare for Thoroughbreds on the track and at farms. He’s built a practice to where he now primarily works for larger barns and farms.

Midway, Ky., farrier Steve Norman gives much of the credit for his success to his mentor, the late Jack Reynolds. He says the legendary racehorse farrier showed him two ways to help Thoroughbreds.

Breakover. Enhancing breakover. Easing breakover. Changing breakover. It's one of the most frequently used terms in the farrier vocabulary. Everyone seems to have thoughts and opinions and - surprise, surprise - they often aren't the same.