Dr. Deb Bennett of the Equine Studies Institute offers insights from 40 years of horsemanship experience in specific areas that are especially helpful to farriers. She offers effective, humane approaches to problems such as a horse that wants to pull back when tied, or that bites, balks, kicks, or strikes, as well as how to effectively teach a horse to pick up its foot and hand it to the farrier.
Maintaining feet that can become compromised by the effects of climate and environment can be a tough challenge. What is your strategy for getting the client’s help in limiting the damage caused by heat and dampness?
Traditionally, this article presents hoof-care advice from farriers throughout the United States and Canada. For this Q&A, we had breakfast with a group of farriers who work around the Ocala, Fla., area. Combined, these farriers shoe a variety of horses ranging from backyard horses to high-end sport horses. They shared their thoughts on a common issue that farriers in their area — as well as those elsewhere — commonly face.
Preparation Is Everything When Casting A Foot
Stephensville, Texas, equine veterinarian John Janicek told attendees of the American Association of Equine Professionals (AAEP) annual convention that it is imperative to have all your materials organized and ready when casting a foot or limb. Be aware of water temperature that you will soak the casting material in, as the warmer the water, the quicker the material will set. He’ll typically soak the casting material for about 10 seconds prior to application.
What do you do when your clients ask you questions about if your work can hurt the horse? These types of questions can be your best opportunity to establish yourself as their hoof-care professional.
What’s the best way to handle a client or barn that always seems to have extra horses for you to do when you arrive? It throws off the rest of the day’s schedule.
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.