Editor’s note: Using an inflation calculator, the 1899 rate for the four new shoes and two pads would grow from $5 to nearly $150 in today’s buying power.
To some this is just an old invoice. But as a farrier, I see the history of our trade. It also tells me of the value of a farrier. The invoice on this page is from services performed by farrier Daniel Ward for the New York City Fire Department. These horses would pull the fire engine. A client of mine gave it to me after she had bought it for 50 cents at a yard sale in New York state.
The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.
A cross-sectional study in England examined the accuracy of owners reporting laminitis in their horses and ponies. The objective was to determine the percentage of owner-reported cases of laminitis that were later confirmed by a veterinarian and to compare the owner’s observations of potential risk factors to the veterinarian’s observations.
Caring for backyard horses can be difficult, sometimes because of the environment in which they are kept, or because some owners don’t maintain a regular hoof-care schedule because of the cost or a lack of horsemanship.
Horse Owner Perspective: Work As A Team For Safety
After reading your website article on the farrier who died on the job (“Wrongful Death Ruling Empowers Farriers,” americanfarriers.com), I wanted to say that my staff and I take responsibility for handling and controlling the horse for the farrier.
Paying taxes is an inevitable part of operating a business. Depending on where you live in the United States, sales tax is a mandatory part of taxation and the billing process of a farrier practice. Unfortunately, the lack of uniformity makes collecting sales tax confusing.
There is no argument that farriery is a male-dominated industry. Being female is part of my experience as a farrier.
To give you a bit of context, in Australia we have trimming schools filled with female recruits.
There are many circumstances in which vets and farriers need to work together for the best outcome for the horse. Disagreements may occur during these discussions of the best course to take. In speaking with Diego Almeida, CJF, of the Midwest Horseshoeing School and University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine about dealing with laminitis (September/October 2017, American Farriers Journal), he finds that it is imperative for the farrier to avoid misunderstandings with the vet by being prepared.
In this FREE eGuide, “20 Safety Tips For Clients Holding Horses For Farriers And Vets,” American Farriers Journal pinpoints 20 tips farriers can immediately implement into their practices to encourage a safe working environment for both themselves and for their assistants.
For farriers, poor communication ranks up there as a work place hazard that can do significant damage to a practice. Although there isn’t the physical injury that comes from other dangers, like being kicked by a spooked horse, poor communication can lead to loss of business severe enough to cripple one’s business.
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.