This week's facts and figures... Toe Vs. Side Clips. Hiring Footcare Helpers. This edition of Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance Co.
There are a number of attributes that help make a good apprentice. Among them are mastering the fundamentals of the trade, personal integrity, horsemanship and a desire to learn.
Apprenticeships play an integral role in the industry by helping to educate tomorrow’s farriers while increasing the mentor’s earnings and managing the workload.
Before the mentor and farrier school graduate enter into a working relationship, it’s important to understand the definition of the word “apprentice.”
In late May, the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate passed a $15 minimum wage bill. Currently, Illinois’ minimum wage is $8.25. Should this plan pass the governor’s desk, the full $15 rate would be reached in 2022 for those age 18 and older. At the time of press, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner had yet to sign this bill, and isn’t expected to do so.
Walt Neel has worked for 4 1/2 years for Mike DeLeonardo. The Porterville, Calif., AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier makes a 200-mile trip to Salinas several times a month.
Even if you have graduated from shoeing school, this is just a start, in terms of practical knowledge. Learning from someone who has been shoeing horses for many years is invaluable.
Founder and International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame member Bernard Duvernay discusses the volunteer farrier organization's goals for the coming year, as well as their successes in 2015.
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.