When I began shoeing, many farriers made many of the tools and equipment they used. Some of this resourcefulness came from a spirit of self-reliance and creativity, but many times it was really about saving money for a young shoer just getting into the business.

This article has a very specific audience — farriers like myself who find themselves working on young stock and horses who have a poor understanding of the trimming and shoeing process.

During last winter’s 4th International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, two veteran farriers tackled a number of the most frequently asked questions about the footcare industry. This unrehearsed, fast-paced session sparked a number of highly interesting views for attendees to evaluate in their own footcare operations.