Sugarcreek, Ohio, farrier Conrad Kaufman details how and why he effectively positions traction devices that keep the conformation of the road horse in mind.
The shape of a horse’s conformation often dictates the form a hoof takes. A “cow hocked” trotter is one example. The hind toes are turned outward and the cap of the hocks are turned inward toward each other. This type of conformation will cause the hind feet to land wider than normal when the horse is in motion.
This week's facts and figures... When Conformation Comes To Mind, What Do You Think About In Terms of The Feet? What Kind Of Products Do Clients Ask You To Recommend? This edition of Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance Co.
As farriers, we can use farriery and different farriery techniques to aid biomechanical function. But first, we must study the foot and understand form and function.
A horse’s conformation exerts a tremendous amount of influence on the hoof capsule, and in turn how a farrier trims and shoes the foot. Ideally, one should be able to drop a plumb line from the shoulder to the ground that bisects a distal limb that features a carpus and hoof that point forward.
In human locomotion, a lot is known about the pattern of central pressure on the foot as a step is taken. Typically, a normal pattern is defined as landing slightly laterally in a supinated position and then rolling toward the medial side of the foot into pronation.
Farriers spend a lot of energy, effort and expertise to keep their charges’ feet in tip-top shape so that their clients can continue year-round. Some farriers have clients who opt to migrate their horses to other locations beyond their “home base” for part of the year, such as those whose clients show during the winter in Florida.
Extreme weather like we have been seeing this summer can affect the horse's hooves mightily. Obviously, the most affected horses are those who are out in it more.
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.