Judging anything can be extremely difficult because of all the factors and variables involved. There are the unseen aspects of judging horseshoeing contests that play a big part in the placing of the competitors.

When Danny Ward discusses horseshoeing, it soon becomes obvious that his keen sense of observation and active imagination are more important to his success than any of the tools in his shoeing box or stowed behind the doors of his shoeing rig.

It might surprise you, but approaching the Saddlebred foot can be intimidating to many farriers. There’s a lot to think about and frankly, more players to answer to.

Be sure to look at the shoes every time you pull them off,” says Blake Brown, a Penryn Calif., farrier who worked at a veterinarian clinic for 20 years.

Shoeing horses that work for a living can be a challenge. A ranch horse is vital to the livelihood of a cowboy or rancher, so proper footcare and protection is very important.