Kirk Underschultz has been a hoof-care professional since 1979 — a testament to his love of the work and devotion to his clients. But it wasn’t long ago that his future as a farrier seemed uncertain.
Several years ago, Underschultz started experiencing painful arthritis in his fingers and wrists — the most critical tools of any farrier.
When I was getting started in the farrier business as a teenager, I struggled with efficiency while shoeing horses, along with the myriad of other issues that plague a young, green farrier.
Reading the American Association of Professional Farriers Credentialing Study Guide, I read a quote that impacted me.
“No one cares about how much you know, until they know how much you care,” wrote Mike Hayward.
When Cicero, Ind., farrier Cody Bogard started shoeing a little over 10 years ago, his mentors told him not to worry about getting clients. He would have plenty of work in a couple of years if he did two things: show up on time and return phone calls.
One of the major concerns every farrier deals with is how to help lame horses. This was evidenced by the responses from farriers participating in a recent survey who indicated they routinely deal with a number of horses with lameness issues.
Horses are more likely to suffer from laminitis in the fall than any other time of year. This is due to high NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) occurring with cooler nighttime temperatures and increased blood ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) secretion from the pituitary gland. Both lead to elevated insulin levels. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by Banixx.
The outermost layer of the hoof wall (stratum externum, aka periople) contains a variety of fats and waxes, as does the “hard”/dead portion of the hoof wall. The stratum externum grows down from the epithelial cells of the periople, which are located below the coronary band. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by Banixx.
Dr. Eleanor M. Kellon, a staff veterinary specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition, discusses the role of copper in hoof health. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (Absorbine).
This week's facts and figures ... Do You Talk with Clients About How Proper Nutrition is Essential to Avoiding Hoof Quality Concerns? and Among All the Shoes You Use, What Percentage Do You Handmake? This edition of Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance Co.
Bryan Waldridge, an equine veterinarian with Kentucky Equine Research, explains the role of calcium in hoof health. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (Absorbine).
In this episode, Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin, recalls Red’s relationships with area veterinarians, his legacy and the second career as American Farriers Journal’s technical editor.
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.