Effective communications takes on even more importance when dealing with footcare emergencies.

Earlier this week, an equine veterinarian stopped at the American Farriers Journal trade show exhibit during the annual meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners in Anaheim, Calif. In our 10-minute conversation, she explained how she works closely with farriers in her area and how it has led to increased health-care income for her practice.

A few weeks back, a stranger wearing a cowboy hat sat down next to me in row 21 on a late night Delta flight. The conversation got around to horses, trainers, horse shows, judges and effective hoof-care. And he talked about the importance of having a farrier who can set up horses properly for a variety of show ring disciplines.

Data gathered from across the country for the 2012 Farrier Business Practices survey can help you make effective pricing decisions for the coming year.

Even with more pressure being applied and despite indicating they're on board with soring reforms, the Tennessee Walking Horse industry continues to utilize this illegal and hurtful process.

While there are still many challenges, it appears that the equine industry is beginning to recover from its disastrous 2008 recession. This is based on the percentage of respondents owning horses or competing with them at the same or higher levels than 2 years ago.