Articles by Frank Lessiter

High Sugar Levels in Forage Can Lead to Laminitis

Encourage clients to pay special attention to both grazing and forage feeding to avoid laminitic and insulin-resistant concerns

By Frank Lessiter posted on May 1, 2012 | Posted in Diseases

Research conducted in Australia offers strong circumstantial evidence that the fructans found in the hindgut of horses can trigger laminitis, says noted hoof researcher Chris Pollitt.

Enforcement Stepped up on Illegal Soring

Recent indictments and convictions of eight men working in the walking horse industry — including a farrier — demonstrate the federal government is getting serious about this practice

By Frank Lessiter posted on May 1, 2012 | Posted in Business Practices

For the first time in 20 years, the crime of soring is being prosecuted in the U.S. court system. As a result, four individuals have been convicted and four more indicted in regard to soring of Tennessee Walking Horses during the past 6 months.

Years of Great Hoof-Care Learning

Mark your calendars now for the 10th anniversary of the International Hoof-Care Summit that will take place from January 29 to February 1 in Cincinnati

By Frank Lessiter posted on May 1, 2012 | Posted in Shoeing

As we’re getting planning under way for next winter’s 10th annual International Hoof-Care Summit, it’s gratifying to realize that more than 6,600 attendees have soaked up plenty of valuable footcare education at the previous nine events.

Soring Charges Against Farrier Dismissed

By Frank Lessiter posted on April 9, 2012 | Posted in Business Practices

Charges of animal cruelty against farrier Blake Primm were recently dismissed in a Tennessee country courtroom. The Louisville, Tenn., farrier had been arrested and charged in conjunction with three others in a soring case in mid-June.

Product Knowledge

New Way to Sedate Problem Horses

Farriers cite both pros and cons with an easy-to-use product for trimming and shoeing problem horses

By Frank Lessiter posted on April 1, 2012 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

Nobody wants to deal with problems that can result from needing to tranquilize a problem horse for routine trimming and shoeing. Yet it sometimes seems using a sedative is the only way to deal with a few horses.

Frankly Speaking

Summit Attendees Looking Forward to Favorable Year

By Frank Lessiter posted on March 1, 2012 | Posted in Education

Many farriers and equine veterinarians who attended the 9th annual International Hoof-Care Summit appear optimistic about what the coming trimming and shoeing season will bring.

Shoeing for a Living

Shoeing Irish Style, Along with a History Lesson

Trimming and shoeing at a 400-year-old Irish castle led to an interesting “Shoeing For A Living” day

By Frank Lessiter posted on January 1, 2012 | Posted in Shoeing

Paul Duddy believes trimming and shoeing in Ireland isn’t that much different than working in North America.

Shoeing for a Living

Patching Cracks, Gluing Shoes

Racetrack farrier Ian McKinlay has built a solid reputation for having the answers for tackling cracks, wall separations and thin hoof walls

By Frank Lessiter posted on December 1, 2011 | Posted in Shoeing

Ian McKinlay's shoeing rig is different than what you'll find being used by most farriers. First, the rig used by the South Amboy, N.J., blacksmith is a 2008 Lincoln Continental Town Car.

Frankly Speaking

Horse Owners Voice Their Opinions About Footcare

By Frank Lessiter posted on November 1, 2011 | Posted in Shoeing, Trimming

When horse owners were recently surveyed regarding their thoughts on farriers and footcare, most spoke very highly of their farriers.

Think Snow!

Snow pads can help your clients keep riding safely all winter while dealing with snow, ice, frozen ground, mud and slush problems

By Frank Lessiter posted on September 1, 2011 | Posted in Shoeing

Just because the weather turns bad doesn’t mean your clients want to give up riding and working their horses until warmer spring weather arrives.

Videos

Hoof Care on Parade

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.

Events

Michigan Horseshoers Association 55th Annual Clinic

Date: 01/02/25

Location: Lansing, MI

The Michigan Horseshoers Association will host its 55th annual clinic Jan. 2-4, 2025 in East Lansing, Mich.

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Top Directory Listings

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SmartPak

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