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Articles by Heather Smith Thomas

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Basics of Horsemanship for the Farrier

Appropriate handling and communication skills prevent injury to the horse, farrier and owner
By Heather Smith Thomas posted on October 28, 2018 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare
Horsemanship is critical for the safety of you and the horse, not to mention it makes your job easier. Learn some important handling and communication skills in the November 2018 issue of American Farriers Journal.
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Don’t Panic When Encountering Milky Frog Fluid

Plugged ducts can result in white discharge during trimming
By Heather Smith Thomas posted on September 9, 2018 | Posted in Anatomy, Trimming
The frog is the softest part of the hoof, even though it is made up of the same fibrous material as the rest of the external foot. It’s softer and more pliable because it contains oil glands and more moisture than the hoof horn and sole. In moist conditions, the frog might be nearly 50% water, by weight.
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How Reading the Horse Can Make Your Job Easier

Reading a horse’s body language can help you understand what frame of mind it’s in — and give you a guideline for approaching the horse.
By Heather Smith Thomas posted on September 6, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Education, Safety & Healthcare
Many farriers starting out in the business today may not have much experience with horses. They might not realize the importance of reading a horse to understand its frame of mind before they pick up a leg to start working on the foot — especially if it’s a new horse they haven’t worked with before.
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Help Your Backyard Horse Practice Thrive With These Business Tips

Farriers share their insights on establishing a successful clientele
By Heather Smith Thomas posted on June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing
Backyard horses comprise a significant portion of some farriers’ businesses and can be a very successful and profitable part if handled correctly. Prince Frederick, Md., farrier Patrick Quinn didn’t aspire to provide hoof care for backyard horses, but this is often the bread and butter of a farrier’s operation.
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Educating Your Clients on Supplements

Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and even algae can support healthy feet and joints
By Heather Smith Thomas posted on September 12, 2016 | Posted in Clients, Diseases, Lamenesses, Nutrition
Proper equine nutrition is pivotal in support of healthy feet and joints. However, it’s not always attainable without some help. There are a number of supplements on the market today that help horse owners provide an adequate and balanced diet with the goal of improving hoof strength and growth, as well as protecting joints from wear-and-tear problems.
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Remembering Red Renchin with Mark Ellis: Part 3

Remembering Red Renchin with Mark Ellis: Part 3

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.

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Life Data Labs

Life Data Labs Inc

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.
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Kawell USA

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.
Smart Pak

SmartPak

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.
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