Articles by Ron Perszewski

What’s the Best Retirement Plan for You?

This article was originally published Aug. 3, 2020 and has been updated.

By Ron Perszewski posted on August 4, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices, Education

As a self-employed farrier, enrolling in an employer-sponsored retirement plan isn’t an option. You’re on your own and you want to get serious about saving for retirement by opening a dedicated account, but where do you start?

Grow Your Skills with Continued Education

This article was originally published Aug. 1, 2019 and has been updated.

By Ron Perszewski posted on August 5, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices, Education

Attending and graduating from farrier school will help you lay the groundwork for a successful career — but if you want to continue to improve in your skills and develop as a hoof-care practitioner, it is only the beginning. Industry leaders point to an increasing emphasis on continuing education and professionalism in the farrier world, and the ongoing need to add to your knowledge and skills.

Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Toolbox

This article was originally published August 4, 2019 and has been updated.

By Ron Perszewski posted on August 3, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices, Education, Equipment

The quality of equipment you have will play an essential role in the quality of work you will deliver as a farrier. Equipment also will be one of your main investments when you are just starting out. With so many options and prices that run the gamut, how do you decide what to purchase? Three successful farriers with offer their insight on making smart tool and equipment purchases.

Farrier Tips

Eliminate Mold by Flash Soaking Hay

By Ron Perszewski posted on November 29, 2019 | Posted in Clients, Diseases, Nutrition

To eliminate mold commonly found in hay bales, West Chester, Pa., equine veterinarian Frank Reilly suggests “flash soaking” — tearing pieces of hay off of the bale, putting them in a hay net and then under a heavy rock in a bucket of water for 10 minutes. Studies have shown this reduces the organic dust count, he says.

How A Farrier Rig Can Help You

Manufacturers offer new ideas and tips for more efficient use of mobile work stations

By Ron Perszewski posted on November 4, 2019 | Posted in Business Practices, Equipment

Shoeing rig manufacturers are constantly looking to improve their products, knowing they can attract and satisfy customers by giving farriers what they want.

Defining and Fixing a Horse’s Club Foot

Hall of Fame farrier Simon Curtis maps how the industry can eradicate the equine club foot

By Ron Perszewski posted on September 7, 2019 | Posted in Therapeutic Shoeing

Acclaimed farrier Simon Curtis wants everyone to know that a club foot is not the same thing as an upright foot. Making the distinction is the first step toward resolving a club foot, he says.

Artificial Intelligence is Learning How to Better Measure Hooves

Computer system using photos and radiographs seen as a precision tool in the making

By Ron Perszewski posted on July 1, 2019 | Posted in Education, Shoeing, Trimming

John Craig believes an artificial intelligence (AI) computer system that incorporates and “learns” from tens of thousands of hoof photos and radiographs will improve future hoof care.

The Pros and Cons of Top Dressing the Foot

Farriers discuss the benefits, potential problems and value

By Ron Perszewski posted on May 14, 2019 | Posted in Trimming

Farriers agree on the definition of top dressing as the practice of rasping the top side of the hoof to remove any flares or other distortions before shaping the shoe and putting it on. Not all agree, though, that it’s the right thing to do.

Product Focus

Technology Developed for Humans Now Used to Repair Hooves

Copper peptides have been in cosmetic and medical products for years, but now they are also being put to use to heal hooves.

By Ron Perszewski posted on April 15, 2019 | Posted in Diseases, Lamenesses, Nutrition

A new hoof repair product based on human health and skin care chemicals is being offered to the hoof-care industry. It is now available in a gel formula as well as in the original spray formula.

Manage Leverage to Treat Lameness

Colorado farrier continues his research and development of unconventional therapeutic shoes

By Ron Perszewski posted on April 10, 2019 | Posted in Lamenesses

Drawing on 60 years of experience, master farrier Gene Ovnicek says he and other horseshoers are finally reaching a point where they can help prevent lameness with advanced hoof mapping, reduced ground surface and his newest development, the Freedom Shoe.

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

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.

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.

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.