As director of education of the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization (ELPO), Steve Foxworth is a strong advocate of the organization’s hoof mapping method. The Loveland, Colo., farrier believes the approach can help farriers recognize hoof distortions while being aware of the tip of P3 and the center of the coffin joint.
Virginia farrier Paul Papdatos embarked on a 7-month journey to ride along with almost 2-dozen colleagues in order to learn and improve his skills and education. Find out what he learned and how you can apply it to your practice in the November 2018 issue of American Farriers Journal.
What equipment do you really need to start earning a living as a farrier? Three highly successful farriers with insight into the tool industry offer their thoughts.
If you’ve learned fundamental hoof-care techniques, you’ve already made the most important acquisition, according to Dan Bradley.
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? How do you maximize your investment? Is there something better than a standard savings account that offers minimal interest payments? And if you get a late start on retirement savings, can you make up ground somehow?
Are you as good a farrier today as you will ever be? Do your current abilities guarantee you will have a successful career?
Graduating from farrier school won’t be enough. Industry leaders point to an increasing emphasis on continuing education and professionalism in the farrier world — the ongoing need to add to your knowledge and skills.
Moving from horse to horse and barn to barn, farriers are in a key position to recognize equine respiratory diseases, notify horse owners and take steps to help prevent the spread of such illnesses.
Keg shoes typically come with a crease in the ground surface, but are they worth the effort to craft into your handmade shoes? And if so, what are the keys to proper fullering?
Chad Chance, a veteran farrier in Pilot Point, Texas, 30 minutes north of Dallas, creases 95% of his shoes and says, “I’m fullering every day.”
Farriers working where electricity isn’t available need to supply their own power if they want to use their power tools. Solar-powered rigs are an option that has gained popularity, but they might not be the right choice for every farrier.
Imagine horses trained to fully cooperate with farriers from day one. Horses that display no fear or stubbornness, move into position with a gentle nudge, give their feet without hesitation, and accept trimming and nailing with no pullback.
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.
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.