If you start assessing a hoof only after picking it up, you might be missing important evidence that helps explain the condition of that foot, according to Deb Bennett. Instead, start the evaluation by watching the horse move and examining its standing posture. Watch for leaning, she says.

A new, spray-on hoof repair product based on human health and skin care chemicals is being offered to the hoof-care industry.

If you’ve had troubles with glue-on shoes, listen up. “These things all work,” says Bill Kirkpatrick, general manager of Sound Horse Technologies of Unionville, Pa. To create the strongest possible bond between hoof and shoe, choose the right glue for the job at hand and mix it properly, work with clean, dry feet, and use as much surface contact area as possible, he advises.

“There’s a fine line between laziness and efficiency,” jokes Peter Tichbourne, and the refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee-maker and stereo inside his shoeing trailer make it look like he’s ready for a relaxing day behind a horse barn.

A newly identified hoof disorder might be on the rise. Cases of seedy toe that also involve an abnormal growth resembling a keratoma are becoming common, warns longtime farrier KC La Pierre.

Dean Moshier shoes from the back of a Ford Focus subcompact hatchback

Farrier Allan Jaworski has honed his draft horse shoeing techniques to provide a longer life with more resets for the shoes, along with good footing for the horses.

If you shoe dressage horses, Dave Farley has some pointers that might interest you.