To say there is a subject in which farrier opinions differ doesn’t make much of a story. Instead, sharing the farriers’ experiences on the topic and allowing the audience to come to their own conclusion that best fits their practices.
Several months ago, I had dinner with a group of farriers in Texas. We learned another farrier couldn’t join us because he was working late because his helper didn’t show up, leaving him alone to shoe that day’s horses.
By the nature of the business, farriery is a dangerous job in which your fate can change without warning. Even the most skillful horseperson is one horse away from loss of career or worse. Beyond the horse, factor in the equipment carried on a shoeing rig and used on a daily basis.
Most of the United States began their late spring figuring out how to return to some normalcy from the measures taken to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. While businesses in some states were reopening under guidelines on providing an environment that would limit the spread of the virus, others were less certain.
British farrier Wayne Preece has worked as the resident farrier at a veterinary hospital, taught those aspiring to become farriers and conducted research to benefit our understanding of footcare. Reflecting on his 35 years in the trade, he simplifies his resume.
If a horse injured you tomorrow and you were no longer able to work as a farrier, what is Plan B? Maybe that injury is so severe that you not only can’t work as a farrier, but you are also physically unable to work in another occupation. What would the day after tomorrow look like?
Why does a footcare solution succeed with one horse, but fail with another? The answer could be simple, but usually it is complex, considering the endless list of variables affecting the outcome. The horse, its job, environment and client all have a huge influence on the success of a farrier’s work.
Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, opinions greatly differ on the seriousness of the subject, as well as the response by the government. Regardless of your opinion on public health risks and resulting actions, it is a fact that every industry is affected by the pandemic.
Twenty-two years ago, American Farriers Journal launched Farriers Week for the equine industry to recognize farriers for their dedicated commitment to delivering hoof care to the horses. This year’s Farriers Week runs July 5-July 11. From this small beginning, it has grown to annual tradition for clients and equine businesses taking time to celebrate farriers.
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.