Articles by John Bradshaw

Product Innovation

Lameness Locator Moves Equine Veterinary Technology a Step Ahead

While not without its detractors, some vets believe this system helps make subjectivity less of a factor in lameness exams

By John Bradshaw posted on April 1, 2011 | Posted in Lamenesses

Performing lameness examinations has never been an exact science. Even the best equine veterinarians do not always agree on the cause or even the location of difficult lamenesses. Now, a relatively new piece of veterinary technology is taking the subjectivity out of lameness exams.

New Mexico Shoe-Shaping Experiment Produces Unexpected Results

Little variation found as nine farriers forge keg shoes to fit the same trimmed foot

By John Bradshaw posted on January 9, 2011 | Posted in Shoeing, Trimming

Farriers all have slightly different shoe-shaping styles and a few have some very different techniques. Just about any farrier has pulled a shoe that was nailed on by someone else and puzzled over what that other horseshoer could have been thinking when he chose that shape.

Hoof Care As Preventative Maintenance

Grant Moon urges farriers to head off problems in advance during final Wagon Mound Ranch Supply shoeing clinic

By John Bradshaw posted on December 1, 2010 | Posted in Shoeing

Grant Moon sees horseshoeing, in part, as a program of preventative maintenance. He told about 75 horseshoers at a clinic at Wagon Mound Ranch Supply in Solano, N.M., that a big part of their job is preventing injuries while maximizing performance.

The Intricacies and Dangers of Puncture Wounds

It may be difficult to wait, but it’s often best not to pull that nail or thorn until you have consulted with a veterinarian

By John Bradshaw posted on January 1, 2010 | Posted in Therapeutic Shoeing

Whether to pull out that nail or other object found stuck in a horse's foot is a dilemma all horseshoers face occasionally. The wise and recommended move is to leave it until an X-ray can show how deep it goes and exactly what it punctures.

Backyard Shoeing

Backbone of a Shoeing Career

Veteran shoers say backyard horses are a great way to get started in the business and can help round out your schedule when you move up to more specialized hoof-care work

By John Bradshaw posted on May 1, 2008 | Posted in Clients, Disciplines & Breeds

Shoeing backyard horses is like many other things in life. Everybody does it, but few want to admit it.

A Horseshoer's Approach to Heart Bars

Myron McLane has spent two decades explaining the importance and application of these shoes

By John Bradshaw posted on March 1, 2008 | Posted in Anatomy, Shoeing

Myron McLane sometimes begins a clinic by reminding his audience that he is not just an instructor or clinician — he’s a horseshoer.

Location, Location, Middle of Nowhere

New Mexico farrier supplier finds success in real small-town America

By John Bradshaw posted on January 1, 2008 | Posted in Business Practices

If you don’t get McGinn’s joke, try finding Solano, N.M., on the map. That’s where Bachen owns and runs Wagon Mound Ranch Supply, a leading horseshoe supply house with nearly 25 years in business. The store is located basically in the middle of nowhere. There are nine people living in the town and only 750 in the entire county, which covers 2,500 square miles.

This Farrier Takes a Beating

Horseshoers submit their bodies to an unusual amount of wear and tear, and most don’t consider the long-term consequences

By John Bradshaw posted on December 1, 2007 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

All horseshoers know that what they do for a living is hard on their bodies, but most choose to ignore the fact.

Texas Farrier's Shoeing Shop is a Fine Fit

Ray Bach took his business off the road in 2001 and is thriving while his customers come to him

By John Bradshaw posted on July 1, 2007 | Posted in Business Practices

A few years ago, Ray Bach started his shoeing day the same way most farriers do.

Looking Back with a Southwest Shoeing Legend

Don Baskins has a lot of tales and tips from a 60-year shoeing career

By John Bradshaw posted on March 1, 2007 | Posted in Forging, Shoeing

Anyone who has spent time in shoeing circles of the Southwest has almost certainly heard of Don Baskins.

Videos

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.

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.