Articles by Danny Ward

Red Flags for Farriers

Is it Time to Toss that Tool?

Look for the signs that your implements are beyond repair

By Danny Ward posted on April 1, 2014 | Posted in Equipment

As wear and tear takes its toll on our tools, a farrier's instinct is to tweak, maintain or fix it. There are times, though, when we should resist our natural tendency to repair it.

Carry The Necessary Tools And Supplies

By Danny Ward posted on August 1, 2013

I didn't start with the top line of tools when I went out on my own. And through my career, I've met more than one farrier who could drive a nail with a rock. It isn't the tool - what's more important is whose hands the tools are in.

The Tools a Farrier Must Have

By Danny Ward posted on August 1, 2012 | Posted in Equipment

Farrier tools are a big investment, so it is important that you take the extra steps to ensure that your tools perform at their best and last as long as possible — especially when money is tight in your career’s early years.

Get the Tools and Supplies You Need

You get what you pay for with high-quality tools, but you can find good tools at lower prices.

By Danny Ward posted on August 1, 2009

If you've just finished hoof-care school, no one needs to tell you about the financial commitment you've made to your education. You paid for your school, housing, food and more. Unless you have an apprenticeship lined-up or know several people who need farriers, it's going to take a while to develop a business and steady income.

American Farriers Journal Checklist

Hammering Home Quality

By Danny Ward posted on April 1, 2004 | Posted in Equipment

THE OLD ADAGE, “You get what you pay for,” is true more often than not — especially when it comes to buying farrier tools.

Bridging The Gap: An educator's attempt at enhancing farrier-vet relations

An educator’s attempt at enhancing farrier-vet relations

By Danny Ward posted on March 1, 2004 | Posted in Education

SOME TIME AGO, Dr. Scott Pleasant from the veterinary school at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg called and ran an idea by me.

Modifying Keg Shoes

Installing Jar Or Blade Calks

By Danny Ward posted on December 1, 2003 | Posted in Forging

Jar or blade calks aren’t really meant for traction. Instead, they are more of a directional device used mostly on horses that jump.

American Farriers Journal Checklist

Striking a Blow for Long Hammer Life

By Danny Ward posted on July 1, 2003 | Posted in Equipment

Every tool we own is important and has a job to do. When shoeing, I think the most important one is the nailing or driving hammer. It gets the most use and should be as perfect as possible for each individual’s need.

Modifying Keg Shoes

Give Open Bar Shoes A Test Run

Bar shoes can be expensive, so go with this alternative to see if they are necessary

By Danny Ward posted on March 1, 2003 | Posted in Shoeing, Therapeutic Shoeing

Bar shoes are popular these days because they’ve helped so many horses suffering from so many problems. However, I like to modify a shoe into an open bar before committing to using a bar shoe on a full-time basis.

7 Tips For Using Propane Forges

A few hints for using this handy farrier tool that has all but replaced coal and coke

By Danny Ward posted on December 1, 2002 | Posted in Forging

THE COAL FORGE is slowly disappearing from horseshoeing as the propane forge has gained popularity.

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.

View Event

More Events

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.