Articles by Jeff Cota

Federal Legislation Could Force Tough Hiring Decisions for Multi-Farrier Practices

What you need to know before converting independent contractors to employees

By Jeff Cota posted on October 29, 2021

Demand for equine hoof-care services across the United States are at its highest levels in recent memory, stretching farriers thin. Yet, proposed changes to federal labor law could force multi-farrier practices into tough decisions that could make it increasingly difficult to service clients.

Farrier Tips

No Suspensory Horseshoe? No Problem

By Jeff Cota posted on October 22, 2021 | Posted in Anatomy, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

A suspensory shoe can be beneficial for performance horses that need toe flotation and heel penetration into the ground. But, what can you do to achieve these purposes if you don’t have the required metal in your truck?

News & Notes

Congress Proposes Record Spending to Combat Horse Soring

By Jeff Cota posted on October 20, 2021 | Posted in Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Lamenesses, Shoeing

Companion congressional appropriation bills aim to increase spending by a record amount to enforce the Horse Protection Act of 1970.

News & Notes

House Reintroduces PAST Act

By Jeff Cota posted on October 4, 2021 | Posted in Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Lamenesses, Shoeing

Bipartisan lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives reintroduced familiar legislation that aims to end horse soring.

From The Desk Of AFJ

Don’t Gamble with Your Eyes

By Jeff Cota posted on September 25, 2021 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

“My eye burst and all the fluid was running down my face.” Kent, England, farrier Charlie Madden had just suffered one of the worst injuries that a London eye specialist had ever seen.

Farrier Tips

What You Can Do to Prevent White Line Disease

By Jeff Cota posted on September 17, 2021 | Posted in Clients, Diseases

It’s always best to prevent an infection rather than fight one. Simply put, the alternative often results in a fight that’s difficult to contain. While hoof-care clients can spearhead prevention by providing a clean and dry living environment for their horses, farriers are likely the first line of defense.

How to Prevent and Treat White Line Disease in Horses

A proactive approach is the best defense against hoof wall fungal infections

By Jeff Cota posted on September 11, 2021 | Posted in Diseases

As the damp fall weather approaches, farriers will be keeping a watchful eye on hoof walls for signs of onychomycosis, more commonly known as white line disease.

U.S. Eyes New Road Use Tax

Congress proposes studying annual mileage fee to replace fuel tax

By Jeff Cota posted on August 14, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

Federal fuel taxes likely will remain static for at least another year, but the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that the United States Senate recently approved indicates changes are on the horizon.

Young farrier working at grinder wearing the proper safety equipment.

Take Precautions While Shoeing Horses

By Jeff Cota posted on August 2, 2021 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

While it’s easy to wave off safety measures as inconvenient, cutting corners just to save time could prove costly.

Close up of hot fitting for a horseshoe.

4 Easy Steps to Grow Your Business

By Jeff Cota posted on August 1, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

Six years ago, Wes Meyer was trimming and shoeing a lot of horses and making good money. Yet, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., farrier's practice wasn't doing as well as it should be. Meyer was chasing outstanding payments, his inventory was too high and his horses were losing shoes. He recognized the need for an improved way of doing business.

Videos

<em>American Farriers Journal</em> Unifies the Industry

International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Steve Kraus explains the impact of American Farriers Journal on the trade. AFJ is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Events

Hyperinsulinemia, Laminitis, and PPID: Diagnosis and Management – Part 1

Date: 05/08/25

Location: CO

Join Dr. David Rendle to learn about the link between obesity, insulin and laminitis, and discuss the diagnosis and management of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

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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.