Articles by Jeff Cota

Give the Frog Proper Attention

Illinois farrier spends a lot of time examining and trimming the frog, and for good reason

By Jeff Cota posted on January 3, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Education, Diseases, Lamenesses, Shoeing, Trimming

What consideration do you give to trimming the frog? “I think we overlook it,” Danville, Ill., farrier Steve Sermersheim told attendees at the D.L. Schwartz Farrier Supply clinic in October. “I used to overlook it. I would just trim the frog and go on.”

Restricting Foot Slide Causes P1 Fractures

Study finds surfaces and traction devices present a higher injury risk

By Jeff Cota posted on January 3, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Disciplines & Breeds, Lamenesses, Shoeing

When altering horses’ traction, farriers are applying lessons that they learned when they were but knee-high to a grasshopper. It’s called the Goldilocks principle.

Evaluating and Shoeing Foal Limb Deformities

By Jeff Cota posted on January 3, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Diseases, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

Time is not a friend when a foal is presented with crooked legs. Growth plates close relatively quickly, which doesn’t leave a farrier and veterinarian much time if intervention is necessary.

Preparation Is Key To Rebuilding Walls

New York farrier provides his insights into making the best of a tough task

By Jeff Cota posted on January 3, 2016 | Posted in Anatomy, Diseases, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

Rebuilding hoof wall is no small task. There are a number of things that can, and often do, happen to make the job even tougher than it already is.

Farrier Tips

Memory Foam Can Comfort Horses

By Jeff Cota posted on December 31, 2015 | Posted in Equipment, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

Ethylene-vinyl acetate — better known as memory foam — is noted for its softness and flexibility. Manufacturers use it for mattresses, pillows and shoe liners to provide comfort and support for human consumers. Lake Elmo, Minn., farrier Scott Lampert uses them for the same reasons with horses.

From The Desk Of AFJ

Uncle Sam Rings In New Year With Higher Health Care Penalties

By Jeff Cota posted on December 30, 2015 | Posted in Business Practices, Safety & Healthcare

Health insurance is a must for farriers. Yet, according to the American Farriers Journal 2014 Farrier Business Practices Survey, there’s a sizable number who roll the dice and forgo insurance. As we ring in the New Year, there’s a new incentive to buy an insurance plan, courtesy of Uncle Sam.

News & Notes

Shoes Of World’s Top-Ranked Dressage Horse Up For Bid

By Jeff Cota posted on December 19, 2015 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds

The world’s top-ranked dressage competitor donated a number of equestrian memorabilia to a charity auction that benefits working equines around the world.

From The Desk Of AFJ

Strategy Shift Reveals NYC Carriage Horse Stable Grab

By Jeff Cota and Casey Allen posted on December 17, 2015 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds

Just when it appears that New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has given up his quixotic quest to criminalize horse-drawn carriages, he continues beating a dead horse. While tilting at windmills, his actions confirm what many have suspected all along — it’s not about protecting horses.

Farrier Tips

How To Cut Bar Stock With Crescent Wrenches

By Jeff Cota posted on December 2, 2015 | Posted in Education, Forging

Are you looking for an easy way to cut bar stock? All you need are two crescent wrenches, an anvil and a little elbow grease, says Chappelles, S.C., farrier Josh Bowles.

How Practical Are Venograms?

Early damage assessment is vital for acquiring best results

By Jeff Cota posted on November 29, 2015 | Posted in Anatomy, Education, Diseases, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing

One early November evening, a German physics professor was in his Bavarian lab experimenting with gases in a glass tube when the tube began glowing after a high electric voltage was passed through it.

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

The Shoein' Shop 25th Annual Open House & Clinic

Date: 01/11/25

Location: Yucaipa, CA

The Shoein' Shop in Yucaipa, Calif., will host its 25th annual open house and clinic on Jan. 11, 2025.

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Top Directory Listings

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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.