Quicking a horse happens to the best of farriers. In most cases, the wound is cleaned, disinfected and the horse is no worse for wear. That didn’t happen when Cricket McLaren accidentally drew blood on Will, a 3-year-old Thoroughbred. In fact, it was the start of what the Eagle, Colo., farrier calls a “cascade of events” that highlights the importance of a strong veterinarian-farrier relationship, such as the one he has with equine veterinarian Courtney Diehl of Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Real estate agents fondly recite their mantra, "location, location, location," when explaining to clients that where a house sits is the most important factor in its value.

The structures of the hoof capsule are the primary focus of a farrier's job. Yet, there are other elements outside of the hoof capsule a farrier might have a role in supporting. Among them are soft tissue injuries.