Articles by Randy S Luikart

Foot Notes

American Farriers Journal Sets a High Bar

By Randy S Luikart posted on April 25, 2025 | Posted in Education

Frank Lessiter made American Farriers Journal the leading magazine. Dean Laux did a good job, with good covers and some good articles, but Frank elevated it a notch higher than anything else.

Influencing Diagonal Gait of Trot

How the horse compensates for outside influences

By Randy S Luikart posted on March 9, 2025 | Posted in Shoeing, Trimming

There are lateral gaits and/or diagonal gaits that are required performance of the horses we shoe or trim. Some are natural lateral gaits, like Icelandic and Paso Fino horses, and some are learned, like five-gaited Saddlebred horses.

When Should the Equine Hoof & Pastern Angle Line Up?

Simulated mid-stance position allows evaluation of the mechanics of the hoof, pastern angle & fetlock

By Randy S Luikart posted on December 18, 2024 | Posted in Anatomy

I don’t know about you, but it has been pounded into my head for years that the hoof and pastern angle should line up.

Easing Breakover & Research Clash

Shortening the hoof is far less important during the weight-bearing phase of a horse’s stride

By Randy S Luikart posted on September 5, 2024 | Posted in Education, Shoeing, Trimming

The weight-bearing phase of a horse’s stride sequence is extremely complicated.

What are the 4 Lengths of Horses’ Feet?

Hall of Fame farrier defines each and how they apply to disciplines

By Randy S Luikart posted on April 3, 2024 | Posted in Lamenesses, Trimming

No doubt you have some thoughts on a horse’s hoof length. I recently wrote about the three important lengths for the soundness of the horse — dorsal length, horizontal length and vertical length (or depth).

Examining the Isolated Features of Equine Weight Bearing

Gain a basic understanding of the complex stride sequence

By Randy S Luikart posted on September 5, 2023 | Posted in Lamenesses, Trimming

Our interpretation of weight bearing and what is happening during that portion of the stride sequence is always up for debate.

Farrier Opinion

How to Evaluate Medial-Lateral Balance of a Horse’s Hoof

The key to the outcome is how the leg bears weight

By Randy S Luikart posted on April 25, 2023 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing, Trimming

I was taught in horseshoeing school the methods to evaluate medial-lateral balance (transverse plane) of a horse’s hoof by picking up the leg and sighting down the leg to check the perpendicular status of the heels to the plane of the hoof and leg.

Is Longeing Good: A Farrier's Perspective

Going in a circle may not be the best training or exercise procedure for an animal, especially one weighing a thousand pounds or greater

By Randy S Luikart posted on March 2, 2023 | Posted in Anatomy, Clients, Shoeing

In my career, the way horses have been worked has changed significantly. One trainer I worked for would only work a horse in a circle if it had a bitting rig on (to keep them more straight), or lines and only at a walk or very slow trot.

“This is How We Do It” is not a Good Answer

How do we apply decisions on conformational anomalies if we don’t follow the basic normal anatomical function in our daily work or even understand the reasons why we should?

By Randy S Luikart posted on January 1, 2023 | Posted in Anatomy, Education, Shoeing

Sometimes that technique was right and sometimes wrong, but nonetheless it was an answer. The problem with that answer is that he never told me why.

Challenges of Understanding Navicular Disease

A farrier identifies five confusing dilemmas about understanding navicular disease

By Randy S Luikart posted on June 17, 2022 | Posted in Diseases

If an increased lever arm causes deep digital flexor tendon tension, why do long-footed horses have fewer incidents of navicular disease than shorter-footed horses?

Current Issue

American Farriers Journal

American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.

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California Farrier Fills Hoof-Care Needs

Creativity is Key When Working with Modern Materials

Keep Your Dream Alive

Current Issue

Cover_Your Guide For Building A Better Team With Farriers_VOL 4_1222.jpg

Special Report For Equine Veterinarians

American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.

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Must Read Free Eguides

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<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.

Articles by Randy S Luikart

American Farriers Journal Sets a High Bar

Influencing Diagonal Gait of Trot

When Should the Equine Hoof & Pastern Angle Line Up?

Easing Breakover & Research Clash

What are the 4 Lengths of Horses’ Feet?

Examining the Isolated Features of Equine Weight Bearing

How to Evaluate Medial-Lateral Balance of a Horse’s Hoof

Is Longeing Good: A Farrier's Perspective

“This is How We Do It” is not a Good Answer

Challenges of Understanding Navicular Disease

Top Articles

Current Issue

American Farriers Journal

California Farrier Fills Hoof-Care Needs

Creativity is Key When Working with Modern Materials

Keep Your Dream Alive

Current Issue

Special Report For Equine Veterinarians

Must Read Free Eguides

Videos

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

Events

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

Life Data Labs Inc

Kawell USA

SmartPak