If you use a lot of pads, it will pay to invest in tools that will let you trim and shape them more efficiently, like an inverse-mounted jigsaw or a stone wheel on a sander.
Embarking on a hoof-care career is no easy task. It takes several years to establish a successful farrier practice, so it is crucial to make an informed decision on where you will build that business.
To say that the equine hoof wall is an amazing structure is a gross understatement. It must withstand a multitude of destructive forces from the environment — both man made and natural — and extreme concussive forces trying to tear it apart. Given these circumstances, it’s no wonder that failures occur.
Keratomas are small, benign tumors usually found between the stratum internum and the coffin bone. In rare cases, it has been seen on the dorsal aspect of the coffin bone.
The scenario can begin in different ways. One involves you pulling the shoes, trimming the feet and noticing a small cavity just inside the white line. Picking up a nail, you give it a scratch and a powder-like substance comes out. More scratching leaves you part way up the hoof wall. Another involves having a horse with hoof walls separating in the most distal part of the foot. While probing the separation, you discover that not only is it separated at the bottom, it goes much higher.
It's not surprising that the 2015 International Hoof-Care Summit (IHCS) continued to set record numbers in attendance. It offers the most diverse lectures about farriery, plus the largest trade show in the world. The IHCS is the only place where the farrier industry can get the whole package in one place.
One of the benefits of having a little gray hair on your head is that it gives you the perspective of hind sight. One of the things I regret is not networking earlier in my career with the older seasoned farriers whom I regarded as unapproachable.
Like everyone in our industry, I was saddened to learn of the death of one of legendary New Jersey shoer Bruce Daniels. Bruce was one my farrier heroes.
Some European and North American farriers working with sport horses and therapeutic concerns are hot seating shoes manufactured from a heavier and tougher aluminum alloy
Much of the progress made in any field is often based on the ideas and efforts that are developed by highly skilled individuals. One such individual in the equine footcare area is Antoine Corona, a talented French farrier who had a vision more than 15 years ago for developing better horseshoes.
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.
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 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.
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.