It’s not what you take; it’s what you leave behind

Many farriers evangelize about the importance of leaving enough foot for the horse to stand on. Oh, but it’s easy to succumb to the temptation that the hoof knife promises. Trimmings on the floor validate your work and worth with clients. Transforming a trashy foot into a sculpted piece of art earns accolades from your colleagues on social media.

At the end of the day, though, it’s more important what the horse thinks about your work. While it can’t tell you verbally, it will give you an answer. Just look down at the product on the floor when you return to the barn. Is it holding up? Is the horse in the show ring?

Do it Better Than Me

It’s a message that this month’s Shoeing for a Living subject Danny Anderson (see Page 8) took to heart as a disciple of the late Bob Walters. The Hall of Fame farrier instilled in him the importance of evolving and improving his hoof-care knowledge and skills. The young farrier was impressed with the Dimmit, Texas, shoer and vowed to shoe horses “just like you do it.” Walters’ response resonates with Anderson today.

“If you do, I’m going to kick your butt,” he told Anderson 40 years ago. “I’m going to show you what to do to get started, and you better do it better than me.”

If you’ve been plying your trade as long as Anderson, it’s bound to…