There are more than 41 million Americans who make their living plying a trade. Although the United States government doesn’t calculate working farriers, estimates range from 25,000 to 32,000. The percentages indicate that farriery is a distinct super niche within the workforce. To paraphrase Shakespeare, though it is small, we know the industry holds fierce convictions about how hoof care should be performed

Throughout its 20 years, the International Hoof-Care Summit is a testament to the strong opinions that farriers have. No doubt, more evidence will be presented when equine professionals from around the world gather in just a few short weeks in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the 21st mid-winter event.

Our Goal

The Summit strives to provide a tent, if you will, where farriers, veterinarians, vet techs, therapists and all who champion the horse are welcome to learn and share knowledge. The upcoming agenda, which you can review by flipping this issue, demonstrates this commitment to providing a platform for a diversity of hoof-care philosophies.

The good folks at Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School (PCHS) in Plymouth, Calif., shared a quote on social media that aligns perfectly with the outlook of both the Summit and American Farriers Journal. The Summit and AFJ welcome differing points of view and we encourage courteous debate. There will be points that are made that you’ll agree and disagree with — sometimes during the same lecture. Take what works for you and put it into your toolbox. Leave the rest.