Editor’s Note: American Farriers Journal is celebrating its 50th anniversary and we’re reflecting on the relationships and partnerships we’ve forged, the milestones and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In the famed Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” protagonist George Bailey gets to see, via a dramatic intervention by an angel named Clarence Oddbody, what the world might have been like had he never been born. John Hudson of Spartanburg, S.C., offers his thoughts on how AFJ has influenced his career..

When I first walked into the farrier industry, I knew it would be challenging. The craft demanded patience, skill, and an understanding of both the science and artistry behind equine hoof care. But I didn’t expect how American Farriers Journal (AFJ) would shape my path.

Early in my career, out of school, I wanted help with refining my techniques and understanding the latest innovations in hoof care. There were moments when I felt isolated in my work, questioning whether I was taking the right approach. Then, I discovered AFJ.

Through its pages, I found a community of experienced professionals sharing their insights, advice, and research. Whether it was learning about corrective shoeing techniques or exploring new materials, AFJ became an invaluable resource that deepened my understanding of the trade. My wife also loved reading up on new stuff in the farrier world.

The industry constantly evolves, and without AFJ, staying ahead would have been far more difficult in my learning path. It wasn’t just a publication— it was a mentor in written form. Looking back, I wonder how different my journey would have been without it. Would I have developed the confidence I have today? Would I have found the same level of mastery? I hope to take my American Farrier’s Association certification test one day, but in the meantime, I will be reading AFJ articles. I truly believe if you are a farrier, it is a must-read. For me, it’s more than a journal — it’s an essential part of my farrier profession.