The modern horse’s diet is often lacking in core nutritional factors. Jessica Normand, senior director of product research and development at SmartPak, shared those concerns — and how to help address them through supplements — at the 15th annual International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Caring for backyard horses can be difficult, sometimes because of the environment in which they are kept, or because some owners don’t maintain a regular hoof-care schedule because of the cost or a lack of horsemanship.
If you’re interested in shoeing draft horses, you’re in the minority. A lot of farriers, though, have a token team that they work on. They’re usually a nice pair of horses that stands pretty well.
When he was a young man, being a farrier wasn’t on Drew Golden’s radar. Born on Long Island, N.Y., he didn’t even have much interaction with horses. Instead, his passion rested elsewhere. Golden was an accomplished musician, studying the subject and playing saxophone in bands. He still plays in a band today, making the time between a busy work schedule and family time.
Maintaining feet that can become compromised by the effects of climate and environment can be a tough challenge. What is your strategy for getting the client’s help in limiting the damage caused by heat and dampness?
Traditionally, this article presents hoof-care advice from farriers throughout the United States and Canada. For this Q&A, we had breakfast with a group of farriers who work around the Ocala, Fla., area. Combined, these farriers shoe a variety of horses ranging from backyard horses to high-end sport horses. They shared their thoughts on a common issue that farriers in their area — as well as those elsewhere — commonly face.
Horses are kept in a wide variety of environments — indoors, outdoors, big pastures, small pens, every kind of footing imaginable — and climates, from the arid deserts of the Southwest to the rain forests of western Washington, humid tropical climates of Florida, or muddy springtime in Maine. The environment definitely impacts the health and structure of horses’ feet.
I just returned from the early December meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in Anaheim, Calif. Like attending many other conferences, I always visit with as many exhibitors as I can to find out what role hoof care plays in their business.
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.