It’s natural for hoof-care professionals to focus primarily on a horse’s lower limbs as they work, but a general knowledge of equine anatomy and conformation is also important. This knowledge becomes more critical for those who work on performance horses. The higher the level of performance, the more critical that knowledge becomes.
Paying special attention to the conformation of a horse’s foot is particularly important, maintains Susan Dyson, an equine veterinarian and the head of clinical orthopedics at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, England
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) today called for a ban on the use of action devices and performance packages in the training and showing of Tennessee Walking Horses. These devices and packages are implicated in the practice of soring, which is the abusive act of intentionally inflicting pain to accentuate a horse's gait.
Among many other factors, it's clear that careful maintenance of racetrack surfaces is critical. A recent white paper analyzing the composition, performance and safety of racing surfaces (1) contains critical concepts for farriers regarding the interaction between the hoof and the ground at each phase of the footfall and the role of the farrier in influencing that interaction.
Regardless of a farrier's client base, confidence in one's ability is necessary. Whether it is your first shoeing job or hundredth, you need to gauge your level of knowledge and go about your practice with certainty.
Shoeing allows farriers to provide five benefits to horses: protection, traction, correction, therapeutic and performance. Most horses today are used for performance and pleasure. The duties that owners ask of their horses are tough and can be physically hard on the animals. With special shoes, horses are able to perform amazing moves with less stress to the hoof and all structures supported by it.
Shoeing at a racetrack offers many rewards, including the opportunity to work with very special horses and learn a great deal from top trainers and riders.
Photo histories become convenient, video can be slowed to reveal gait problems to the human eye, helping farriers gain owners’ support as horses grow sounder
As the world of horse care becomes more technical, clients expect more and more from farriers. Many farriers have begun using digital pictures and videos to document changes in a horse’s shoeing, lameness and performance. How do farriers educate their clients when it comes to these concerns?
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.