Farriers agree on the definition of top dressing as the practice of rasping the top side of the hoof to remove any flares or other distortions before shaping the shoe and putting it on. Not all agree, though, that it’s the right thing to do.
The American Farrier’s Association Annual Convention, held in early March in Arlington, Texas, was one of the most successful in recent memory with 609 attendees, says outgoing AFA President Jon Johnson.
“It might be our best convention in 10 years,” he says.
When it’s time to replace your grinding belt, you’ll find a spectrum of colors await at the farrier supply shop or hardware store display. The hues and shades before you aren’t necessarily random.
For some farriers, modifying tools can lead to some anxious moments.
“The whole fear of changing a tool comes from, ‘Oh no, I’ll mess it up. I’ll go buy another one,’” says Robbie Hunziker of Hurricane Forge Tools. “I did that and a lot of us have.”
The United States Navy adopted the KISS principle — “Keep It Simple, Stupid” — in 1960 to reinforce that most systems work best if they are kept simple, rather than complicated.
American Farriers Journal is excited and honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publishing the hands-on magazine for hoof-care professionals. Learn more about our special edition, which comes out in December 2024.
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