There are few professions tougher mentally or physically than being a professional farrier. I believe the only job remotely close would be that of a professional athlete. The daily repetitive nature of the job and an awkward working posture definitely take their toll on the farrier’s and athlete’s body.
Researchers from the United Kingdom measured the seasonal incidence of tying-up (exertional rhabdomyolysis) in polo horses in the United States and England and tried to identify factors related to the disease.
Being too busy to pursue a fitness program or finding exercise boring is no excuse for neglecting your rotator cuffs. Though you may not enjoy exercise, the one muscle group that all farriers should be concerned about above all others is rotator cuffs.
Unless you are fortunate enough to live in a year-round horse-riding climate, you probably get less shoeing work during the winter. But by starting a fitness program, you can be ready for the rush of work come spring. Here are activities you can incorporate in one.
One key to both his medical and shoeing success that Michael Miller would like to pass along to other farriers is the importance of keeping fit. “Since I used to do long distance biking as a hobby, I asked an exercise therapist to put together an exercise program for me,” says the Trussville, Ala., orthopedic surgeon and farrier. “As it turns out, those exercises that are best for a biker are also good ones for a shoer.
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.