You have a busy day ahead which means that keeping on track depends largely on having mannerly horses with clean, dry feet waiting when you arrive. Someone on hand ready to hold each horse for the duration without interruption is a plus, as are aisles clear of debris, dogs locked up and - of course - and payment waiting for you at the end of it all.
Once considered outside the realm of commonplace medical procedures, complementary equine therapies, such as acupuncture and animal chiropractic are undergoing a growing acceptance. Both topics were included on the agenda of the American Veterinary Medical Association annual convention held in Seattle, Wash., during July.
It is generally agreed that attending as many clinics as you can will benefit your practice. The subject matter is the underpinning of a workshop, but there is much to learn simply by being present and networking with other farriers, even for experienced veterans.
The village smithy is a thing of the past. Today, the sound of steel against steel is more typically heard from an anvil hauled from the back of a farrier rig, more often from modifying a keg shoe than building a shoe from hot steel.
The sole is the guardian that shields the sensitive structures of the hoof from contact with the outside world. Acting as the primary barrier against ground surface trauma, it is designed to handle concussion naturally; however, it seems that this once efficient protector has become one of the most abused structures of a horse’s anatomy.
Even in a profession known for unlikely beginnings, Mike Hayward’s route to becoming a farrier is unusual. Before he turned to shoeing horses, Hayward, a native of Somerset, England, was the head elephant trainer for the Blue Unit at the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The trim is the key to establishing a level hoof and using the right tools in the right way are essential elements in accomplishing this task. No tool in the world can take the place of skilled handling. Bob Peacock, owner of Farrier Science Clinic in Hamilton, Ohio, and a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame, offers this advice, based on the more than 40 years he's spend in hoof care.
The membership of the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame and the International Equine Veterinarians Hall Of Fame increased by five during ceremonies at the International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio, during February.
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.