Canton, Ohio, farrier Richard Armentrout mostly works on backyard horses, and discusses challenges that come with shoeing them. He also touches on how he makes due in less than ideal working conditions.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a conversation I had with farrier educator Steve Kraus. During this chat he explained how the "worker mentality" of some farriers can hurt the industry as a whole. After writing posts like this, agreements and disagreements are expected.
With yearling Thoroughbreds, University of Wisconsin researcher Scott Leibsle has found that offset carpal and fetlock inward conformation is associated with higher birth weights.
Shoeing feedlot horses can be more challenging than shoeing racehorses, show horses or trail horses. Most feedlot horses work constantly, in some of the worst conditions imaginable. Here's some advice from four experienced shoers on what you can expect in shoeing feedlot horses and the importance of different environmental and weather conditions.
One of the most important - yet often overlooked - aspects of shoeing, is the dangerous and difficult working conditions that farriers must endure. Of all the barns I've ever worked at, only two have made any effort to install the safety improvements I requested! At one large barn, I played electrician (since nobody else would) to install badly needed lighting for an area I often worked in. I received no assistance in this effort. In fact, while I was doing this electrical work, the 'jefe' was working on the barn-owner's sailboat.
The American Farrier’s Association has an apprentice program, which some potential farriers have tried. Many more work out apprenticeship agreements with veteran farriers with varying levels of success.
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.