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American Farriers Journal

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July/August 2018

Volume: 44
Edition: 5

American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.

  • Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents

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    Book Review

    Equine Laminitis

    By James K. Belknap and Raymond J. Goer
    By Travis Burns posted on June 25, 2018 | Posted in Diseases, Therapeutic Shoeing
    Renowned researchers James K. Belknap and Raymond J. Goer are the editors for the book Equine Laminitis, released in January 2017 by Wiley Publishing. This 472-page book is necessary for all equine practitioners, specifically all farriers, as well as equine veterinarians.
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    What's This? Rare Air

    June 26, 2018 | Posted in Equipment
    ANSWER: The Revere Rubber Co., which had operations in Boston, Mass., New York, N.Y., and Chicago, Ill., manufactured the Air Cushion Racing Pad for trotters, pacers, roadsters and light-driving horses.
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    Always Consider What Affects the Hoof’s Shape

    Dr. Simon Curtis reminds farriers that there are a multitude of factors that affect hoof shape — and should be considered when trimming and shoeing horses
    By Jeremy McGovern posted on June 26, 2018
    When working with horses, it is imperative for the farrier to mentally review aspects that affect the shape of the hoof. Some of these factors can be influenced by you as the farrier, while others are completely out of your control. All should be considered when trimming and shoeing the horse, as these factors will influence your decisions in maintaining its hooves.
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    Shoeing for a Living

    Waging the Battle Against Distortion

    After 30 years as a farrier, Pennsylvania shoer Doug Neilson finds his everyday work has evolved by becoming more straight-forward in his approach
    By Jeremy McGovern posted on June 26, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Trimming
    Doug Neilson never set out to be an eventing farrier. He rode show hunters when growing up on Long Island, N.Y. After meeting his wife Ann in college, they married and lived in Delaware, where she came from.
    Read More
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    What Eventing Riders Want Farriers to Know

    Educating clients about mechanics of the distal limb and appropriate hoof care is critical to a successful relationship
    By Katie Navarra posted on June 26, 2018 | Posted in Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Lamenesses
    Every farrier’s dream client is likely a lot like eventing competitor Savannah “Woodge” Fulton. As the daughter of farrier Steven Fulton, the 23-year-old rider experienced firsthand the relationship between farriers and clients when she was growing up.
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    Protecting the Barefoot Horse’s Feet

    Two studies from Western Kentucky University explore how hoof boots help barefoot horses
    By Mollie Nelson posted on June 27, 2018 | Posted in Education, Equipment, Safety & Healthcare, Trimming
    Although some would argue that going barefoot is more natural for the horse in the long run, the fact remains that barefoot horses still face many of the same health concerns that shod horses do — and perhaps are at greater risk for developing complications from walking on man-made or rough terrains. Yet when a client insists that their horse is better off barefoot, what can a farrier do?
    Read More
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    Tool Prep Makes Your Job Easier

    Investing just a few minutes to maintain your forging tools will save you time and frustration at the anvil
    By Jeff Cota posted on June 27, 2018 | Posted in Equipment, Forging
    Tools are manufactured to make a job easier. Yet, when tools aren’t properly maintained, efficiency and performance can suffer. Investing a little time to keep your tools tuned up will go a long way toward helping you at work or while competing.
    Read More
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    Help Your Backyard Horse Practice Thrive With These Business Tips

    Farriers share their insights on establishing a successful clientele
    By Heather Smith Thomas posted on June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing
    Backyard horses comprise a significant portion of some farriers’ businesses and can be a very successful and profitable part if handled correctly. Prince Frederick, Md., farrier Patrick Quinn didn’t aspire to provide hoof care for backyard horses, but this is often the bread and butter of a farrier’s operation.
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    Developing the Eye for Detail

    Learn to observe greater detail in the equine foot by breaking it down into smaller parts and sketching it
    By Ric Redden posted on June 28, 2018 | Posted in Anatomy, Education, Therapeutic Shoeing
    I am constantly striving to find ways to teach my veterinarian and farrier students how to tune their eyes to observe the smallest details. Many years ago, I learned that the caveman mentality is still a great way to teach. Simply studying the many messages left on stone by our predecessors from thousands of years ago allows us to step into their bare footprints and visualize what their eyes were seeing.
    Read More
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    Thank You, Farriers

    June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Shoeing
    This year marks the 20th annual Farriers Week, a time we set aside to celebrate the farriers who have made a difference. We’ve received dozens of thoughtful tributes, and would like to share some of them with you here.
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    Shop Talk: July/August 2018

    June 28, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Education
    INDUSTRY NEWS The American Farrier’s Association (AFA) recently announced that Dechra Veterinary Products, creator of Osphos clodronate injection, has renewed its sponsorship for a second year for a series of five free regional hoof-care clinics.
    Read More
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    PAST Act Could Spur More Changes

    If enacted, legislation could eventually change shoeing for more than Tennessee Walkers, Spotted Saddle Horses and racking horses
    By Jeff Cota posted on June 22, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients, Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing
    Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have introduced legislation that targets the practice of soring. If the bill becomes law, it will fundamentally change how farriers shoe Tennessee Walking Horses and could shift into other breeds and disciplines.
    Read More
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    From the AFJ Archives: July/August 2018

    July/August 1982
    By William Moyer posted on June 22, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Shoeing
    1982 Article Overview Dr. Bill Moyer originally shared the ideas found in his article “Commentary On Racehorse Shoeing” at the 11th annual American Farrier’s Association Convention in 1982 in Valley Forge, Pa. When this article was published, he was on staff at the New Bolton Center in University of Pennsylvania. Moyer’s presentation and article both served to share his views on current and future shoeing methods for racehorses.
    Read More
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    Remembering Lee Liles

    Members of the farrier community reflect on Lee Liles’ dedication, knowledge and friendship
    June 22, 2018 | Posted in Education, Shoeing
    Renowned farrier and member of the Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame Lee Liles passed away May 11, 2018, at the age of 68. He was well-known in the industry for founding and curating the National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools, which he started as a private collection and expanded into a source of knowledge for the entire farrier community.
    Read More

    “Grooving” Away Hoof Cracks

    An electrically-heated iron makes it easy to burn grooves into the hoof wall to halt the progression of cracks
    By Bob Shirley posted on June 22, 2018 | Posted in Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing
    One of the things I’ve always feared is dealing with hoof cracks, specifically toe cracks. Conventional crack treatment usually requires frequent monitoring and additional follow-up repairs.
    Read More
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    Genetic Condition Triggers Hoof Problems

    The Connemara Pony may present Hoof Wall Separation Disease, which can be avoided through breeding and managed through proper farriery
    By Sarah Logie posted on June 30, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Therapeutic Shoeing
    The Connemara Pony is an athletic, versatile equine with a kind and willing temperament. The breed is elegant, hardy and intelligent. A good example should show great agility and superb jumping scope. These attributes have made it one of the most popular United Kingdom native breeds.
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    Research Journal: July/August 2018

    The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.
    By Albert Kane posted on June 30, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Lamenesses, Therapeutic Shoeing
    Genetics Of Osteochondrosis It is widely agreed that osteochondrosis (OC) is a multifactorial problem with nutrition, environment and genetics all playing a role in its development. This retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the genetic component of OC and estimate its heritability in a population of Australian Thoroughbreds.
    Read More
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    Final Say

    The Grass Is Always Greener

    June 30, 2018 | Posted in Business Practices
    Many farriers aspire to show the top level of sport horses and dream about shoeing in Wellington, Fla. Be careful what you wish for. There is a lot of stress that comes with this world.
    Read More
  • Featured Articles

    Featured Articles

    372_SFL_Doug_Neilson_PA_0518_2.jpg
    Shoeing for a Living

    Waging the Battle Against Distortion

    After 30 years as a farrier, Pennsylvania shoer Doug Neilson finds his everyday work has evolved by becoming more straight-forward in his approach
    By Jeremy McGovern posted on June 26, 2018 | Posted in Disciplines & Breeds, Trimming
    Doug Neilson never set out to be an eventing farrier. He rode show hunters when growing up on Long Island, N.Y. After meeting his wife Ann in college, they married and lived in Delaware, where she came from.
    Read More
    Lee_Liles_2-2.jpg

    Remembering Lee Liles

    Members of the farrier community reflect on Lee Liles’ dedication, knowledge and friendship
    June 22, 2018 | Posted in Education, Shoeing
    Renowned farrier and member of the Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame Lee Liles passed away May 11, 2018, at the age of 68. He was well-known in the industry for founding and curating the National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools, which he started as a private collection and expanded into a source of knowledge for the entire farrier community.
    Read More
  • Digital Edition

    Digital Edition

  • Online Extras

    Online Extras

    Online Extras July/August 2018

    June 25, 2018

    Web-exclusive content for this issue includes:

    • Read how Pulaski, Tenn., farrier Stan Trimble demonstrates how he shoes Tennessee Walking Horses.
    • Read  how Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., farrier Matt Lybeck shares a “cool” find — safety glasses that don’t fog up while forging.
    • Read more Farriers Week tributes to farriers from their clients, equine veterinarians and mentees.
    • Watch a panel of backyard farriers offer their advice for building a better practice.

    Read More

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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary

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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Events

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Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs

Life Data Labs Inc

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.
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Kawell USA

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.
Smart Pak

SmartPak

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.
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