Have you ever had something like this happen to your practice? A farrier tells a prospective client who already has a farrier that they can do it cheaper. The marketing plan is based on pricing that undercuts the rates of you or another farrier to persuade that client to switch to their practice.
At 74, Dick Becker isn’t talking retirement. While contemporaries might look to call it a day, Becker dismisses retirement for now, saying he isn’t interested in playing golf. Instead, he still finds motivation working with horses and clients. Especially at his age, there is a difference between shoeing because you want to and shoeing because you have to.
Innovative horseshoer pioneered the designs of anvils and tools
September 9, 2021
International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member John “Gunner” Gatski passed away in early August 2021.
Gatski, 79, left an indelible mark on the industry with tool innovations such as the Gunner hammer, bent anvil, cams, ergonomic tool handles and forge design.
As farriers we spend a lot of time discussing subjects like the weight-bearing phase, breakover, gait abnormalities and normal performance with other farriers, owners and veterinarians. But what do we really understand about those things?
Time after time, equine athletes fill our senses with wonder at their abilities while competing. Their speed and jumping prowess thrill equestrians and fans alike. Yet, like their human counterparts, their bodies can fail. Excessive stress and repetitive strain can result in an injury to the suspensory ligament, superficial flexor tendon and sesamoidean ligaments.
Horses want two basic things in life, peace and comfort. When experiences meet these criteria they are agreeable much of the time. This includes easily tolerating regular trimming and shoeing. But for some horses the recurring visits can be anxiety-provoking for the horse, which may show signs of impatience and nervousness, making the farrier’s handling more complex.
As the damp fall weather approaches, farriers will be keeping a watchful eye on hoof walls for signs of onychomycosis, more commonly known as white line disease.
Weight-bearing upon flexed hocks puts enormous strain on all parts of the hock joint. Along with the equally complex stifle joint, the hock is crucial to the horse’s ability to flex and extend the hind limb and create the forward thrust that is the “impulsion” so often sought by horse owners who compete in the Olympic disciplines.
The December 1990 American Farriers Journal featured an article by Martin Kenny showing how he made his 1987 Ford F-350 custom walk-in rig — a rarity at the time. Over the years, other rigs came and went, including a stripped-down minimalist approach.
The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.
At 74, Dick Becker isn’t talking retirement. While contemporaries might look to call it a day, Becker dismisses retirement for now, saying he isn’t interested in playing golf. Instead, he still finds motivation working with horses and clients. Especially at his age, there is a difference between shoeing because you want to and shoeing because you have to.
Innovative horseshoer pioneered the designs of anvils and tools
September 9, 2021
International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member John “Gunner” Gatski passed away in early August 2021.
Gatski, 79, left an indelible mark on the industry with tool innovations such as the Gunner hammer, bent anvil, cams, ergonomic tool handles and forge design.
Weight-bearing upon flexed hocks puts enormous strain on all parts of the hock joint. Along with the equally complex stifle joint, the hock is crucial to the horse’s ability to flex and extend the hind limb and create the forward thrust that is the “impulsion” so often sought by horse owners who compete in the Olympic disciplines.
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In this episode, Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin, recalls Red’s relationships with area veterinarians, his legacy and the second career as American Farriers Journal’s technical editor.
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.