Nutrition is an critical factor for healthy hooves. Yet, horses and donkeys can ingest feedstuff that is detrimental to their health. Ergotism generally presents as lameness, including necrosis of hoof tissue. Fescue lameness begins in one or both hind feet and can also lead to necrosis of the distal limb. International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Esco Buff explains the differences between ergotism and fescue lameness and how farriers can treat them in collaboration with veterinarians.

Plymouth, Calif., farrier Tiffany Gardner spent time working with shoers from across the United Kingdom as part of the Edward Martin Cultural Exchange, which is sponsored by the American Farrier’s Assn. and the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Assn. The Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School instructor shares what she learned while shoeing in England and Scotland, and why experiences such as these are critical to improving your knowledge.

Lexington, Ky., farrier Stuart Muir presents case studies on a handful of horses that presented with heel pain. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of these horses produces interesting results.

Dansville, Mich., farrier David Hallock dispels of what we think we know about the digital cushion and explores the hard facts about it. The Michigan State Univ. farrier bases this presentation on his work in equine locomotor research with the Royal Veterinary College. Hallock provides an overview of the study’s process, the results and what they mean for hoof care.

Traction and its placement are critical for the optimal performance of road horses. Middlebury, Ind., farrier Laverne Mast explores how the placement of Drill-Tek on horseshoes influences the stride lengths of horses pulling a cart, as well as double, single, surry and open buggies.

One of the biggest obstacles to keeping a horse sound can be poor communication between its owner, the farrier and veterinarian. Mocksville, N.C., veterinarian Dr. Katie LoPresti discusses what it takes for the owner/farrier/vet team to keep horses sound, how to keep the communication channels open and how to overcome the situation when a team member doesn’t want to talk.

Are you struggling to maintain a foothold in your farriery business? International Horsehoeing Hall of Famer Tom Curl finds the missing link is often how farriers manage their business. The Vero Beach, Fla., farrier shares insights from his 52-year career in hoof care to help you operate a more successful and professional business.

Horses that have stunted hoof growth result in sleepless nights for farriers. Dansville, Mich., farrier David Hallock finds success by distinguishing between vertical height and horizontal length. The Michigan State Univ. farrier instructor details the differences between vertical height and horizontal length, how to distinguish between the two, and how they help when presented with feet that pancake, fail to produce sole or simply don’t grow.

Have you struggled with a veterinarian’s shoeing prescription? When disagreements over managing a pathology occur, communication is crucial to ensure the horse is the beneficiary. Royal Palm Beach, Fla., farrier Curtis Burns shares strategies to effectively communicate with veterinarians to find a better way to help horses.

Farriers utilize various strategies to cut costs and maximize profits. Often, they include minimizing stops and securing large barns. But, have you considered persuading your hoof-care clients to haul their horses to you?