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Skip Navigation LinksAll Horse Topics > Lameness (Hoof) and Shoeing > Farrier Issues


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Texas Equine Podiatry Conference Registration Open  *
The Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA) and the Podiatry Center at Reata Equine Hospital are hosting the Second Annual Texas Equine Podiatry Conference on Nov. 12-14, 2009, in Fort Worth, Texas. Hot on the heels of last year's very successful Podiatry meeting in Weatherford, Texas, this event promises to deliver even more information and practical ... Read full story
 10/16/2009
American Farrier's Association to Provide Hoof Care at WEG Test Events   *
The American Farrier's Association (AFA) will provide hoof care services for the test events leading up to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. As the Official Farriers for the games, the AFA has extended its partnership to provide hoof care services for a series of test events beginning in 2009. The test events, called "The Kentucky Cup," ... Read full story
 6/11/2009
Farriery: Past, Present, and Future  *
Bill Moyer, DVM, professor of sports medicine and head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University, and the current AAEP vice president, began his discussion during the "Putting Science into Farriery" session at the 2008 Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners by describing the state of farriery ... Read full story
 6/8/2009
Keeping Performance Horses Sound, AAEP 2008  *
James Gilchrist, Certified Farrier, of the Palm Beach Farriery Service in Florida, offered several strategies he finds useful for his high-performance clients during the "Putting Science into Farriery" session at the 2008 Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. "Not a day goes by that I don't talk to a veterinarian about a half-dozen ... Read full story
 6/4/2009
Foot and Limb Deformities in Foals, AAEP 2008  *
Bob Hunt, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, a surgeon at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., discussed several limb and hoof deformities in foals and recommendations for correcting or managing them during the "Putting Science into Farriery" session at the 2008 Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. One of his biggest pieces ... Read full story
 5/21/2009
Managing Acute and Chronic Laminitis, AAEP 2008   *
With a packed room of veterinarians at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., facilitators Jim Belknap, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, and Rob Boswell, DVM, of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in ... Read full story
 5/14/2009
Book Excerpt: Hoof Trimming Intervals   *
How often a horse needs trimming depends on many factors, particularly how fast his hooves grow. A shod horse usually needs trimming every four to ten weeks (depending on his growth rate), since there is no way for the hoof to wear naturally. (Feet tend to grow faster in summer and slower in winter, but there will be a more consistent difference between ... Read full story
 5/6/2009
Hoof Wall Separations and Quarter Cracks  *
Farrier Ian McKinlay, who received some notoriety in 2008 for his work patching Big Brown's feet, discussed his experiences with patching wall separations and quarter cracks so high-performance horses can go on with their work at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif. "Today we ... Read full story
 5/5/2009
Corrective Trimming  *
The term "corrective shoeing" is often overused and misunderstood. It sometimes implies that the farrier can correct conformational faults of feet and legs. In reality, often very little can be done to change the way a horse is built. Trying to fix a horse's conformation problem via "corrective shoeing" will just put more stress on other parts of the ... Read full story
 2/16/2009
On-Site Registration Still Available for AAEP Farrier Sessions  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will be offering a day of educational programming on farriery as part of its annual convention, which will take place in San Diego, Calif., Dec. 6-10, 2008. Topics at the farrier sessions Dec. 10 will include an in-depth session on laminitis for the practitioner, foot lameness, and imaging. ... Read full story
 11/17/2008
Second Sound Horse Conference Planned for March 2009  *
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) has announced the details of the second national conference on ending soring of Tennessee Walking Horses and all gaited horse breeds. The conference will be held March 20 and 21, 2009, at the Paramount Plaza Hotel in Gainesville, Fla. The purpose of the conference is to bring together a wide complement of experts, research ... Read full story
 10/30/2008
Readers Respond: Tip Toes  *
Almost 1,500 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What management methods does your hoof care professional use?" Results were as follows: Barefoot trim: 58.84% (875) Shoeing: 48.42% (720) Simple trim: 39.61% (589) Multiple selections were allowed. Results of weekly polls from TheHorse.com are published in The ... Read full story
 6/26/2008
AAEP Including Farrier Session at 2008 Convention   *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will be offering a day of educational programming on farriery as part of its annual convention, which will take place in San Diego, Calif., Dec. 6-10, 2008. Topics will include an in-depth session on laminitis for the practitioner, foot lameness, and imaging. These sessions will provide two ... Read full story
 5/1/2008
Wooden Shoes for Chronic Laminitis  *
The chronically laminitic horse is often a very tough case to manage because displacement of the coffin bone within the foot leads to a lot of pain and damage, in addition to the damage that allowed the displacement in the first place. At the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla., Stephen O'Grady, ... Read full story
 4/23/2008
Study: Farrier Selection Impacts More Than Hoof Shape  *
Choice of farrier may have a significant influence not only on the shape of a horse's hoof, but its soundness and athletic ability as well, according to new research carried out by veterinarians in Switzerland. Forty dressage and show jumping horses, divided into six groups, were trimmed and shod by one of six selected farriers over a period of one ... Read full story
 3/21/2008
Landmarks for Evaluating, Trimming, and Shoeing the Equine Foot   *
From many horse owners' point of view, the farrier's profession throws out a lot of confusing terms and directives when it comes to balancing a foot. Fit the shoe full? Trim to the widest point of the frog? Use a four-point trim? These nebulous statements can place the horse owner in a precarious position, as it seems like everyone has a different ... Read full story
 12/19/2007
Acute and Chronic Laminitis: An Equine Podiatrist's Perspective  *
Acute and chronic laminitis is a frustrating and often disheartening condition to manage. Having had the opportunity to observe, treat and shoe laminitic horses for over 30 years, I have a unique prospective into this disease. The biggest challenge to the veterinarian and the farrier is improving function in a foot that might have potential, substantial, ... Read full story
 4/21/2007
Equine Podiatry: Underrun Heels and Egg Bar Shoes  *
It will be easier to understand and comprehend the traditional treatment of underrun heels using egg bar shoes (with or without wedges) if we again first review the causes and pathogenesis of compromised heels. The causes of underrun heels are a genetically weak foot, individual hoof/limb conformation, breed, type of terrain on which horse is ridden, ... Read full story
 4/14/2007
Putting Science Into Farriery: Lameness Evaluation   *
When a group of people are standing at the barn watching a "lame" horse move, many of you will say he's lame in different legs. How do you know who's right? If it makes you feel any better, picking out the source of lameness isn't always easy for veterinarians and farriers, either. Andrew Parks, MA, VetMB, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, professor of large animal ... Read full story
 4/9/2007
Feet First: Farriery Topics from the 2006 AAEP Convention  *
The annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, held in San Antonio, Texas, in early December 2006, had three sessions devoted to foot care that were open to farriers. Following are synopses of some of those presentations. Complete coverage and full-length articles from the AAEP convention can be found online at www.TheHorse.com/AAEP2006. ... Read full story
 4/1/2007
Farrier Hygiene
Q: Many veterinarians and farriers have told me that white line disease is becoming more common. Is it ridiculous of me to purchase my own blacksmithing tools for the farrier to use exclusively on my horse? This practice is common in nail salons for protection against the spread of fungal and bacterial infections (as well as HIV). It seems logical ... Read full story
 2/1/2007
Canada's Vet Definition Dilemmas  *
The Supreme Court of British Columbia's recent injunction prohibiting a farrier from practicing equine dentistry is the latest episode in an ongoing conflict between the veterinary associations of Canada's three westernmost provinces, animal owners, and industry stakeholders. The Court ruled Bill Bishop, who operated a busy equine dental business, ... Read full story
 8/15/2006
AAEP Invites Farriers to Attend 2006 Convention  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is inviting farriers to attend their 52nd Annual Convention to be held in San Antonio, Texas on December 3-6, 2006. This year's program will consist of multiple sessions devoted to the equine foot, including: Monday Afternoon Dec. 4-- In-depth session on Palmar Foot Pain (3 hours) • Structure ... Read full story
 6/29/2006
Hoof Cracks: Causes and Repair  *
Your horse's feet are some of the most important structures contributing to his performance ability, and most people do what they can to keep them healthy. Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong with your horse that can cause hoof cracks to form. Maybe he pulled a shoe in the pasture or grabbed his heel during a competition. Perhaps conditions have ... Read full story
 5/1/2006
Barefoot Horses   *
Veterinarians are often asked about leaving horses barefoot. I must say from the onset that I favor horses being maintained without shoes when possible. Whether or not it is feasible for a horse to go without shoes will depend on the owners' situation/ expectations and many variables that influence the feet. Horses can be shod in a physiologic manner ... Read full story
 3/1/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: How To Manage Sheared Heels  *
Steve O'Grady, BVSc, MRCVS, of Northern Virginia Equine, said a sheared heel is a "created situation" and a "poorly understood phenomenon." He said the condition was first described by Bill Moyer, DVM, in 1975. "The diagnosis and treatment is the same now as it was then, and we're into the mechanism as to how it happens," said O'Grady. He said sheared ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
One Step at a Time: Hoof Trimming and Leg Stress  *
Have you ever walked in shoes that you've had forever that are just a little worn to one side of the heel or the other? Did you notice that after awhile your knees would start to hurt, or maybe your ankles? Now think about wearing those shoes 24 hours a day, every day, for an entire month without ever taking them off. Image how miserable you'd feel. ... Read full story
 1/1/2006
Third International Hoof-Care Summit to be Held in Early 2006  *
More than 700 farriers and equine veterinarians are expected to attend the third annual International Hoof-Care Summit to be held at the Cincinnati Convention Center and the Hilton Hotel, Jan. 31-Feb 3, 2006. The crowd will include some of the most renowned horseshoers, veterinarians, and researchers from around the United States and the world, as ... Read full story
 10/12/2005
Farriers, Scientists Hold Workshop  *
Farriers and veterinarians met on June 31 at the University of Kentucky (UK) Gluck Equine Research Center to listen to farrier Mike Savoldi discuss various hoof pathologies that cause soreness and their management. The free seminar was presented by Menco Equine Specialties and the American Farriers Association (AFA) in cooperation with UK. Savoldi ... Read full story
 7/18/2005
AFA Names New Task Force  *
American Farrier's Association (AFA) President Craig Trnka, CJF has recently announced the appointment of a new task force to survey the farrier schools in North America. The mission of the Farrier Schools Survey Task Force will be to survey all farrier schools in North America to document the quality of instruction, the qualifications of instructors, ... Read full story
 7/12/2005
Official BWFA Announcement on Farrier Licensing and Regulation  *
AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BWFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS; Concerning proposed Farrier Licensing, Regulating Horseshoeing Schools in the United States and the proposals made by AFA task forces and their committees; The BWFA Board of Directors do not support farrier licensing. The BWFA Board of Directors does not want to regulate horseshoeing ... Read full story
 7/7/2005
Farrier Licensing Controversy   *
Horseshoers (farriers) in the United States have long practiced with no regulation and only voluntary certification, but some in the industry think that should change--soon. An American Farrier's Association (AFA) task force presented a proposal to the AFA Board of Directors in late February on this issue, and that proposal has generated an explosion ... Read full story
 7/1/2005
Should Farriers be Licensed?  *
Horseshoers (farriers) in the United States have long practiced with no regulation and only voluntary certification, but some in the industry think that will--and should--change soon. An American Farrier's Association (AFA) task force presented a proposal to the AFA Board of Directors in late February on this issue, and that proposal has generated ... Read full story
 6/14/2005
Farriery is Veterinary Medicine in Florida  *
On March 2, the Florida Board of Veterinary Practice (FBVP) unanimously voted that their interpretation of the state's practice act (which governs animal care and what is construed as veterinary medicine) said acupressure, aromatherapy, animal communication, farriery, flower essence therapy, homeopathy, light therapy, magnet therapy, and nutritional ... Read full story
 4/27/2004
Gait Monitoring System Introduced  *
Farriers got an eyeful of what the future might hold for them at the highest levels of equestrian sport at the American Farrier's Association (AFA) Convention, held in March 2004 in Rochester, New York. This future is specialized video monitoring of horses at work to help make adjustments to their shoes for better performance. Courtesy Haydn ... Read full story
 4/13/2004
International Hoof-Care Summit Succeeds With Innovative Format  *
More than 500 farriers, equine veterinarians and other hoof-care professionals filled the lecture halls and meeting rooms of the first annual International Hoof-Care Summit, held Feb. 4 through 7 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The success of the Summit marks a milestone in the equine hoof-care industry because of the event's unusual format. The Summit broke ... Read full story
 2/25/2004
AAEP 2003: Podiatry Forum  *
While some forum discussions at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual convention are fairly small affairs, that wasn't true of the 2003 podiatry forum. About 65 veterinarians and farriers filled the room to discuss diagnostic analgesia, pads, Strasser trimming, ultrasound, and much more. Tracy Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, ... Read full story
 2/3/2004
Heavy Hooves: Tufts to Host Unique Conference  *
Flying feathers and pounding hooves will be examined on March 26-28 as Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine hosts the nation's first conference specifically about lameness and shoeing of draft horses. The conference is being organized by Carl Kirker-Head MA, VetMB, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ECVS, the current Marilyn M. Simpson Chair in Equine ... Read full story
 1/15/2004
Anatomy of a Trim  *
Why do we ask farriers to take knives and nippers (and sometimes a whole lot more) to our horses' feet every six weeks? For many of us, it has always been just one of those things you knew you had to do if you had horses. And we might have also wondered how to evaluate the trim when it was done. To trim or not to trim, and how to trim correctly, ... Read full story
 8/1/2003
Case Study: Misplaced Nail on Thoroughbred Mare  *
"Who here has never stuck a horse (driven a nail into sensitive areas when shoeing)?" asked host Ric Redden, DVM, founder of the International Equine Podiatry Center in Versailles, Kentucky, during the 16th annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium. Only a very few out of the 550-plus attendees (mostly farriers) raised their hands, showing that the following ... Read full story
 4/14/2003
Pat Parelli on Shoeing Difficult Horses   *
"Usually you shoe horses that are against you, right?" asked world-renowned clinician Pat Parelli at the 16th annual Bluegrass Laminitis symposium Jan. 16-18 in Louisville, Ky. "You're on opposite teams. And when push comes to shove, the horse wins when it comes to shove. "I'm kind of ashamed of the horse industry compared to other professional industries," ... Read full story
 4/3/2003
Veterinarian/Farrier Relationship   *
The Practice Act laws state that only veterinarians can diagnose and treat health problems. The veterinarian has to keep records related to each visit and also must protect the confidentiality of your horse's records, and is the steward of that information for you. Veterinarians are required to have a great deal of education, but often not a great ... Read full story
 1/1/2003
Training to Shoe Horses   *
Shoeing horses isn't easy. To do the job correctly, a farrier has to have an understanding of equine leg and hoof anatomy; knowledge of the biomechanics of these structures; enough biology knowledge to understand how the horse's soft tissues grow, do their jobs, and heal from injury; metalworking skill to create or modify shoes as needed; and the practice ... Read full story
 1/1/2003
One Step at a Time  *
How hard are you really working to understand what makes a foot healthy, and what's happening that could cause problems? Training yourself to observe--not just see--the horse's foot is the first step. Each person involved with a horse, whether it's the groom, owner, farrier, or veterinarian, needs to be able to recognize subtle differences today that ... Read full story
 1/1/2003
Horseman's Day at the 2002 AAEP Convention  *
Horseman’s Day, held for the third time as part of the annual AAEP convention, was another rousing success. There weren’t as many people in attendance as there were in San Diego last year, but they were just as enthusiastic. AAEP officials said that 266 were in attendance at the Orlando session compared to 400-plus last year and about 200 when the ... Read full story
 12/17/2002
AAEP 2002 Podiatry Forum  *
“The horse’s foot is so integral to most of what we do in equine practice,” said moderator Gayle Trotter, DVM, MS, professor in clinical sciences at Colorado State University, in the Podiatry forum on Dec. 12 at the American Association of Equine Practitioners convention in Orlando, Fla. Topics discussed included the role of imaging in equine podiatry, ... Read full story
 12/11/2002
From Forge to Foot  *
There isn't much time in the busy farrier's life to chat with his brethren of the forge. On the road before daylight, driving endless hours, and arriving home late at night after a hard day's work doesn't leave much time for socializing. However, the annual American Farrier's Association (AFA) Convention not only lets farriers get together for a good ... Read full story
 6/1/2002
Maintaining Health Records: Keep Notes on Everything!  *
"Today ate 15 pounds of hay and six pounds of grain (very good). Chewed fence three times (better). Refused only two jumps (wrong color for my attitude). Rolled in mud 10 minutes after bath (very bad according to my person, but felt very good). Dragged my person from the barn to the pasture (bad for her, fun for me). Thought of that Irish-bred warmblood ... Read full story
 12/1/2001
Hoof Wall Repair  *
Being a farrier is an ancient calling. From the time man domesticated the horse, removed it from its natural habitat, changed its diet, and put it to use in competitive endeavors on a variety of surfaces, hoof care has become a critical aspect of equine ownership. For 2,000 years or more, man has utilized horseshoes to protect the equine foot from ... Read full story
 10/15/2001
Progress in Lameness Therapy: Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium 1997  *
Imagine a large ballroom in a downtown hotel. Fill it with long rows of tables and chairs. Now open the doors. Have about 800 or so farriers and veterinarians from all over the world--some not even speaking English--rush in and take their seats. Then within minutes, it's so quiet you can hear a pin drop. The business of continuing education is a ... Read full story
 10/11/2001
The Natural Hoof: A Sign of the Times  *
The popular image of the American "wild" horse has gone through a lot of changes in recent years. Once the epitome of the wild and free animal in a Marlboro cigarette commercial, the wild horse soon was denigrated to the enemy of the Western rancher, a competitor for forage with valuable cattle during years of drought. Then came the Bureau of Land ... Read full story
 10/10/2001
AESM Convention  *
Researchers, veterinarians, and horse people from around the world gathered in San Antonio in April for the 16th meeting of the Association for Equine Sports Medicine (AESM). The program included three full days of presentations concerning the overall welfare and treatment of sport horses. The presentations, most of which were 20 minutes in length, ... Read full story
 10/10/2001
Nail-Quicked  *
Shoeing is necessary to protect the hooves of many hard-working horses, and nails are of course an important part of the process. Ideally, horseshoe nails enter the outer hoof wall, which lies adjacent to the "quick," or the sensitive laminae inside the hoof capsule. Occasionally, however, a nail is placed wrong and enters or presses against the sensitive ... Read full story
 10/1/2001
Horse Show Shoes  *
Winter’s finally over and you’re ready to roll down the road. Your horse is fit, you’ve been coached to new heights, and visions of blue ribbons dance in your dreams. Suddenly, your happy dream turns into a nightmare as you recall what happened last year at that horse show, when your horse needed to be re-shod at the show. What’s a horse owner to ... Read full story
 10/1/2001
Hoof Repair  *
Your show jumper lands off a five-foot vertical and is cutting right, thinking a few fences ahead. The footing is just a little bit sticky from the rain storm last night, but not to worry--you have a nice set of those European show jumping studs securely set in the shoes. As the leading foot grabs the ground, the shoe seats firmly in the muck, but ... Read full story
 9/13/2001
Shoeing The Laminitic Horse  *
Of all the medical crises that can afflict a horse, laminitis surely is one of the most alarming. Horribly painful, and potentially devastating to his long-term soundness, the strange syndrome whereby the coffin bone inside the hoof begins to tear away from the laminae (the accordion-like soft tissues between the bone and the hoof wall) quite rightly ... Read full story
 9/13/2001
The Barefoot Horse: Romance vs. Reality  *
Most of us had a childhood that involved childrens' horse books and the wonderful, romantic images they conjured: A magnificent horse--most likely a black stallion--galloping free, au natural. Nostrils flaring, legs charging, mane blowing, tail flowing. It's hard to set aside that dreamy fantasy, and as adults, particularly in this era of "natural ... Read full story
 9/12/2001
A Step Ahead--Tips on Regular Trimming and Shoeing  *
At one point in my life, I decided to learn about farriery. I enrolled in an intensive 10-day short- course. During the day, we would fashion shoes, trim horses, and when the instructor thought we were ready, attach the shoes to an equine foot. Each evening was devoted to classroom sessions. We discussed, debated, and learned. One evening the debate ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
Graveled Horses
Q: My horse became very lame without showing any signs of cracks, bruising, or having a "hot" nail. The barn manager said my horse was "graveled" and called the veterinarian. After treatment, the horse became fine, but since my horse is never on gravel, could you please explain the term? A: The diagnosis of a graveled horse is usually not difficult. ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
July 8-14 Is National Farrier's Week  *
Like everyone else, farriers need an occasional pat on the back in recognition of their dedication, hard work, sacrifice and the impact they have on horses. That’s what’s behind National Farriers Week, being held from July 8 to 14. It’s a time for horse owners, trainers, grooms and riders to show their appreciation for the role farriers play in the ... Read full story
 4/20/2001
Sole Bruising  *
A bruised sole can happen as quickly and simply as a horse stepping on a rock or working on a hard surface. It can occur as the result of excessive hoof trimming, or be associated with laminitis. Sole bruising can be an uncomplicated condition that responds to simple treatments, or be part of an underlying disease process that requires careful veterinary ... Read full story
 12/1/2000
Finding a Farrier  *
If you’ve ever moved to a new town, you know how difficult it can be to find good service professionals: auto mechanics, hairdressers, doctors, dentists, and so on. You know your needs, but how do you select the appropriate providers when you know little or nothing about them, other than what you read in Yellow Pages listings or see in advertisements? ... Read full story
 10/1/2000
Feeding The Feet  *
Hoof supplements are big business. It only takes a cursory glance around any tack shop or feed store to realize that they're everywhere. They've got catchy names and labels, and lists of ingredients as long as your arm, all purported to help your horse grow tougher, shinier, more durable hooves. Poor hoof quality is a complaint common to the owners ... Read full story
 9/1/2000
Bar Shoes  *
Once regarded as pretty radical, bar shoes now are experiencing something of a renaissance. In particular, egg bar shoes are being fitted to more feet now more than ever before-even those belonging to horses in high-intensity athletic careers, such as racing or showjumping. The reason? Simple--they work! The term "bar shoe" encompasses any type of ... Read full story
 7/1/2000
Hoof Abscesses  *
A hoof abscess is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. It occurs swiftly and usually needlessly--a nail or sharp piece of wire or metal is left lying about, an unlucky horse steps on the object, penetration occurs, and is followed by acute lameness and infection. Since most of us have had our own similar, barefoot encounters with ... Read full story
 4/1/2000
Emergency Hoof Care: Pulled Shoes  *
Have you ever noticed a group of serious "bikers" out on the highway on a weekend? Somewhere behind them you’ll see a support vehicle, usually a van, full of tools, food and drink, luggage, and with room to load on a motorcycle or two in the event of a breakdown. The man (or woman) behind the wheel is called the "road captain." HOOFCARE ... Read full story
 4/1/1999
10 Tips For Winter Hoof Care
Does the sound of sleigh bells set your nerves on edge, anticipating a wreck on the icy patch down the road? Do you dream of the day next spring when you will be able to see your horse below his knees? Do you lie awake at night designing heating wires that can be implanted in horseshoe pads to melt the ice balls? Have you dreamed of sandpaper inserts ... Read full story
 1/1/1999
Communicating With Your Farrier  *
If you're anything like me, you find farriery a bit of a mystery. After years of horse ownership, I can give an antibiotic injection prescribed by my veterinarian without flinching, I can spot a slipped stifle at 100 paces, and I can hitch up my trailer all by myself--yet when my farrier puts that last hoof down and begins to pack his gear away, I ... Read full story
 11/1/1998
Pounding The Pavement  *
In England, tradition dictates that foxhunting horses be turned out in the spring and brought in during late summer, when they are summarily trotted on tarred roads in a process known as "legging up" in preparation for the season to begin in the fall. Ouch. In Amish communities, retrofitted Standardbreds trot for miles each day, barely missing a ... Read full story
 9/1/1998
Egg Bar Shoes  *
She was holding the lead line so tightly her knuckles were white. Her eyes were glued to the farrier's fingers as they felt the horse's coronary band. Then she looked into the eyes of the veterinarian and wailed, "You've got to do something! I have to show this horse this weekend, and he can't go to a horse show wearing a bar shoe. No one will ever ... Read full story
 8/1/1998
Where Did All The Farriers Go? The AFA Convention  *
The same message echoed from a thousand telephone answering machines across the country in February, and if you happened to have a horse throw a shoe that week, you were in trouble. "Hi, I'll be away until March first attending the American Farrier's Association Convention in Rochester, New York..." HOOFCARE & LAMENESS/DAVE FARLEY New ... Read full story
 7/1/1998
Sports Medicine Meeting  *
The 17th annual meeting of the Association for Equine Sports Medicine was held in Leesburg, Va., from March 5-8. The meeting was attended by 400 veterinarians, sports physiology researchers, as well as others interested in equine health. The meeting offered topics ranging from how stall housing can impair bone development in young horses, to diagnostic ... Read full story
 6/1/1998
Club Feet in Horses  *
A foal born with club feet or a young, growing horse which develops the condition can be both a mystery and a problem for the owner and the veterinarian in charge of treatment. The condition can be mysterious because many factors might be involved in its onset. It is a serious problem because unless the mystery of origin is at least partially solved, ... Read full story
 6/1/1998
Understanding Hoof Cracks  *
Hoof cracks can be as simple as something that merely irritates the observer from an aesthetic point of view to something so serious that the horse is dead lame and unable to perform. Hoof cracks come in a variety of types and sizes, and they originate from a variety of causes that can range from something as serious as laminitis to something as basic ... Read full story
 6/1/1998
Advice for the Hoofsore  *
Q: What is the relationship between chronic, severe thrush and my horse's contracted heels? A: Thrush and contracted heels often go hand-in-hand...but by the time a veterinarian or farrier is called to help the horse, it is hard to tell which came first, particularly because so much "ordinary" thrush goes untreated. Some owners think horses' feet ... Read full story
 11/1/1997
The Art of Therapeutic Shoeing  *
Michael J. Wildenstein, resident farrier at Cornell University's large animal clinic, has approximately 400 different types of therapeutic shoes hanging on the wall of his clinic. Each one, he says, was made for a particular lameness or disease problem to fit an individual horse: aluminum shoes for a fatiguing jumper, plastic shoes for an endurance ... Read full story
 11/1/1997




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