Fall is upon us and temperatures are beginning to drop. This brings with it the risk of laminitis and founder for horse owners. Laminitis can be devastating for horses and donkeys alike as it means a deterioration of the sensitive laminae that bond the bone to the hoof. Hooves are designed to bear the weight […]
Hoof wall thicknesses vary. There is a very small margin for error. The farrier must pay close attention to selecting and driving each nail. Not all nails are manufactured perfectly, and misshapen nails might not drive straight. However, nail quicking isn’t the only kind of quicking that can affect a horse – he can also […]
Maria Ostry of Bruno, Nebraska (in Butler County) has been shoeing horses for 3 years now. She attended the Butler Professional Farrier School basic course in 2015 and the advanced course in 2016. She excelled as a student where she demonstrated a desire to learn and pushed herself every day to become better. She has […]
Few anatomical structures of the horse are as fascinating as the stifle joint. The stifle joint is located in the hind limbs between the femur and tibia. It is comparable to the human knee complete with a patella (knee cap). The hind limbs of the horse have a propelling function, driving the horse forward. The […]
In his book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell states, “autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and reward are the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying.” (Outliers, 149-150) Working as a farrier can be extremely rewarding because all three of these components can be met. Ask any farrier what they […]
The question of whether or not a horse owner should shoe his or her horse comes up every now and then. Some have claimed that all horses should be trimmed regardless of their environment or occupation. Horses are as individual as people. What works for one may not work for another. Some horses have hard, […]
We all value our animals — both in terms of money and our emotional attachment to them. Although there are fewer horses today than a hundred years ago, there are more people who own horses, and individual animals have a much higher value. Many well-meaning people buy a horse just because they become emotionally attached […]
Since horses can make a difference in our lives, and even change us, it is worth considering the real value of horses. Some are valued at thousands of dollars – some are not. While most highly trained and well bred horses are sold by private treaty or at special production sales, a large number are […]
The anvil is one of the most important tools used by the farrier. Chances are you will only choose your anvil once. Its choice should be a matter of study as it will affect your work as much as any other tool. Its use and location should determine your selection. Types, Makes, and Weights of […]
The best farriers want to excel in their craft. To do this, they are constantly on the lookout for skills they can improve. It is a lifelong pursuit. These farriers aren’t worried they don’t “know it all” yet. They are comfortable with the idea that they may never know it all. The never-ending learning is […]
Butler Professional Horseshoeing School
495 Table Road
Crawford, NE 69339
(800) 728-3826
jacob@dougbutler.com
If you think you want to become a farrier (or know someone who does), this book can help you make that decision. Horse owners will learn the importance of choosing a qualified farrier and how to select the “right” one.
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