It is very difficult, if not impossible, for farriers to determine their own skill level. Without a standard to measure themselves against with a largely uneducated public measuring their work, it becomes easy for farriers to deceive themselves by pretending and practicing above their actual skill level. Skill can only be properly defined and measured […]
Hospital treatment plates are used when the bottom of the foot must be protected from bacterial infection, but also accessible in order to clean the bottom of the foot on a regular basis. Treatment plates are useful for situations like: exposed abscesses, canker, thrush or sole perforation caused by founder. Unlike pads that are […]
This month, the House Judiciary Committee will vote on the 2018 budget, including how funds will be allocated to care for the growing number of wild horses (mustangs) that live on federal lands. There are ardent defenders on both sides of the argument of how the tax-payers money should be spent. No real solution has […]
Last week (Can it be Fixed?), we talked about crooked-legged horses that are not lame. Non-lame horses do not need to have their conformation cosmetically “fixed”, but rather should be balanced in the way that makes them the most comfortable. But what about crooked-legged horses that do become lame because of their conformation? What should […]
Sometimes farriers think of themselves as “fixers.” This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As animal welfarists, we want to help horses. If a horse has a foot problem we immediately think about how we can attenuate the horse’s problem. If the horse doesn’t respond to treatment, farriers may feel responsible. To add to this impractical […]
Upon completing a horseshoeing course, some students wisely choose to continue their training with an experienced farrier. Occasionally, one of these students will ask, “How much should I expect a farrier to pay me for helping him or her a few times a week?” There are many factors to consider, but we usually advise not […]
With the holidays approaching, we are offering a discount on the Hands-On Teaching Models and Study Aids collection at Doug Butler Enterprises, Inc. The Ringbone model which typically retails for $120 is now available at the reduced price of $99. The Foundered Foot Model which retails at $79 is now available for $59. This promotional […]
Farriers can get annoyed with people that they feel are unjustly criticizing their work. A horse owner may “go on the internet” for a few hours and feel at liberty to offer advice with their newfound knowledge. When a (sometimes well-meaning) non-farrier does this, it makes him or her look ignorant. A customer once said, […]
Two weeks ago, Bobby Morrison of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away due to a massive stroke. I was privileged to work with Bobby in the 1980s when he trained some amazing Saddlebred horses while he lived in Braddyville, Iowa. There are many trainers who can produce a champion from a well-bred horse of championship quality. […]
We all want to be successful. Most people get into the farrier trade for two reasons: love of horses and the independence of owning a business. Doing what you love and getting paid for it on your own terms can be liberating and rewarding. However, too many of us, as small business owners, do not […]
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.
[ Get the e-Book Now! ]
