The horse’s foot is a bio-mechanical marvel with many parts. Each part has a function. One of the most interesting parts is the frog. The frog is an insensitive, wedge shaped cushion or pad that helps the horse with shock absorption, traction and circulation. It is also a scent gland. The exact etymology of how […]
As the winter months set in, many horse owners have the question: is my horse warm enough? Do I need to blanket my horse? Understanding anatomy and physiology can help horse owners understand when a horse may or may not need a blanket. Some horse owners unwisely use the rule that when they feel cold, […]
Tendon injuries can be devasting and career-ending for horses, depending on the severity of the damage and the availability of a knowledgeable veterinarian/farrier team. Horses have four major tendons in their lower legs. There are two extensor tendons in the front (common extensor and lateral extensor) and two flexor tendons in the back (superficial digital […]
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 […]
By Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF Farriery or horseshoeing is an ancient art. Sound principles of practice have changed little over the centuries. Its object is to keep horses sound and useful to mankind. It is a service occupation that allows recreation and work horses provide a more enjoyable experience for their owners. Fads have […]
This article appeared in The Horseshoer’s Journal 39(12):578. It is by E. G. Myers and was published in Dec 1919. It has taken a man of iron to prove who is the richest individual and the particular person who rose to the question so often asked is a Nebraska blacksmith named E. G. Myers, whose […]
Horses are living animals so they will inevitably move around while the farrier is working. This can be very frustrating to farriers who do precision work. A lot of movement makes a difficult job even more difficult. Ideally, horses should stand relatively still for the farrier as they work. Some horses do a better job […]
Equine Cushing’s disease has become more of a concern to horse owners in recent years as the condition has become more prevalent. Equine Cushing’s disease is not a new problem. It has been around for a long time but it is receiving more attention because people seem to be keeping horses longer. Equine Cushing’s disease […]
One of the biggest dangers confronting farriers is complacency. A farrier reaches a certain point, and thinks, “I am working at a satisfactory level. This is good enough. I don’t need to push myself anymore.” For some farriers that point is when they have accomplished certification. For others it may be when they get out […]
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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