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 […]
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 […]
Do farriers use their brains? Some people incorrectly assume that farriers don’t have “book smarts.” There is a common misconception that in order to be a farrier, one must have a “strong back and a weak mind.” This, unfortunately, has been perpetuated by those delicate souls that are afraid of hard work. They have concluded […]
Money is a touchy subject. Most of us want to spend our money wisely. In order to do this, we have to calculate value. When a horse owner has a farrier come to work on his or her horse, price is an important consideration. Price alone should not be the only consideration as to whether […]
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, […]
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 […]
A serious affliction of horses today is laminitis and founder. When a horse has laminitis, the toe or front half of the foot is in pain because the laminae that adheres the hoof wall to the bone has become inflamed. This is a problem because the hoof wall supports the weight of the animal. The […]
As an American farrier that has shod horses from coast to coast and border to border for over five decades, I am amazed at the many different ways people care for their horses. What is considered neglect in some areas, in another is considered responsible care. There is variance in area and in breeds, […]
In the fall, as the temperatures drop, horses will get some relief as external parasites like flies, mosquitoes and ticks begin to die off. We tend to think of parasite control as something we do in the spring because as the temperature rises, we see and hear the flies and mosquitoes. But fall is also […]
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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