Some horses can develop a condition known as heaves. Other horses may become “wind-broke.” These ailments have to do with the lungs. Although the subject falls more in the veterinarian’s realm, farriers and all knowledgeable horsemen should be familiar with this condition that horses sometimes get. Broken wind is a horseman’s term for what many […]
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, […]
By Doug Butler PhD, CJF, FWCF Lee Liles passed away May 12, 2018 at home in Sulphur, Oklahoma. He was one of the great farriers, blacksmiths and horsemen of our time. Lee was extremely knowledgeable on many subjects and possessed the finest library on farrier science of well over 1000 volumes. Lee started shoeing in […]
Last week, we talked about getting horses to stand still. We mentioned some different tactics that can help horses to stand relatively still for the farrier while he or she is working. We had several great responses. Some of these responses included advice about working with older horses and remembering to be patient with horses […]
By Doug Butler PhD, CJF, FWCF Danny ward passed away a few days ago (22 Mar 2018) leaving a great legacy as a teacher and friend to the farrier industry. Danny was known as a friend to many. I particularly appreciated his patient accepting attitude. In 1979 I was asked to judge the Florida warm […]
Last week, a group of scientists discovered that the Przewalski’s horses of Mongolia are not truly wild. This scientific study shows that there are no truly wild horses left in the world. Horses that roam freely in the United States and other countries are not technically “wild” horses as they descended from domesticated ancestry. Mustangs […]
Right now is a good time to get into the farrier industry. Horse numbers have remained steady in recent years. Even though the horse market has taken a hit, the number of people that are involved in the horse industry is quite high. Horse enthusiasts are still participating in equine events and activities. All of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Farriers are presented with different horse feet scenarios. Often these come as a last resort from horse owners. This was a horse that was injured 4 months ago. The owner was not sure how the horse injured himself. There is a bulge at the coronary band and the right front foot is beginning to […]
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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