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 […]
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 […]
Tips to Increase your Value in Customer Relationships ©2017 Doug Butler PhD, CJF, FWCF Butler Professional Farrier School The following seven important questions and suggested guidelines should be considered when attempting to establish good farrier – client relationships: Are you making a good impression? It is easier to build a good long-term relationship when the […]
There are few things that can compare to the soul refreshment that can be felt when riding a good horse in natural surroundings. Yet a lame horse can cast a dark cloud over what should be a rewarding experience. Farrier work is hard and exacting work. Those who enter the craft with less than a […]
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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