I believe the NC Tool hoof knife is the best value for the money. They come sharp and are easy to keep sharp. And they are relatively inexpensive to replace. I think the best hoof knives in the market are Ringel knives. I use them in my work, for they are made of high quality […]
By the end of the first week in January, many people have already abandoned their new year’s goals. Others are perplexed — “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:17) There is much confusing and even false information in the farrier industry. It’s up to each horse […]
Here are seven guidelines and important questions to consider in establishing and maintaining good farrier-client relationships. 1. Be on time for your shoeing appointments. It is easier to build a good long-term relationship when the first impression is favorable. If you wish to be successful, you must advertise success. Are you making a good impression? […]
This question and its answer depends upon your experience, length of time in practice, how many clients you currently have, status of your local economy, competition, etc. Do you provide perceivable value for your clients? How will you communicate this change — will you call and tell them, send them a letter, postcard or email, […]
Answer: You are not required to read all the pages before you arrive. You’ll find after enrolling and completing the application process that a copy of P3 will be sent to you, and you are at liberty to use your copy to read and study as you wish. There is a homework assignment on five […]
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 […]
Answer: A hoof that is proportional to the horse’s body size allows for ideal distribution of body weight over the foot’s laminar surface. (Laminar surface refers to the area where the sensitive laminae, attached to the coffin bone, interlocks with the horny laminae at the hoof wall.) When the foot is proportional to body size, […]
There is a tendency in our modern society to look for short cuts in every aspect of life. We want the cheapest product even if quality must be compromised to get it; we want knowledge and skill without effort; we expect minimum effort to reap maximum reward. We learn the techniques of getting by. Only […]
A young horse does not usually have to be shod unless it’s necessary to maintain the foot in a healthy, balanced state. Soundness is the key. If the wear of the hoof capsule is greater than its growth, it should be shod. The average hoof growth rate is three-eighths of an inch (about one centimeter) […]
Question: My mare is Twelve going on Thirteen. I have had her for two years and have always had problems with holding and trimming her rear feet. In an article I read recently on restraint training it is stated that if a horse is old or has problems with arthritis they should not have their legs […]
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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