There are several ways of providing traction in the winter time. Traditionally horses were shod with sharp shoes. Shoes were calked (toes and heels) and these were sharpened periodically by the blacksmith. This was a difficult job as the shoes had to be removed and it had to be done more often than a normal […]
Horse hooves are 25 to 50 percent water. Water freezes. Frozen hooves may split when nails are driven into them, and pounding upon the feet may be painful. The coriums or sensitive structures under the hoof are often bruised when the horse stands on snow that “balls up” under the hooves. In the spring, the […]
QUESTION: Dear Sir or Madam, I am looking for feedback on the standard protocol for farriers regarding cleaning up after shoeing and running magnets for horseshoe nail tips at busy boarding stables. Is it generally the responsibility of the farrier to clean up after shoeing and run their magnets for nail scraps or does this fall on the shoulders […]
What specific information should a horse owner know and/or record that can help a farrier better care for their horse’s feet? A regularly scheduled visit by the farrier is the most important way to care for a horse’s feet. A current, up-to-date record of ideal trimming or shoeing intervals for each horse, ideal individual hoof […]
What are the main problems horses have with their feet and how do you solve them? The most common problems with horses that are ridden relate to conformation issues that cause a predisposition to lameness. Conformation is highly heritable. Horses with comparatively straight legs, in addition to being rougher to ride, will develop concussion-related conditions […]
What is the most common lameness cause you have seen in horses and how could it have been prevented? Lameness in trail horses is caused by: lack of attention to foot care (neglect) unbalanced and/or too short trimming of the foot shoes poorly applied by inexperienced and untrained farriers or by unknowledgeable horse owners genetically […]
Are there types of horses or situations where one style of foot care would not be the right choice? Shoeing would not be a practical choice for a horse with feet that are steep angled, with strong walls, thick soles, and large frogs. However, even horses like this have limits. We have a number of […]
Which do you recommend: metal shoes, strap-on boots, or barefoot? Before recommending a specific plan for hoof care, I need to know something about the horse’s feet, the rider and the intended use of the horse. Of course, it would be ideal if all horses could be ridden barefoot, as it would be the most […]
Welcome to our new blog dedicated to horse owners and professional farriers who want to forge firm foundations with horses, in business and for life. We will feature articles and tips for horse owners along with strategies for professional farriers who want to strengthen skills and broaden their business. Please bookmark this site, subscribe to […]
Butler Professional Horseshoeing School
495 Table Road
Crawford, NE 69339
(800) 728-3826
jacob@dougbutler.com
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