We appreciate the service of our veterans and the sacrifices they have made to ensure the freedoms that we enjoy in America. This time of year, around Veteran’s Day, is a good time to reflect on the freedoms we may take for granted. We honor those men and women who have sacrificed so much for […]
By Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF If you want to work with horses and the people who value them, farrier school may be the best opportunity for you. Becoming a farrier is a great career opportunity that is often overlooked in today’s horse industry. Farriers work for affluent people who have discretionary income and have […]
Ask a dissatisfied horse owner what their biggest frustration is about their farrier and you might get an extensive list. Ask an unhappy farrier what their biggest frustration is about their clients and you might hear an even longer list. Occasionally, farriers and horse owners don’t see eye-to-eye and it can be an aggravating experience […]
Maria Ostry of Bruno, Nebraska (in Butler County) has been shoeing horses for 3 years now. She attended the Butler Professional Farrier School basic course in 2015 and the advanced course in 2016. She excelled as a student where she demonstrated a desire to learn and pushed herself every day to become better. She has […]
In his book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell states, “autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and reward are the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying.” (Outliers, 149-150) Working as a farrier can be extremely rewarding because all three of these components can be met. Ask any farrier what they […]
National Farriers Week is a dedicated time for horse owners to express appreciation for the farriers who keep their horses sound. It is also a good time for horse owners to learn what constitutes good farrier work. Horse owners who don’t know what constitutes good hoof care are at a disadvantage when it comes to […]
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 […]
In recent years, there have been more and more women entering the farrier profession. There is a misconception that shoeing horses is a “man’s job.” Some may believe this is true because it is a very physically demanding craft. Women shouldn’t be discouraged by this inaccurate assumption. It is very true that being a farrier […]
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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