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 […]
Fall is upon us and temperatures are beginning to drop. This brings with it the risk of laminitis and founder for horse owners. Laminitis can be devastating for horses and donkeys alike as it means a deterioration of the sensitive laminae that bond the bone to the hoof. Hooves are designed to bear the weight […]
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 […]
Few anatomical structures of the horse are as fascinating as the stifle joint. The stifle joint is located in the hind limbs between the femur and tibia. It is comparable to the human knee complete with a patella (knee cap). The hind limbs of the horse have a propelling function, driving the horse forward. The […]
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 […]
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, […]
Since horses can make a difference in our lives, and even change us, it is worth considering the real value of horses. Some are valued at thousands of dollars – some are not. While most highly trained and well bred horses are sold by private treaty or at special production sales, a large number are […]
The best farriers want to excel in their craft. To do this, they are constantly on the lookout for skills they can improve. It is a lifelong pursuit. These farriers aren’t worried they don’t “know it all” yet. They are comfortable with the idea that they may never know it all. The never-ending learning is […]
This week (22 Jul 2018), a mule named Wallace the Great made headlines by being the first mule to win a British Dressage competition. Earlier this month, the British Dressage Board revised the rule book to allow mules to compete in British Dressage. Mules have been allowed to compete in dressage in the United States […]
In these hot summer months, it is important to consider your horse’s water consumption needs. High temperatures necessitate access to cool, clean water. Horses will consume as much as 60% more water when it is cooler than the outside temperature during the hot months. A horse only needs one quart of water per pound of […]
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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