It’s important to have a memorized sequence of performing farrier skills so nothing is left out. This is the sequence we teach at Butler Professional Farrier School. The image in the mind guides the craftsman’s hands. This sequence must be practiced until it becomes a habit. 1. ASSESSMENT Consider horse, shoe wear, and conditions 2. […]
Hoof wall thicknesses vary. There is a very small margin for error. The farrier must pay close attention to selecting and driving each nail. Not all nails are manufactured perfectly, and misshapen nails might not drive straight. However, nail quicking isn’t the only kind of quicking that can affect a horse – he can also […]
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 […]
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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