There have been many changes in the farrier industry in the past 60 years since I shod my first horse. Some are more important than others. All have increased the income and prestige of the farrier as a professional craftsman and tradesman. Horse population increase. Horse population and popularity as a recreational outlet has increased. […]
Horses have a thick skin insulated by fat and thick winter hair. The horse’s integument (its hooves and skin) has an underlying dermis that contains AVAs (arterio-venous anastomoses). These vascular systems allow the body to shunt or divert blood away from its surface area periodically to keep the animal’s central core warm
In the mid 70s, Dr. Doug Butler went to Cornell University to get an advanced degree because he wanted to further his understanding of the horse.
The royal wedding in England has captured the attention and imagination of the world. As I watched, Adam Smith’s statement in The Wealth of Nations came to mind, “The chief enjoyment of riches consists in the parade of riches….” In spite of the occurrence of other significant world events, “the story book event” took precedence. […]
I was invited by Guy Karsh, a former student, to go to Israel to do a clinic for farriers and equine veterinarians. My wife and I traveled there and gave a two and a half day program the last part of November. There were 30 farriers, 27 vets and 33 horse owners in attendance at […]
If you live in the vicinity of Lincoln, Nebraska, we invite you to attend Dr. Butler’s Nebraska Horse Expo program on “Humane Hoof Care,” at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2010! His 2:00 p.m. program is scheduled in the Nebraska Room of the Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. And there’s more “March Gladness” to share, […]
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 […]
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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