Osteomyelitis is distinguished from pedal osteitis in that the former implies infection of bone; the later implies inflammation due to bruising of the coffin bone. Bone pain is some of the most severe hurt an animal can experience. Osteomyelitis can be a sequela (following the original disease) to severe founder that results in sole perforation […]
Many problems with horses are caused by horse-loving people. Perhaps the most disturbing is the harmful, yet common notion, that “food is love.” There are far too many cases of young horses crippled with developmental orthopedic disease resulting in club foot, epiphysitis and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Many older horses are afflicted with low ringbone, navicular disease […]
Horseshoes can (and should) be modified to be more beneficial to each individual horse. Horseshoe clips are among the most versatile and useful modifications to help horses in different circumstances. Clips are the triangular tab of metal that sticks up on the foot surface of a shoe to be seated into the hoof wall. The […]
Competent farriers are sometimes unfairly accused of inflicting pain on horses simply because the nature of their work. Not all farriers are the same. Some may be justly criticized for causing pain. An occasional sadist might pop up and too often we see farriers and trimmers alike harming horses out of ignorance. But these are […]
The horse’s foot is a bio-mechanical marvel with many parts. Each part has a function. One of the most interesting parts is the frog. The frog is an insensitive, wedge shaped cushion or pad that helps the horse with shock absorption, traction and circulation. It is also a scent gland. The exact etymology of how […]
When a horse requires protection from excessive foot abrasion, a simple horseshoe can do the trick. However, sometimes, a regular horseshoe is not enough to treat specific foot ailments. The “heart bar shoe” or “frog support shoe” is a versatile therapeutic application that offers relief to afflicted horses from a variety of conditions. Heart bar […]
The navicular bone in the foot of the horse is known more for the problems it can create (i.e. navicular syndrome) rather than for its actual function. Navicular syndrome or navicular disease often results in heel pain due to a problem associated with the navicular region; not just the bone. The condition is usually treated […]
We’ve had many questions about hoof supplements. The following questions are answered by Dr. Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF. Dr. Butler graduated from Cornell University with a doctorate degree in equine nutrition in 1976. He has dedicated his life to helping horses and teaching students how to be better horse care providers. He strongly believes […]
Professional farriers demonstrate their work is a legitimate business by incorporating and following tax laws. As the business grows, farriers should take time to work on the business and not just in the business. They must protect their hard-earned income. This includes obtaining protective insurance and understanding exactly what is covered. Do you have business […]
Horses are unpredictable. They have minds of their own. There are so many ways horses can hurt you. They can react quickly and may jump, run, kick, strike, fall on and/or bite a person without warning. (As you gain experience, you will recognize changes in equine behavior that could become dangerous.) Workman’s Compensation insurance for […]
Butler Professional Horseshoeing School
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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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