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Clinic Edition with Tom Willoughby
The Texas Professional Farriers Association held a clinic at the Flatland Forge facility in March. Jim & Kathleen Poor hosted this event and put together a stellar list of clinicians, including Tom Willoughby from Crown Point, Indiana. Tom worked through the steps of forging an egg from a section of pipe and we've uploaded some of the footage from the process. You can visit www.willoughbyforge.com to see more of the amazing talent that Tom has developed in his career as a farrier and blacksmith.
Forging for Fun: Wizard
Having more fun, Mike Wildenstein creates a wizard head, forged on the heel of a DF Grand Prix shoe. Enjoy the techniques applied- and try it yourself.
Forging for Fun: Horse Head and Hoof - Kerckhaert DF Grand Prix
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) modifies the heels of a DF Grand Prix shoe (after grinding off the clips) to illustrate that it doesn't all have to be hard work and sweat. He finds this kind of piece makes an excellent gift for clients or friends.
Shoeing the Hind Feet with Kerckhaert Dura Plain
Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF (hons) works through the shoeing of the hind end of this pleasure horse. He uses the Kerckhaert Dura Plain shoe, a 9mm thick shoe that has plenty of material for making necessary modifications to provide support for the hind or front limb.
Shoeing the Front Feet with Kerckhaert SX Roller
Kerckhaert has a number of shoes that have design features to aid in ease of movement or "breakover." Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) applies the Kerckhaert SX-Roller on the front feet of a horse that he felt would be more comfortable as a result.
Evaluating Limb Deviations & Trimming the Foot
This is a continuation of a group of clips dealing with conformational issues with solid advice on determining type of deviations and developing a plan for the trim and shoeing if needed. Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) once again shows why he is considered one of the top educators in the farrier industry.
Front Shoeing for Rotational Deviation
This clip works through the front shoe choice and application for the front feel done in the trim video published in early summer of 2015. Michael Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF (hons) explains how and why he applies Kerckhaert Classic Rollers, with modifications, to help with the conformational deviations of this particular horse.
Examination and Trim of the Front Feet Part l
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) moves on from the evaluation of the horse to the trim of the front feet in this video. His step by step explanation helps tie the evaluation done in an earlier clip to the trim of both front feet. Look for the next steps in future footage.
Repairing a Wood Handled Punch
Roy Bloom fixes a damaged wood handled forepunch in this clip. Many punches and forging tools that are returned to stores have been damaged by improper use and we have a number of videos and articles with steps to fix the damage.
Maintaining and Using a Creaser
Roy Bloom works through the steps of maintaining a steel handled creaser (fuller). He also explains how the method of use dictates whether to use a tool marked left or right, and can affect the performance of the tool. This is another good video to help understand proper use and maintenance steps for your forging tools.
Looking For Conformational Deviations
This footage presented by Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) emphasizes the importance of the farrier's evaluation and careful examination before shoeing a horse. Mike walks you through the typical process he uses when deciding how best to trim and shoe a horse. He also stresses the importance of using all of your senses when conducting an evaluation.
Drawing Toe Clips on Draft Shoes
The step by step process of drawing a toe clip on a Kerckhaert 3/8" unclipped draft shoe is presented by Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons). The 3/8" shoe is available pre-clipped but some farriers prefer to draw their own.
Working with Kerckhaert Draft Shoes
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) has a step by step discussion of the Kerckhaert 3/8" and 1/2" draft horse shoes and works through efficient steps in shaping the shoes.
Lily Pad Application for Horses
The Lily pad is a product developed for acute hoof emergencies where support under the frog is recommended. Especially helpful in the acute stages of laminitis or quarter cracks. Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) walks through the simple steps involved.
Kerckhaert Classic Roller Bar Shoe Application
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) discusses application of the Kerckhaert Classic Roller egg bar and some of the key points that can help with any bar shoe use. Farriers in many disciplines find the Kerckhaert Classic Roller shoe, with or without the bar feature, to be a great shoe for many conformational or lameness issues. Good preventative application also.
Kerckhaert Snow Rim Pad Application
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) gives a step by step demonstration for applying Kerckhaert's Snow Rim Pads. Pads are available now in a black rubber or clear polyurethane material at very competitive prices.
Anatomy of the Hoof Part I
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) presents Anatomy of the Hoof & Lower Limb, Part 1 in this clip. One of Mike's goals is to help farriers and owners to learn the anatomical terminology that will help in dealing with the equine limb, especially when consulting with a veterinarian. Look for more footage in the near future.
Anatomy of the Hoof Part II
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) continues his breakdown of the anatomical structure of the equine limb. In this segment he discusses the front limb. Look for more info to come.
Anatomy of the Hoof Part III
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) continues his Equine limb anatomy discussion with a detailed look at a hind limb model from Horse Science. This is part 3 of a 4 part series.
Avoiding Tool Damage
Roy Bloom, APF CJF, from Bloom Forge discusses basic causes and fixes for struck forging tools. Minor damage caused by misuse of tools can often be repaired using grinding equipment available from FPD.
Hammer Hardness and Maintenance
The FootPro Information series continues as Roy Bloom from Bloom Forge talks about forging hammer hardness in this video, stressing the importance of balancing hardness for durability with the need to preserve the struck tools.
Tong Fit and Position
Roy Bloom walks through basic steps in adjusting firetongs and positioning them on you work for maximum results.
Prepping Your Anvil Edges
Roy Bloom, APF CJF, demonstrates the basic steps of prepping your anvil edges to help get set up for forging and shaping horseshoes.
Evaluating the Standardbred Horse
The FootPro Information series with Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF looks at the the Standardbred horse in this segment shot at the KY Horse Park. This is a continuation of the look from a farrier's perspective at a number of breeds housed at the Park.
Evaluating the Arabian Horse
Continuing forward with our FootPro Information series, Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF takes a look at the Arabian horse in this segment shot at the KY Horse Park. This continues the quick look from a farrier's perspective at a number of breeds housed at the Park.
Evaluating the Thoroughbred Horse
The FootPro Information series of clips from the KY Horse Park continues with this info on the Thoroughbred breed by Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF.
Evaluating the Shire Horse
The Shire is the next horse reviewed by Mike Wildenstein in the KY Horse Park clips. Mike has done a lot of work with the draft breeds in his history and still works a couple of his own Percherons when he can.
Evaluating the Gypsy Vanner
One more clip from the Ky Horse Park footage done by FPD and Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF. This is a rare breed for the US but Mike's details lay out some interesting details of the breed.
Evaluating the Quarter Horse
This is footage was recorded at the Kentucky Horse Park. It's one segment in a series of "evaluations" that Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF, (hons) did on various breeds that are used at the Park. For more information on other videos, visit www.farrierproducts.com. The Kentucky Horse Park site is www.kyhorsepark.com. Be sure to visit the Farrier Shop if you make it to the Park. Our thanks to Park farrier Meghan Miles and the Horse Park staff for their help in putting this together.
Evaluating the Friesian
This is footage was recorded at the Kentucky Horse Park. It's one segment in a series of "evaluations" that Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF, (hons) did on various breeds that are used at the Park. For more information on other videos, visit www.farrierproducts.com. The Kentucky Horse Park site is www.kyhorsepark.com. Be sure to visit the Farrier Shop if you make it to the Park. Our thanks to Park farrier Meghan Miles and the Horse Park staff for their help in putting this together.
Hoof Buffer and Air Bladder Replacement
This clip shows the steps for replacing the rubber bladder on the Hoof Buffer from FPD. This buffer is attached to a cordless drill and makes clean up of the outside of the hoof wall a breeze. No more sore wrists and elbows with this tool.
FootPro™ Grinding Attachment Installation
The FootPro 2"x36" and 2"x48" grinder attachment arm installation is covered in this video from FPD. The units have an 8" drive and contact wheel combination that develop very high belt speed and do excellent work for farriers and anyone else that has grinding work. Typically mounted on 1/2hp or larger grinders.
Shoeing the Hind Feet
Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF, (Hons) works through the final segment of FPD's first shoeing video series. He will discuss the hind limb and foot as well as shoe choices that make sense for specific applications.
Nailing on the Front Shoes - Steel Comfort
Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF (hons) goes forward with the next step in shoeing Brodie. Mike chose the Kerckhaert Steel Comfort shoes with built-in breakover and good strength because of the eventing work this horse does.
Shoe Choice and Fit for the Front Foot
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) continues working through the shoeing of Brodie. In this clip he discusses Kerckhaert shoe choices for the horse and discipline and decides the Kerckhaert Steel Comfort would be the best option. Watch as he works through the fit process as well.
Farrier Clinching Process with Mike Chance, APF CJF
Farrier Product Distribution sponsored a horseshoeing clinic at East Coast Horseshoe Supply in Perry, Georgia. Mike Chance, APF CJF was the clinician and is shown here clinching a front foot using various tools available at farrierproducts dealers around North America. FootPro clincher, fp pulloff, hoof buffer, Bloom Forge undercut and Bellota rasps are among the tools used in this clip.
The Hoof Trim & the Trimming Tools
Mike Wildenstein, CJF FWCF (hons) guides you through the basic steps and tools for the hoof trimming process. This is a continuation of the FootPro Information Series for Professional Farriers that will cover many aspects of a Farrier's daily work.
Farrier Tools for Removal of a Horseshoe
This segment of FPD's Information for the Professional Farrier covers the basic steps of horseshoe removal. Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF (hons) goes through the process in this clip.
Farrier's Initial Evaluation of the Horse
Mike Wildenstein CJF, FWCF (hons) explains his procedure for evaluating a horse before beginning the trimming or shoeing process. This is another segment of Farrier Product Distribution's "Information for the Professional Farrier" series.
Application of FPD Traction Products: Drive-in Studs and Tungsten Pins
Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF (hons) presents this how-to video for application of farrierproducts Tungsten Carbide pins and studs for horseshoes. FPD dealers handling the products can be found at by clicking here These pins and studs are easy to apply and offer excellent traction for horses on all hard surfaces.
Farrier Educational Materials from FPD
Mike Wildenstein CJF, FWCF (hons) gives a brief introduction to the new series of video materials that Farrier Product Distribution is producing for the professional farrier. Mike's talents and experience are an invaluble asset in the project and we know viewers will find a lot of solid information in the series.
Meet Farrier Product Distribution, Inc.
FPD, Inc. has been providing, promoting and supporting educational programs in the farrier industry since 1990. This short clip gives a few details about the company, philosoply and key product brands.
FPD - A Brief Overview
Welcome to a brief overview of what Farrier Product Distribution is all about.
Shoeing with Kerckhaert Triumph steel and Liberty Nails
Mike Chance nails on a Kerckhaert Triumph steel shoe using Liberty 5 Slim nails that have recently come on the market. Mike was the clinician sponsored by Farrier Product Distribution at a clinic hosted by East Coast Horseshoe Supply in Perry, Georgia. Another clip of Mike clinching illustrates Mike's approach to dressing flares such as the medial toe flare on this hoof. As long as he can dress the foot when the shoe is nailed on he will go that route, nailing the shoe in the position he feels most appropriate regardless if he has already dressed the wall completely or not.
Todd Boston Shoeing for the Kentucky Oaks
Todd Boston is caught on video Oaks Day 2012, shoeing one of the Oaks horses, Summer Applause, trained by Bret Calhoun. In this footage, Todd is putting a Kerckhaert Tradition hind shoe with toe clip on this filly.
Todd shoes for many of the top trainers in Churchill during Derby week and is shoeing three of this year's Derby horses and four Oaks horses. Todd, along with his father Bob and brother Chad have been on the Churchill scene for many years and work Florida in the winter and Keeneland, Churchill and New York in the summer.
2012 Kentucky Derby - Shoeing for the Big Race
Steve Norman is putting new shoes on Gemologist, morning of the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Steve is based in the Lexington, KY area and has shod a number of Derby winners during his career. Gemologist was last shod by Mr. Ray Amato prior to his win in the Wood Memorial, but unfortunately, an illness in his family kept him from making this year's Derby. Steve uses Kerckhaert raceplates exclusively and in recent weeks horses he shod with the Fast Break XT have set track records at Keeneland and Churchill. Gemologist is shod with Tradtion XT fronts and Tradition RT hinds.
Farrier Modifications of Horseshoes with Grinding Equipment
Doug Workman, APF CJF, demonstrates some basic shoe modifications that can provide quick and efficient adjustments to shoes. The Baldor 1/2hp grinder and the 10" expander wheel are both available from FPD dealers. For more info visit www.farrierproducts.com.
Sharpening a FootPro™ Hoof Nipper
Roy Bloom walks through a very simple process of keeping your nippers in good cutting form. The FootPro™ nipper he is sharpening is a US made tool that has been heat treated for longevity, and machined and finished precisely to give good performance. There are several sizes available- 12", 14", 15", 14" Race Track and a special Half-Round for resections and taking excess sole from the hoof.
Bloom Hammer Handle Replacement
Roy Bloom, APF CJF works through the steps involved in replacing a hammer handle. The process is illustrated with Bloom's forging hammers but is effective for any hammers.
Sharpening a Loop Knife
This is a simple method of sharpening the Bloom Forge or other brands of farrier loop knives. Loop knives are very convenient for cleaning the area between the horse's frog and bars. It requires only a sharpener like the Eze-Lap model 571 tapered shaft diamond hone to keep the knife in good order. Having access to a buffer to clean up any burrs is also useful.
Creating a Groove in a Sharpening Wheel for Knife Sharpening
Putting a groove in an FPD sharpening wheel makes it much easier to get your hoof knife sharpened, including the hook. Roy Bloom walks you through the process of creating this groove in the 6" wheel. Very simple to do but wear safety glasses and use caution around any power tools.
Hoof Knife Sharpening Wheel Maintenance
FPD offers a complete hoof knife sharpening system through its dealer network. The 6" sharpening wheel occasionally needs maintenance to get best performance and this video walks you through the steps.
Farrier's Hoof Knife Sharpening System
FPD distributes a very effective hoof knife sharpening system through its dealer network. The system consists of a Baldor 1/4hp buffer that operates at 1800 rpm thus minimizing the heat build up that can damage a blade. The 6" x 3/4" Buffing/Sharpening wheel (deburring) and the 6" x 3/4" felt wheel are ideal for hoof knife sharpening. Bill Kleist walks through the steps involved in the process. A further enhancement to the wheels are the grooves for the knife hook. It is built in to the felt wheel and we have another video available to show how to put the groove in the buffing/sharpening wheel.
hot iron productions
Hot Iron Productions - "Balancing the Equine Hoof:
Understanding the 12 Reference Points"
Dave Farley CF and Roy Bloom CJF discuss the 12 reference points of the equine limb, and how to balance the hoof.
Hot Iron Productions - "Trimming and Shoeing the Benched Knee"
Dave Farley CF points out the signs of a benched knee and how to remedy the issue.
Hot Iron Productions - "Shoeing a Toed-In Horse (Part 1)"
Dave Farley CF shoes a Toed-In horse at an FPD clinic in Shelbyville, Ky.
Hot Iron Productions - "Tool Maintenance Tips"
Professional farrier Dave Farley CF of Coshocton, Ohio and Wellington, Florida shares his thoughts on keeping hoof nippers and pull-offs in good working order.
Hot Iron Productions - "Tool Maintenance"
Roy Bloom shows us how to repair normal wear on a drift in this sample of "Tool Maintenance."
Hot Iron Productions - "Fundamentals of Forging 1 - The Anvil, Hammer & Tongs"
Roy Bloom CJF demonstrates proper anvil height, proper hammer grip, and tong adjustments to help blacksmiths and farriers avoid injury.
Hot Iron Productions - "Fundamentals of Forging 2 - Basic Shoemaking"
Roy Bloom CJF of Drummond, WI shows us the fundamentals, as well as some really useful tricks, when forging a shoe.
Hot Iron Productions - "Fundamentals of Forging 4 - Cowpies & Clips"
Tool-maker, farrier and blacksmith Roy Bloom CJF of Drummond, WI uses an unusual material to illustrate the behavior of hot metals when using various hammer and anvil surfaces.
Hot Iron Productions - "Fundamentals of Forging 5 - Barshoe Welding"
Dave Farley CF of Coshocton, Ohio discusses his preferences for welding bar shoes.
farriers in action
In Good Hands - Kentucky Derby Week
Mr. Ray Amato from New York shoeing during Kentucky Derby week- Mr. Amato shod the winning Derby horse for 2010- Super Saver, as well as numerous other Derby and stakes horses running at Churchill. Favorite hind shoes, Kerckhaert regular toe race plates with toe clip.
Shoeing a Horse with Farrier Tom Doolan, Sr.
Santa Anita farrier Tom Doolan Sr. describes his shoeing techniques for Thoroughbred race horses with Kentucky Derby reporter Jill Byrne.
CNN: Farriers Keep Alive the Art of Shoeing Horses
A lot of hard work and sweat is how farrier Doug Workman CJF describes his job. Workman, a farrier for more than 20 years, is the current president of the Georgia Farriers Association, and he takes his trade seriously. CNN has provided this short clip of Doug and Dave Purves CJF