Author Archives: Dan

Tool Corner: Hoof Tester

by Dave Farley, CF APF-I Most seasoned farriers will agree that a good hoof tester is a must in your shoeing tool collection. When used properly you can determine an area where a hoof has pain. The key thing here … Continue reading →

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Basic Shoeing: Shaping for Symmetry

by Dave Farley, CF APF-I One of the constant struggles in shoeing horses is the effort to establish and maintain good hoof shape. It is not unusual to have a horse come to you that has been fit to the … Continue reading →

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Basic Shoeing: Options for Break Over in Everyday Work

By Doug Workman, CJF APF There are many thoughts on the subject of break over as it pertains to the horse’s foot and limb function. I would like to discuss some of the options we have using modifications to keg … Continue reading →

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Tool Corner: Tool Tips

By Roy Bloom, CJF APF-I Always wear your safety glasses. You are striking steel against steel and working with hot material. Anything can happen, so be safe. Always strike the tool in the center of the striking surface. Striking off … Continue reading →

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Basic Shoeing: Foot Finish

By Dave Farley Your customers may never lift the foot to check your work but you can be sure they take a good look at the hoof as the horse is standing in front of them. A few minutes spent … Continue reading →

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What is it Like Shoeing a Million Dollar Horse?

Guest Blog by Rob Logsdon, FPD, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky is largely considered the “Horse Capital of the World” because of the numerous horse farms, Keeneland Racecourse and Keeneland Association Thoroughbred Auctions. From September 10 to 23, Keeneland is hosting their … Continue reading →

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Basic Shoeing: 12 Points of Reference for Evaluating Limb Balance

By Dave Farley and Roy Bloom We have developed a list of reference points that have helped us in evaluating limb balance and developing a plan for trimming the hoof to maintain or enhance the balance. The following list and … Continue reading →

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Setting Standards for Hoof Preparation

by Bobby Menker, CJF APF One of the best ways to prepare for the practical portion of the AFA certification test is to study the guidelines set forth in the AFA pamphlet “Guidelines for Evaluating Farrier Competitions and Certifications” and … Continue reading →

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A Working Knowledge of Anatomy is ­Important to Everyday Shoeing Concerns

By Mitch Taylor In order to gain a better understanding of how to approach a variety of situations in foot care, a working knowledge of the parts of the foot and leg and how they relate or ‘communicate’ with each … Continue reading →

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Basic Shoeing: Working with a Chronic Quarter Crack

by Dave Farley, CF APF-I These are pictures of a chronic quarter crack that reopened (Image 1).   All farriers get this type of call and the question, “Can you do something with this? I have a show in a … Continue reading →

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