Farrier Talent Has a Good Ring To It

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Dan

 

Farrier

Farrier Steve Norman, second from right on mandolin, might prefer this to bending over.

We’ve featured some really nice metal work by farriers from the industry and I was thinking about that when I came across this piece of video taken near the FPD shop in Shelbyville, KY. Proof that there is all kinds of artistic talent in the industry.

We’ve known for many years that race track farrier Steve Norman is one of the best hands around the track or farm.  He shod KY Derby winner War Emblem with Kerckhaert race plates in the first year the shoes were on the market. We’ve also witnessed him doing what he may enjoy more than his work (though it pays a lot less). This video clip shows Steve going at it with his group- Shades of Grass – in a local street venue in Shelbyville, KY.

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Liberty Nail Range for Farriers Continues to Expand

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Dan
6 slim horseshoe nails

The Liberty 6 Slim offers one more great option in the Liberty range of high quality nails.

The City 6 Slim and Draft E8XL are the latest additions to Liberty nail range from Kerckhaert. The Liberty brand has developed a lot of momentum as they prove themselves to be flawless, with excellent finish, points and performance. In the near future we should see additional styles, including 6 City, 5 Regular and 3-1/2 Race. Visit our website for more information. Current Liberty Range: 5 Race, 5 Slim, 5 City, 5 Combo, 5 Combo Slim, 6 Slim, E-2 through E-7 Slim., Draft E-8XL, LX-50, LX-55, LX-60.
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FPD & Bellota Supporting American Farriers Team

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Dan

 

Bellota Support

AFA Team members at recent practice at the Ky Horse Park. Bellota and FPD are providing support to the team as they prepare for the international competition at Stoneleigh. The team is using Bellota rasps and files in their quest. From left to right, Justin Fry, Bryan Osborne, Chris Overly, Conrad Trow, Daniel Jones and Cody Gregory.

Report from Katlynn Sacco: Saturday August 25th, I attended the last practice of the American Farriers Team before they head off to Stoneleigh for the International Competition.  The practice was held in the Mounted Police Barn at the Kentucky Horse Park.  While there, I had the pleasure of speaking with Conrad Trow, Team Manager.  Conrad has high hopes for the team competing at Stoneleigh, which is not surprising after watching the team work.

Hot raspoing

Bellota Rasps are used in hoof prep and also in finishing of shoes.

It wasn’t all play during my visit Saturday; I was actually at the practice to announce FPD and Bellota’s support of the American Farriers Team.   At FPD, we understand that this industry is built from the hard work and dedication of farriers.  We appreciate the men and women who support our industry, and the American Farriers Team is no exception.   By supporting the AFT, we hope to aid in their success, as they will be representing all of us here in the States during their time in Stoneleigh.  FPD is proud to be involved with this group of talented and devoted individuals.

Teamwork

Like a well oiled machine, AFA team members work together in preparation for the upcoming competition in the UK.

We wish everyone on the American Farriers Team good luck, and safe travels.  We will be rooting for you here in Shelbyville, KY.

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Summer’s End – Farrier Clinic Season Begins

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Dan
Farrier work

FPD farrier clinics focus on the foot- from prep to finished job.

It is the last of August and an unusually hot and brutal summer is coming to a close. Each year the end of summer is mourned by those who dread the eventual onset of winter. On the other hand, fall and winter are jam-packed with clinics and this year is no exception so it’s a season to look forward to as well. FPD has already set a large number of sponsored events on our clinic calendar and look forward to seeing you at an event in your region. Visit the FPD website to see all of our listed events.

The FPD clinics have always focused on content that is useful to you in your daily work. This fall we have Doug Workman, Mike Wildenstein, Dave Farley and Roy Bloom on the clinic trail with others tentatively scheduled. These are clinicians that are recognized for their ability to share their experience and talents in a way that is easy to take home and apply to your work. Each clinic sponsored by FPD has audio/visual equipment in place to help ensure that you will have a great view of the work and the ability to hear what “words of wisdom” might come forth. Might even be a few Sven and Ole jokes tossed around when Roy is in between the serious work.

Sept. 15 – Bromont, Quebec: Marechalerie Bromont – Doug Workman, APF CJF – Call 450-534-2759

Sept. 29 – Woodbury, TN: Tennessee Farrier Supply – Doug Workman, APF CJF – Call 615-464-4575

Oct. 20 – Gadsden, AL: Lookout Mt School of Horseshoeing – Doug Workman, APF CJF – 256-546-2036

Oct. 29 – Fredericksburg, OH: Yoder Blacksmith Supplies – Roy Bloom, APF CJF – Call 330-698-3200

Nov. 17 – Sacramento, CA: The Horseshoe Barn – Mike Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF – Call 916-925-6534

Dec. 9 – Wellington, FL: Palm Beach Farrier Supply – Dave Farley, APF CF – Call 561-204-5022

 

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Challenging Conditions for Farriers

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Dan

 

mountain base hay field.

Don’t let the lush green (because of irrigation) at the eastern base of the Cascades fool you. Just miles east, the terrain turns into a farrier’s nightmare.

 

A recent trip to central Oregon brought to mind some comments made by farriers shoeing in the west about the world of working ranch, pack and trail horses. It is a completely different shoeing challenge than that of the average show horse in a controlled environment or in a “gentler” terrain.

farrier's nightmare

Welcome to the nightmare. The volcanic rock strewn terrain of the high desert will challenge your ability to adapt- and perhaps push you to fit shoes much differently than you would in many areas of the country. Your working ranch horse may have something like this to get through in central Oregon.

The Cascades divide the eastern “high desert” region of central Oregon from the coastal region to the west. While there are plenty of show or event activities in central Oregon, there are a significant number of working ranch horses and others that have to deal with the dry, volcanic rock strewn terrain. How would you shoe for that environment? Chances are you won’t have the luxury of shoeing with the same fit as you would in a less challenging terrain. You might see here why the fit is tight and providing length for support is going to create problems.

the west side

The west side of the Cascades is clearly a more friendly environment for farriers. While changes in moisture levels may present challenges, the ability to shoe for support has a much broader acceptable range.

The coastal region of Oregon provides quite a different footing. This is where you might go for relief if you’ve been fighting the harsh landscape of the high desert. Odds are the shoeing style is completely different on the west side of the Cascades and if you are working both sides of the range, you need to be flexible and understand the differences in the conditions- and the tolerances you have to deal with in fitting shoes.

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A Farrier’s Choice of Products – Value Added

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Dan
Crease and nails
The V crease design of the Kerckhaert shoes has been one of the key selling points throughout their history. Optimal nail fit providing security and precise nailing are the result.

The next issue of FPD’s Natural Angle will feature an article discussing the selection of shoes and nails and their importance to the quality of work. It’s undoubtedly the skill of the farrier in regards to foot prep and shoe fit that can make the most difference, but choice of products is often the “icing on the cake” of a good shoeing job. If you aren’t already receiving the Natural Angle, you can contact FPD and request a copy of the upcoming issue- it’s guaranteed to give you something to think about.

farrier choice

The nail to the left has "flash" that will keep it from seating as well as the nail to the right that is more precisely produced. The Liberty line of nails from Kerckhaert have the precision and consistency that allows for best nail fit and security.

Every clinician FPD has sponsored through the years stresses the importance of good hoof prep, shoe fit and shoe and nail selection. The Natural Angle article will discuss the basic differences between a V crease shoe and the typical U shaped, flat bottom crease and how they impact the application of shoes to attain a high level of proficiency. In addition, there will be a reference to the importance of selecting the highest quality nail to maximize the effectiveness of the shoeing job. You can visit the FPD site or Kerckhaert site to get more information on products available to the market.

Farrier choice for nail position

The toe nail exit hole indicates a problem that is typical for shoes with flat bottom creases- early exit often causes damage to the wall or a less secure shoe.

Hoof nailing

The line of these nails are partially a result of having a shoe that has a V crease that allows for variations in the angle when nailing. Notice the height of the toe nail is in line with the other nails- with no damage to the wall.

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American Farriers Team in Ky Horse Park

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Dan

AFT members Daniel Jones, CJF (left) and Bryan Osborne, CJF, forging shoes for the Lexington mounted police horses during a team practice held at the Ky Horse Park. Note the '52 Dodge pickup in the background, on loan to the Horse Park from FPD.

AFT TEAM PRACTICE report from Katlynn Sacco

Friday June 22: Rob Logsdon and I (FPD Sales Staff members) attended the American Farriers Team Practice.  We were met by the Team Manager, Conrad Trow, CJF.  Conrad is a well-respected farrier holding a diploma with The Worshipful Company of Farriers.  Prior to becoming the Team Manager of AFA’s national horseshoeing team, Conrad was a competing team member.  He participated in competitions nationally and internationally, earning top honors along the way.

The team is comprised of farriers from all over the United States. Chris Overly, CJF from Kentucky, is the Team Captain. He works alongside Daniel Jones, CJF (Alabama), Bryan Osborne, CJF (Kentucky),  and Justin Fry, CJF (Minnesota), with Cody Gregory, CJF (Missouri) as the first alternate and Scott Inmon, CJF (Texas) as the second alternate.

Farrier shop in Kentucky

The Kentucky Horse Park has a farrier shop where farrier John Veague shoes many of the Park horses. FPD has funded much of the product and equipment used in the shop, including a recent expansion of the public display area.

The practice was held at the KY Horse Park, in the Mounted Police Barn.  The KY Horse Park’s Farrier Shop, which is sponsored by FPD, lent the team a forge and anvils for the practice.  The KY Mounted Police provided horses to be shod during the practice on Friday and Saturday.  The practice consists of two intense days, full of forging and live horseshoeing.  At the practice we watched, the team was given two horses to shoe all the way around, in a limited amount of time.  Liberty nails were used- typical nail choice for many competitors. When their time had expired, Conrad inspected their work and offered suggestions.  It was amazing to see so many farriers in such a confined space, working as one functioning unit.  The hard work and dedication that these guys put into their trade is really evident in the finished product, which you can see below.

Farrier team shoeing

AFT shoeing job- forged during team practice and nailed with Liberty E-7 Slim horseshoe nails. Hard surfacing applied for traction when the Mounted Police force is on the streets.

The next AFT practice will be held on Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July 28th at the KY Horse Park in the KY Mounted Police Barn.

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Belmont gathering of leading Race Track Farriers

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Dan

 

Jim Jimenez on left with Mr. Ray Amato prior to the Belmont Stakes.

The activities leading up to the Belmont Stakes were reported heavily in the racing world, but little mention was made of the role some of the top farriers in the racing world have in the team effort necessary for success. We were fortunate enough to get some photos of some of the key players on the farrier side of things.

Jim Jimenez, farrier for Doug O’Neill, shod I’ll Have Another, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Unfortunately, an injury kept the horse from participating in the Belmont where he may well have become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years. Jim has been involved in the race world for most of his life and is one of the most respected farriers in the southern California race market.

He caught up with a truly legendary figure on the NY racing scene, farrier Ray Amato, with well over 50 years of shoeing for many of the top NY based trainers on his resume. Ray has slowed his pace a bit the last few years- which may be hard to believe if you see him in action. He now shoes only for Todd Pletcher but it’s a rare morning that you could visit Belmont or Saratoga later in the season and not see Ray working under the lights before the sun has come up- finishing a solid day’s work before many even get under their first horse.

Farriers Pethick and Jim Jimenez

AAPF Board member Bob Pethick (left) and Jim Jimenez also met at Belmont

Recognition of his contribution to the farrier world is coming in the form of an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the American Association of Professional Farriers. Plans are being made to do the formal presentation this summer at Saratoga. Bob Pethick, APF CJF, board member of the AAPF, returned to his roots with his visit to Belmont and caught up with Ray and Jim during the lead up to the Belmont stakes. Bob has been living in New Jersey and working for years on top level horses in the Hunter and Jumper market, but originally came from “the city” and still keeps his track license current. All in all, the three represent a lot of history and top notch farrier work – deservedly considered icons in the industry.

 

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Farrier Shoeing Clinic Video Clips

Posted on June 16, 2012 by Dan
hoof work by farrier

The Kerckhaert Steel Triumph nailed on front foot. Liberty 5 Slims lock securely in the shoe.

The FPD sponsored shoeing clinic held recently featured Mike Chance, APF CJF and he demonstrated various techniques and concepts for everyday shoeing. Among the products he used were the Kerckhaert Triumph steel horseshoes and Liberty nails from Kerckhaert. We have a short video clip of Mike nailing the Triumph shoes on a front foot. The Triumph steel shoes provide a nice base of support and features include a bevel for ease of breakover and a crease through the toe that offers increased traction. You can see the dirt filled crease in the image- farriers will tell you that dirt on dirt is the best traction in most footing. In addition, the nail holes are punched for American style nails such as the Liberty 5 Slim that he used in this demo.

Horseshoe Nails

Liberty 5 Slim nails are among an expanding group of Liberty nails now available including E-Head slim nails and 5 City, 5 Combo, 5 Race and 5 Combo Slim. Excellent quality with consistent performance.

We also have a clip showing Mike’s clinching and finishing process. The tools he used are all available at FPD dealers throughout North America. You can get more info on all of the products used in his shoeing demo and dealer locations by visiting the FPD website.

Farrier tool

The FootPro clincher has an angled head to relieve strain on your wrist and allow for a much smoother clinching motion.

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Farrier Clinic in South Georgia

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Dan
Mike Chance and audience

Farriers attending the East Coast Horseshoe Supply clinic are checking out the shoeing job of Mike Chance, APF CJF, who is watching in the background.

FPD sponsored a shoeing clinic in Perry, Ga this past weekend at the East Coast Horseshoe Supply facility. Like most clinics sponsored by FPD, everyday work and sound principles of hoof trim and shoe fit were the featured topics. Mike Chance, APF CJF, from Tioga, Texas held the attention of the group with some excellent work and advice.

Standard Extra

Hind foot shod by Mike Chance using Kerckhaert Standard Extra and Liberty 5 Slim nails.

One of the interesting bits of information for the weekend came not from the clinic itself but from the search for the location in Google. We searched for 2235 Hwy 41, Perry, GA and up popped a site- Perry Haunted Barn– at the same location as the farrier supply shop. Turns out that Jimmy and Piper Steffen, owners of East Coast Horseshoe Supply have been developing what has to be one of the best “haunts” to be found in the region. You should visit their website to get a sense of what it’s all about. It seems that this has become quite a community project each year and funds raised go to a number of community projects. In addition, canned foods are brought by those coming for the experience and donated to a homeless  center. Quite amazing that Jimmy, longtime Standardbred farrier, and his wife Piper who manages the farrier supply shop can dedicate so much time and hard work into this project. We have it on our calendar to visit the first time we are in the Perry area in October!

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