News Room Archives

FPD Begins Distribution of the Liberty Cu Nails in the U.S. and Canadadiamond

Shelbyville, KY – May 4, 2016 – Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD), North American Importer of Kerckhaert andLiberty products and leading wholesale distributor of farrier products in North America, announced it has begun the distribution of the new Liberty Cu Horseshoe Nails through their U.S. and Canadian dealer network.  The Liberty Cu nails were designed and developed by the Royal Kerckhaert Horseshoe Company. The Cu nails are copper coated, offering more protection than traditional horseshoe nails.

These nails are designed to reduce rust and wear inside the hoof, helping hooves remain strong and healthy throughout the shoeing cycle.

 “The Company spent a great deal of time and effort in finding the right balance between creating a coating that was not so thick it would impair the nail itself, nor so thin the copper coating would rub off too quickly,” states Martin Kerckhaert of Kerckhaert.  “We are proud of the results of our research and development and believe we have created a nail that will become the new standard in horseshoe nails.”

Along with the Cu nails, Kerckhaert has introduced a new hoof care product formulated specifically to treat old nail holes.  The Kerckhaert Nail Hole Solution, when used regularly, forms a permanent barrier between the environment and healthy hoof tissue; keeping old nail holes clean.

“We are pleased to begin the distribution of the Cu nails and the Kerckhaert Nail Hole Solution in the U.S. and Canada.  The nails have been available for some time in Europe, and are beginning to gain quite a bit of interest and momentum in our markets.  Anything that can improve the health of the horse is of interest to farriers,” said Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “Our dealers are beginning to stock them and you can expect to hear a great deal more about them in the coming months.”

REVISED: 8/23/16

 

Royal Kerckhaert Horseshoe Factory Acquires the Diamond Farrier division of Apex Tool Group

Shelbyville, KY – July 16, 2015 – Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD) announced today the Royal Kerckhaert Horseshoe Factory has acquired the Diamond Farrier division of Apex Tool Group (ATG).  Kerckhaert will be distributing the Diamond brand in 77 countries through their distribution partners. Effective August 1, 2015, FPD will be the exclusive distributor for Kerckhaert in the U.S. and Canada, of all Diamond brand horseshoes and tools.

“We have had a long and successful relationship with Kerckhaert and are confident, with their exceptional attention to quality and detail, Diamond customers will bepleased with this acquisition,” says Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “Diamond hasbeen a mainstay in the farrier market since 1906 and FPD will work to grow the brand in the U.S and Canada.”

“We are very excited about this new opportunity,” Martin Kerckhaert of the Royal Kerckhaert Horseshoe Factory commented.  “For four generations, Kerckhaert has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing horseshoes and related products that enhance the work of the farrier.  We understand what Diamond customers want and need and we are well positioned to ensure the ongoing success and improvement of the product line.  With the experience and knowledge FPD has in distribution, we are confident the Diamond legacy will continue.”

FPD has been the leading wholesale distributor of farrier products in the United States and Canada for more than 25 years and has a well established reputation for excellence in the farrier market.

 

FPD Now Distributing SBS Equine Products

Shelbyville, KY – June 3, 2015 – Farrier Product Distribution (FPD) today announced they had entered into an agreement to be a major distributor for SBS Equine Products; a leading manufacturer of quality hoof care products for the equine industry.  FPD is celebrating 25 years as the leading North American wholesale distributor of farrier and related equine products.  As the North American distributor of Kerckhaert Horseshoes, Ranger Horseshoes and Liberty Nails, FPD represents the best of the brands in the industry. 

“We are happy to add the SBS Equine line to our product group,” said Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “Our dealers and the professional farrier trust us to provide quality products they can depend on.  SBS hoof care products are an excellent complement to the products we currently distribute.”

SBS was co-founded in 1985 by Dr. Richard Shakalis and Dr. John Pautienis; considered the fathers of modern hoof sealants for their work in developing bonding techniques taken from dental technology and applying them to the equine industry. 

“SBS takes great pride in our products and the Distributors we work with,” stated Ray Tricca of SBS.  “We are very careful in our choice of distributors; with only four authorized SBS distributors in the world.  We appreciate that FPD is equally as careful in their selection of products and are pleased they have chosen SBS to be included among the brands they distribute.”

 

New Ranger Horseshoe Line by Kerckhaert Launched

Shelbyville, KY – September 9, 2014 – Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD), the largest wholesale distributor of horseshoe supplies in the US and Canada, has announced the introduction of a new line of horseshoes; designed and produced in Holland by Kerckhaert Horseshoe Company.  The Ranger Series will launch with the first shoe, called the Ranger Lite, in September of this year.  Made for the American market, the Ranger Lite is a versatile, light shoe, designed for both general work and pleasure riding.  Building on Kerckhaert brand recognition and popularity, this shoe competes, in both price and quality, with similar styles currently available in the market.

“In response to requests from the American farriers, we developed the Ranger Lite, the first shoe in the Ranger Series.” commented Martin Kerckhaert of Kerckhaert Horseshoe Company.  “The Ranger Lite is an ideal shoe for active work and general pleasure riding horses in the US.   Farriers asked for a shoe that included high quality steel for longer wear and our popular v-crease for better fit.   This is a shoe that meets all of their expectations for quality, wear and price.”

The shoes will be distributed through the FPD dealer network.  “With our distribution capabilities and a product that meets the highest quality standard for the industry, we are certain this new series – and the Ranger Lite, in particular – will be well-received among the farriers.  We anticipate introducing additional styles in late 2014 and early 2015,” states Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “The response has been positive from farriers in the initial sampling and testing phase of this launch.”

Farriers can find the nearest dealer carrying the new Ranger Lite shoe by going to www.farrierproducts.com/locations.

 

FPD Survey Winners Announced

Shelbyville, KY – September 11, 2013 – Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD), the leading North American distributor of supplies for the professional farrier market, recently conducted a survey of over 10,000 farriers as part of their ongoing efforts to address the needs of farriers and determine products best suited for their use.  Those farriers who completed and returned the survey were then entered into a prize drawing for a chance to win one of five different prizes.

“We are appreciative of the farriers who took the time to complete and return this survey,” stated Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “We had an overwhelming response, and their feedback is very helpful for us and the industry, in general.  We value their expertise and opinions and will use this information to ensure we provide products that yield the best results for the farrier and the horse.”

The winners were determined by the use of a random numbering method and were awarded the following prizes:

First Prize: FPD Knife Sharpening System – 1/4 hp Buffer with 6″ Sharpening Wheel and 6″ Felt Wheel – $375 retail value. Winner was Paul Eckler from Kentucky

Second Prize: 12 Boxes (250 pc) of Liberty Nails – choice of size – $225 retail value
Winner was Anthony Kipikasha from New York

Third Prize: FootPro™ Hoof Nipper – choice of size – $185 retail value
Winner was David Pedersen from Arizona

Fourth Prize: Box of Bellota Rasps – choice of Top Sharp or Classic – $140 retail value
Winner was Bill Allison from Pennsylvania

Fifth Prize: Bloom Forge Rounding Hammer – $115 retail value
Winner was Roy Binder from California

All winners have been notified and the prizes have been shipped directly to them.

 

FPD Sponsors the NEW Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division at the 2014 AFA Convention Contest

August 21, 2013 – Shelbyville, KY – Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD) has agreed to sponsor a new intermediate division in the 2014 American Farrier’s Association Convention Contest.  For the first time, the AFA will include this division – Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division – in the 2014 AFA Convention Contest to be held February 26-27, 2014 in Reno, Nevada.  This division is open to any farrier who has never entered the AFA National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition at any AFA Convention or competed in a forging class (exclusions include the Two-Person Draft class and those working as a striker).

The shoe list for this division was selected to help farriers improve their forging skills and prepare for the Certification test, while helping prepare for competition in the Open Division.  The shoes (with the exception of the Deep Seated Bar Shoe – plain stamped) are all illustrated in the Bloom Book of Shoes, available through FPD dealers.  All shoes will be punched for Kerckhaert’s Liberty Horseshoe Nails, the nails of choice for professional farriers.

“We are always happy to support programs that provide educational opportunities for the farrier,” said Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “The annual Convention Contest brings out the best talent in our industry and is a learning experience for everyone who attends and participates.”    

Farriers can enter the Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division until they win the overall.  After winning the Intermediate Division Highpoint, they automatically move up to the Open Division the following year.

Entry forms will be available in the near future on the AFA website at www.americanfarriers.org.  Space is limited and entries are taken on a first come, first served basis.  Entries are accepted by mail, as an e-mail attachment or fax.    The post-mark date or date of fax or email will serve as the registration date.

 

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. Hires Fred Ruddy as General Manager

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD), a leading wholesale distributor of Farrier products, has announced the hire of Fred Ruddy, who joins the company as General Manager.  In this position, Ruddy will oversee FPD’s general operations and assist the executive officers with planning, production and human resource management. 

“This position was added as a result of the extraordinary growth the company is experiencing, and allows us to align our staff in positions that best fit their strengths while supporting our goal of delivering superior service to our customers,” states Dan Burke, president of FPD.  “Fred brings experience and a unique perspective to our business and we are happy to have him join the team.  He is a talented manager with the exceptional ability to understand technology, analytics and the best practices for the organization of our warehouse and distribution operation.” 

Ruddy joins FPD with over 15 years of successful experience as a manager, system’s analyst and inventory specialist; primarily in manufacturing and distribution.  Most recently he was responsible for opening a distribution center in Shelbyville, KY for the Kittrich Corporation, serving as Plant Manager.  He began his career as a Systems Analyst for Leggett & Platt, Inc., located in the corporate office in Carthage, MO, as well as holding the position of Branch Manager of the Southern California Bedding Components Distribution Center in South Gate, CA.

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a B.S.B.A. and major in Production/Operations Management and M.B.A. from University of Phoenix, Ruddy completed a semester of study in international business at Orebro University in Orebro, Sweden.  He and his wife and three children live in Shelby County, Kentucky.

 

Gibbins of Suffolk Announces Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. is Exclusive Importer and Distributor for North America

Suffolk, IP5 3RG England – April 23, 2013 – Gibbins of Suffolk, located in the U.K., announced they have signed an agreement with Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD) of the U.S., to import and distribute their line of aprons designed specifically for the farrier market.  Under the terms of the agreement, FPD, one of the largest distributors of farrier products in North America, now has exclusive rights to import and distribute the Gibbins aprons to North American markets. 

The announcement follows a devastating fire in November of 2012 that destroyed the Gibbins’ production facility.  The plant has been restarted, and it is anticipated full production and availability of product will occur by mid to late summer of this year.  

Founded in the early 1980’s, Gibbins of Suffolk was purchased in 2007 by Carl Bettison.  “North America is a market with great potential, and our agreement with FPD will allow us to expand our presence and maintain the reputation we have for quality and detail,” said Bettison, Director of Gibbins.  “With FPD’s dedication to product development, marketing collaboration and outstanding distribution network they are an excellent choice to represent our products.”

“Gibbins enjoys a good reputation among the farriers for the quality and craftsmanship in the aprons they produce,” said Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “We set extremely high standards for the products we distribute and Gibbins meets our expectations.  We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Carl and his team at Gibbins.” 

About Gibbins of Suffolk
Gibbins of Suffolk was founded in the early 1980’s by John and Caroline Gibbins.  In 2007 the company was sold to Carl Bettison, founder of Stromsholm Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of Farrier products since 1972.  Gibbins manufactures a wide variety of high quality leather goods including aprons for the farrier market, which are distributed world-wide.  The head office and workshops are located in Suffolk, England.   Carl Bettison is the Director of Gibbins and Helen White is the Office and Sales Manager.  More information about Gibbins can be found at www.Gibbins.co.uk.

 

Ribbons for Sandy Hook

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Recently, we received a phone call from Steve Storms of Montague Blacksmith Supply in New York asking if FPD would donate horseshoes to a group of farriers from Newtown, Connecticut. Led by farrier Joe Santos, the group planned to shape the shoes into ribbons, paint them green and white and sell them at a fundraiser benefiting the memorial for the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy. We were happy to participate by providing the horseshoes.

The group of farriers working on the project included John Matthews, Joey Boccuzzi, Willy Jaret, Bo Crotta, Corey Peterson, Mim Mucherino and Dr. Bob Neff, DVM. A total of 300 ribbons were made using the Kerckhaert SX-7 horseshoes donated by FPD. All of the ribbons will be sold for $5.00 each at the benefit to be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Edmond Town Hall on 45 Main Street in Newtown, CT. Admission is $10.00 per person. If you are in the area, stop in and support your fellow farriers – and the Newtown community.

Everyone at FPD is keeping the Newtown community in our thoughts as they continue to heal after this terrible tragedy.

 

FPD Sponsoring AFJ On-Line Hoofcare Classroom Webinar December 20

Register for the FREE webinar, “Successfully Shoeing The Thoroughbred Racehorse” with Jim Jimenez by visiting the American Farrier’s Journal event web site at www.americanfarriers.com/online/

Sucessfully Shoeing the Thoroughbred Racing Horse with Jim Jimenez - sponsored by FPD

 

10th Annual International Hoofcare SummitInternationalHoofCareSummit

Look for FPD at the 10th annual International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio January 29 – February 1, 2013. Save $54.00 on registration when you register here http://ow.ly/eAcSH. Learn more about the summit, speaker lineup and topics when you visit www.americanfarriers.com/ff/schedule

 

Mike Wildenstein Joins Farrier Product Distribution as Clinician

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD) is pleased to announce Michael J. Wildenstein, CJF, F.W.C.F (Hons) has joined their team of farrier clinicians. Wildenstein is a well-known farrier in the industry and past Adjunct Associate Professor of Farrier Medicine and Surgery in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. He will join the list of top clinicians presenting for FPD at various clinics and events throughout North America. With an extensive resume, including his educational background and professional experience, Wildenstein is a respected expert in the field of farriery and a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Mike’s caliber and standing join us as a clinician,” stated Dan Burke, President of FPD. “All of our clinicians are renowned in the farrier industry and we are proud of the standard of education and training they have established. In addition to his work as a clinician, Mike will be developing educational materials for us that supports this standard.”

Wildenstein recently conducted a clinic at the Kentucky Horseshoeing School in Richmond, KY and will be participating in dealer events sponsored by FPD throughout the year, in addition to programs and educational venues like the Hoof Care Summit.

“I am excited to be working with FPD, who is a leader in the industry in the development of high quality products and providing educational opportunities to farriers,” said Mike Wildenstein. “We share a core belief in educating farriers to ensure the maximum health of the horse’s foot.”

 

American Farriers Journal Article Cites Kerckhaert Horseshoes and Liberty Nails

Kerckhaert shoes dominate the top end market in West Palm Beach and the latest additions- DF Select and the Comfort series continue that trend.

The following excerpt is reprinted from the article Sport Horses with permission from the American Farriers Journal.  Originally published in the July/August 2012 Hoof Care For The Performance Horse: An AFJ Special Report, the author of the article is Red Renchin, Technical Editor for American Farriers Journal.  The full report can be purchased by visiting the AFJ website at www.americanfarriers.com.

Article: What Top Farriers Use

Most sport horses, except for show hunters, will compete in steel shoes on their front feet.  Ideally, show hunters move long and low with minimum knee action, so they are shod with lightweight aluminum shoes.  Steel shoes are used behind in all the disciplines.

Joy Ream owns Palm Beach Farrier Supply in Wellington, Fla.  She is widely known for procuring whatever her customers want.  During the winter months, the best sport horses in the country flock to Wellington to compete.  The farriers who shoe them also come.  Many of them go to Joy’s place to buy their supplies.  I asked her what they are buying.

The Kerckhaert DF is the overwhelming favorite for shoeing the front feet on jumpers, dressage and eventing horses in sizes 1 through 6. SX-8 clipped are often used on smaller feet.

A perimeter fit is used when the angles of the feet are 52 degrees or higher and a set-back blunter toe when the angle is lower.  For the horses with lower angles, the Kerckhaert Classic Roller and the Mustad Equilibrium are preferred; with the Natural Balance shoe a distant third.

The choice of a toe clip or a side clip on the front shoes is still a personal one, but the trend seems to be that even some of the diehard side clip users are switching to toe clips. If you do use toe clips, it is essential you learn how to set them into the wall properly or your toes will start running forward on you.  Side-clipped shoes, either factory made or with clips hand-drawn, are the norm for hind shoes.

For hunter fronts, there is a dead heat between the St. Croix Eventer Plus and Kerckhaert’s new Century Support shoe.

The Werkman hinds were the shoes of choice for the hind feet.  This has changed now that Kerckhaert has come out with the DF Select.  Farriers who were using the Werkman are now switching to the DF Select in significant numbers.

In the nail department, the Delta E4 slim, E5 slim and E6 slim currently lead the pack.  They are being threatened, though, by the Liberty line of nails.  Ream expects them to dominate next year.

 

FPD Now on Facebook

FPD has launched their official Facebook Page. Be sure to “like” the page for new product updates and enhancements, clinic insight, news from FPD, photos and video clips. The page can be accessed at www.facebook.com/FarrierProductDistribution.

 

Kerckhaert Horseshoes in the Winner’s Circle Once Again

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc., a leading wholesale distributor of farrier and related equine products, is pleased to announce Kerckhaert Horseshoes was once again represented in the winning circle at the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. The top three horses in the Derby and the top two winners in the Oaks were wearing Kerckhaert shoes.

“Our congratulations to Team O’Neill and farrier Jim Jimenez, who shod I’ll Have Another: winner of the Kentucky Derby,” announced Dan Burke, President of FPD. “Jim has been a Kerckhaert race plate user for a number of years and shod the Derby winner with Kerckhaert Tradition XT fronts and Tradition Regular Toe hinds with toe clip. We would also like to congratulate farrier Todd Boston who shod Believe You Can, winner of the Kentucky Oaks. We appreciate the confidence and enthusiasm we find for the entire Kerckhaert Horseshoe line.”

The Aluminum Race Plate series, like all Kerckhaert shoes, is the result of extensive research, designed to improve performance, while protecting the horse from stress and demands specific to their particular discipline. The superior design and quality has resulted in growing demand from owners, trainers and farriers.

“I am thrilled with the Derby win and I appreciate all of the support I receive from FPD and Kerckhaert. It’s all about the shoe – I’m just smart enough to use Kerckhaert,” Jim Jimenez, farrier for Derby winner I’ll Have Another, responds to congratulations on the win. “Preakness, here we come!”

 

Farrier Products at 2012 Hoof-Care Summit

Farrier Product Distribution just completed the annual trek to Cincinnati and the International Hoof-Care Summit. Our booth area was decked with a full range of products from our major lines, including Kerckhaert Horseshoes, Liberty and Vector nails, Bloom, FootPro and other tool lines.

 

Traffic was steady throughout the tradeshow hours with much of the attention focused on the new Liberty American style nails- 5 Combo, 5 City and Race. This tradeshow is one of the major events of the year and gives us a great opportunity to get feedback from our dealers and farriers from throughout North America and from overseas as well.

Contact us at fpd@farrierproducts.com if you have questions or comments on the event or products distributed by FPD.

 

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. Announces Expansion of Sales Staff

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc., a leading wholesale distributor of farrier and related equine products, has announced Rob Logsdon as a new member of their sales staff.  In his position, he will work with Dan Burke and Bob Schantz in the expansion of service and support levels to the network of FPD dealers. 

“Adding to the FPD team further strengthens our ability to meet the needs of our dealers and the farrier industry, as we continue to grow and expand our products and services,” stated Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “We are pleased to welcome Rob to our company, and we expect his skills and past experiences will be of great benefit to both FPD and our dealers.  He will be attending the Hoof Care Summit and the AFA Convention and looks forward to meeting those in attendance.”

Logsdon is located in the Shelbyville, KY office of FPD: relocating from Lawrenceburg, KY.

 

Farrier Product Distribution Announces Office and Warehouse Expansion

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD), located in Shelbyville, KY, has announced a planned office and warehouse expansion now underway. With the addition of 5,000 square feet of warehouse space, the operation will grow in size to a total of 35,000 square feet.As part of this expansion, 750 square feet will enlarge office space for sales and customer service staff. Included will be additional offices, meeting space and common areas.

The expansion is part of an overall focus on elevating customer service levels and operating efficiencies. “The continued growth in market share for our key lines such as Kerckhaert Horseshoes, Vector and Liberty nails and other products designed for the professional farrier is driving the need for this expansion,” said Dan Burke, President of FPD. “We are pleased to see market share growth include all disciplines – racing, riding and pleasure – and look forward to continuing this pattern with the support of our dealer network and the professional farriers in our industry.” The expected completion date for the expansion is December 2011.

 

HoofWall Blog™The HoofWall™ Brings the Farrier World Closer to Home

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD) has announced the launch of The HoofWall™ blog, providing a venue for professionals engaged in the Farrier industry.  The blog is intended to facilitate the exchange of ideas and innovations, and foster connections among farriers and other related businesses. 

Dan Burke, President of FPD is the author of the blog.  “Although the industry is widespread throughout the country, many farriers reside in areas that are more rural.  The HoofWall™ will provide an online connection, allowing them to participate in a direct sharing of ideas, best practices, troubleshooting with peers and finding answers to questions they may have.  I would encourage everyone to visit The HoofWall™ and join in the conversation.”

Founded in 1990, Farrier Product Distribution is a wholesale distributor of farrier and related equine products.  Considered a leader in bringing groundbreaking products and service to the Farrier industry, the company distributes to suppliers throughout North America.  The HoofWall™ can be found at www.farrierproducts.com/blog.

 

Commitment to Farrier Education

FPD sponsors farrier clinics throughout the year and is pleased to announce the following new dates. Please visit the calendar page for more information.

October 8, 2011
Amsterdam Farrier Supply

October 8, 2011
Centaur Forge Annual Fall Clinic

October 28, 2011
Empire Farrier Supply

November 19, 2011
Meredith Manor Farrier School

December 3, 2011
Virginia Horseshoers Association

April 14, 2012
Monetta Farrier Specialties Spring Fling & Clinic

 

Gift to HRH Prince Philip from USA

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On the occasion of the state visit by President and Mrs. Barack Obama to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in May 2011, this plaque was presented to HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

The shoes were from Jamaica – 2008 USEF Horse of the Year and a member of the 2008 Four in Hand Combined Driving World Championships Silver Medal Team in Beesd, The Netherlands. The shoes are Kerckhaert DF.

The plaque is on permanent display at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace in London, England.

 

 

 

Vector Horseshoe Nails North American Challenge Cup

4Travis Koons CJF of Hemet, California won the 2011 Vector North American Challenge Cup at the 40th Annual American Farrier’s Association’s National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition in Lexington, Kentucky. For the qualifying class, competitors were required to forge two shoes – a roadster and a front shoe. Shoes were judged and placed one to twenty, with the top twenty qualifying to compete the the Vector NACC Live Shoeing class. Placing second through sixth: Jim Quick CJF of Longmont, Colorado; Andy Martin of Wales; Jake Engler CJF of Magnolia, Texas; Jason Bromley CJF of Blue Rock, Ohio; and Mike Augenstein CJF of Stockport, Ohio. Special thanks to Susan Thomas of Montana Farrier Supply in Livingston, Montana for presenting the Vector awards on behalf of FPD. Congratulations to all competitors!

 

International Hoof-Care Summit – A Winner!

Congratulations to 2011 International Hoof-Care Summit attendee Robert Lanners of Carol Stream, Illinois for winning a “Day with Eddie Williams”. FPD is pleased to offer this special educational package. Details of the day will be published in an upcoming issue of the American Farriers Journal. Eddie is from Harrodsburg, Kentucky and is a well-known farrier for the American Saddlebred industry.

 

FPD Dealer Seminar – A Commitment to Education1

FPD has an ongoing commitment to farrier education. On February 3, 2011 we hosted a half day seminar entitled “Getting the Most from Microsoft Excel” in Cincinnati, Ohio. This program was attended by over 25 of our retail dealers from New Hampshire to California and Canada. A presenter from SkillPath shared basic and in-depth knowledge of how to navigate in Excel using the various versions of the software program. Emphasis was placed on how dealers can use Excel to streamline their pricing systems. All attendees left with a deeper understanding of the program. Plans are already being made to hold a similar program in 2012. One highlight of the event was Rudy and Beatrice Kerckhaert being named Kentucky Colonels – a honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. (Pictured Linda Hill, Beatrice & Rudy Kerckhaert, Dan Burke)

 

2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesWinners Wear Kerckhaert Shoes

LEXINGTON, Kentucky – Congratulations to Tom McCutcheon and Gunners Special Nite for winning the Individual and Team Reining World Championships at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Farrier Trent Wargo of Gainesville, Texas shod the winning horse with Kerckhaert 1″ Sliding Plates. Congratulations!

And, the team from the Netherlands did something they’ve never done before in the Dressage World Championships at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games – The Netherlands won the team gold medal for the first time ever in the World Games.

Superstar Moorlands Totilas, with Edward Gal, led the Dutch team to victory.  Teammates Imke Schellekens-Bartels and Hans Peter Minderhoud also provided top scores to secure the gold medal.

The winner was wearing Kerckhaert SN and SSP shoes.  We congratulate both the Dutch team and their farriers Rob Renirie and Adri de Bruijn.

 

Kentucky Horse Park Farrier Shop Expansion

LEXINGTON, Kentucky – FPD has announced the completion of the expansion of the Farrier Shop at the Kentucky Horse Park. With the new addition, shoe boards have been updated, museum pieces have been loaned and the building has received a fresh coat. It is anticipated that over 500,000 attendees of the 2010 World Equestrian Games will have the opportunity to view the Farrier Shop. Dan Burke, president of FPD, sees the Farrier Shop as an ongoing project for not only FPD, but also the entire farrier community. The facility provides a place where historical items can be placed “on loan” for the many visitors to view. To learn more about placing items on loan – contact Bryan Quinsey at FPD.

 

Equitarianism Brings Veterinary and Farrier Care to Dominican Republic Equines

Through literally hundreds of vaccinations and dewormings, 60 surgeries, nutrition training, and a nationwide farrier clinic, all from June 6-13, the Dominican Republic’s horses, donkeys, and mules are once again benefiting from a new concept known as “equitarianism.”

The equitarian effort, headed by Jay Merriam, DVM, MS, of the Massachusetts Equine Clinic in conjunction with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, targets the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and is part of the association’s “Samana Project.” Since 1993 veterinarians, technicians, and other volunteers have been traveling to the Dominican Republic twice a year to provide much-needed health care to the country’s working equids, as well as small animals.

The Samana Project summer 2010 team just completed “the most productive year ever,” according to equine podiatrist and Samana team member Steve O’Grady, BVSc, MRCVS, of Northern Virginia Equine in Marshall, VA. ““The horses were just coming out of the woodworks, nonstop,” he said. Vaccines and dewormers were given until the team’s stock, donated by U.S. manufacturers, was depleted. A team of three veterinarians and and numerous veterinary students performed 52 castrations in addition to other necessary surgeries in four days.

Now in his second year in the project, O’Grady and the team organized a nationwide farrier clinic, attended by at least two local farriers from each province. “Farriery addresses one of the most common and serious concerns of the working equid: problems with the feet,” he said. Farrier equipment was donated and shipped to the Dominican Republic by Farrier Product Distribution in Shelbyville, Ky. Donations included Kerckhaert Horse Shoes and Vector Horseshoe Nails.

Like humanitarianism, equitarianism is meant to promote sympathy and benevolence towards individuals, but in this case, the individuals are the equine inhabitants of developing countries. Equitarian interests are on the rise, with more and more opportunities becoming available to equine health care professionals wanting to make a difference, said Merriam during the first official session on equitarianism, held at the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention last year.

 

Farriers Keep Alive the Art of Shoeing Horses

 

COVINGTON, Georgia (CNN) — From the Civil War to the taming of the West to the Kentucky Derby, horses have played an essential role in the forging of American history, and the farrier has been there for every stride. Doug Workman uses a forge to heat metal to 1,800 degrees so it can be shaped into a horseshoe.Farriers are specialists in equine hoof care. They shoe horses to aid in the animal’s movement and balance.

A lot of hard work and sweat is how farrier Doug Workman 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.

Workman makes horseshoes by hand in a process that hasn’t changed in over a century. It starts with an iron oven called a forge that heats metal to an orange glow of 1,800 degrees. Hammer then crashes onto burning steel repeatedly, smashing and bending it, willing it into shape, all by the strength of man’s arm.

Once the shoe is formed so that it fits to the horse’s hoof like a glove, it must be attached. It is then that the farrier, with his head bent low, next to a thousand-pound horse, straddles the horse’s leg between his own and drives nail into hoof.

Workman grew up around horses. As a teenager in Wyoming he began spending time with farriers and fell in love with the work. Traveling around the country, meeting with different farriers and learning different techniques, was how he honed his craft.

“It’s a good deal,” he says, “a good life.”

The heyday for horseshoeing was at the turn of the 20th century, right before the invention of the car. It was a period in which horses were the main source of transportation and, in many cases, a person’s livelihood. Today most horses are used for recreation but still require a farrier’s touch.

A horse’s hoof grows about a quarter-inch to three-eighths of an inch every month. If a shoe is left on too long, the hoof will grow out of balance and start damaging joints and tendons in the leg, says Workman. So it is necessary to trim hoofs and re-do horseshoes on a regular basis.

Most farriers nowadays care for about 200 horses, which means they’re usually on a different farm every day plying their trade.

One day recently Workman and fellow farrier Dave Pervus were at the Star Light Farm in Covington, Georgia.

Pervus, a farrier for more than 12 years, says this is a detail-oriented work. They both stress the need for high-quality craftsmanship in their trade and understand the importance of a single nail out of place. A centuries-old proverb, they believe, illustrates the significance of what they do:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Workman says the economy has taken a toll on his industry but not as much as others.

Some of his clients have cut back to just shoeing the front two legs of their horses vs. shoeing all four. But most horse owners have a special relationship with their horses and think of them as children. As a result, Workman believes, their horses are not going to suffer a lot. “They might not take a vacation, but they’ll keep their horses up,” Workman says.

Farriers may not always have the best reputations, according to Pervus, who says people may think “we’re just big oafs that wrestle horses all day.” He explains that trying to maintain a horse’s balance, soundness and health is a lot more difficult than merely nailing on a shoe.

Workman agrees.

“We are not just a strong back and a weak mind,” he says. “We actually put a lot of effort into trying to further our profession.”
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The Georgia Farriers Association puts on clinics, contests and discussions; it promotes good work skills and brings farriers together to share information and techniques. The goal is to further the knowledge and skill of the job.

Workman doesn’t see farriers going anywhere. As long as people use horses, he says, farriers will be needed.

 

Kerckhaert Horseshoe Company Announces Exclusive Importer for North American Market

The Netherlands: Kerckhaert Horseshoe Company announced recently that effective January 1, 2009, Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD) would be the exclusive importer in North America for all Kerckhaert products.

Founded in The Netherlands in 1906, Kerckhaert is the largest independent manufacturer of horseshoes in the world.  The company is owned and managed by the fourth generation of the Kerckhaert family.

“We are pleased to announce our choice of FPD to exclusively manage our North American markets,” stated Martin Kerckhaert.  “They share our philosophy of service, quality and innovation, and they are well positioned to manage this additional distribution.”

Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is considered a leader in bringing groundbreaking products and service to the Farrier industry.

For more information regarding Kerckhaert and FPD visit www.kerckhaert.com or www.farrierproducts.com.