In the past, I frequently attended riding instruction clinics of a very sought after Olympic medal winning rider and trainer who opened every session with the following statement (paraphrasing), “I have been doing this my whole life, 50 plus years. I don't consider myself an expert and if I'm not an expert, than you most certainly are not an expert.” That statement always received uncomfortable laughs from the participants, most likely connected to their realization, that no matter how good you are, there is always something that you can learn in horse sports if you're willing and open to receiving the knowledge. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced many such moments in my life and career. If I am ever considered good at something, anything, it will only be because of the many people who have played a significant role in my shaping my career, skill, and education.

One such moment came a number of years ago when traveling to Kentucky and finding myself in legend D. Wayne Lukas's kitchen. The Coach was patiently waiting for a film crew to set up cameras for an interview. I thought to myself “ask the guy a question dummy,” which spurred me on to ask, “what are you looking for in horses when you are at sale?” Lukas sparked up, like superman exiting the phone booth–you could almost envision him donning professorial robes. What proceeded was a 30-plus minute master class in conformation, horse biodynamics, engineering, angles, the pendulum, anatomy, and speed, including highlighting examples and drawing diagrams on images of horses. It was without a doubt a fantastic moment in time, that I was grateful to have had with the presence of mind to receive.

Another such moment serendipitously presented itself recently with another talented horsemen, Neal Shapiro. Shapiro knows a thing or two about horses, including their feet. Shapiro, a lifelong horseman has an envious list of accomplishments, including Olympic Medals earned in the 1972 Munich Games (Team Silver and Individual Bronze), membership in Showjumping's Hall of Fame, and a tremendously successful career as a harness trainer and driver. Shapiro, an affable guy, continues to enjoy his passion for horses, and with his wife, fellow Olympian and Pan American Gold Medalist, Elisa “Licha” Fernandez-Shapiro, who operate Hay Fever Farm, in Robbinsville, N.J. Shapiro invited me to grab lunch with him, taking a momentary break from his jammed-packed riding lesson schedule where he was willing to share his thoughts on all things shoeing and horses over a slice of pizza.

Neal Shapiro aboard Uncle Max at Hickstead UK | Courtesy Neal Shapiro

“I had a very good friend who did the work at our farm and he was a very good horseman and blacksmith, very skilled at what he did,” Shapiro referring to Billy Ardito, a legendary Long Island shoer, who was later an instructor for Nassau County's BOCES Thoroughbred horse program. Shapiro recounted his progression into shoeing, occurring in between riding duties with the United States Equestrian Team (starting in 1964) and his acquisition of a harness related driver licensing (1967-68) thanks to Ardito.

“I would spend afternoons at the shop [Ardito's] shop making shoes,” he said. “I loved doing it.”

“Pulling shoes, trimming, nailing shoes, years of learning,” which eventually landed Shapiro the added responsibility as the “Team's (USET) relief blacksmith” during its European Tours, he recalls with amusement.

As the discussion delved deeper, the conversation segued to all things hoof related, growth, schedules, general care, and maintenance of the feet.

“[Poor hoof growth] probably has a lot to do with nutrition, minerals, and vitamins,” he explained. “What I learned at the racetrack is very different from the horseshow world. In the horseshow world they put on hoof dressing because it looks pretty, however, at the racetrack we don't put things on [the hooves] to make anything look pretty.”

Shapiro highlighted the success realized by simply applying different types of dressing(s) to the coronary band directly below the hairline, stimulating blood flow and circulation, “that seemed enough to allow horses to keep good healthy feet.”

When asked about the possible root cause of foot related issues in breeding for performance versus soundness he explained, “The horses today are very different. Standardbreds are basically bred for soundness, Thoroughbreds for increasing speed versus soundness, and the European Warmbloods for jumping. I see so many Warmbloods with conformational flaws.”

Shapiro also cited a recent change in thinking and returning to practices of yesteryear, pulling the shoes when possible.

He continued, “[Keeping a horse barefoot] has changed a lot. It has been a big plus, the feet grow out and they get healthier. Amazingly, some [previously shod] horses have seen improvements in bone structure, contracted heels, possibly created by shoeing, opening up. Shoeing is necessary in certain instances, to keep the feet from breaking up. But [when necessary] pulling the shoes and trimming may cause some initial soreness, especially in horses that have been shod for a long time, however, it's going to stimulate blood circulation and growth.”

Countering convention, he asked, “If the shoes are tight and not worn out, why can't they go six or seven weeks, especially if they are not growing foot?”

Shapiro also underscored the probable adverse effects and impact [including on the hoof] of the 52-week cycle of expected performance and competitions.

“It's a big problem,” Shapiro admitted. “The horses basically go year-round never getting a break. Look at today versus history, how many top horses are around for any length of time today. Horses had time off back then, they didn't compete year-round.”

Overall, Shapiro believes farriers are doing a good job. However, admits he worries about the overall state of horsemanship, recounting multiple stories to prove this point. Something that I can also directly attest to, I recently having found myself working on a horse known to be difficult for shoeing, and multiple grooms standing witness to the unfolding events were immersed in a discussion about favorite cruise destinations, seemingly unwilling, or unaware that it was part of their job to assist the farrier.

He concluded, “I don't think it's rocket science. We need to try to do what's best for the horses and making people a little more knowledgeable. It's a balancing act, you need to balance everything. We keep these horses going way too much, they need a rest, a long enough rest which can also allow their feet to be healthier.”

   Jude Florio, who has served as a professional farrier for over 20 years, is also a patented inventor having earned a graduate diploma from the University of London's Royal Veterinary College in Applied Equine Locomotor Research. He is among the current MSc Equine Science cohorts researching the effects of farrier interventions at the University of Edinburgh, Royal 'Dick' School of Veterinary Studies (June 2023).

The post Farrier Tales: Valuable Lessons To Learn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Unfortunately, there are some non-farrier professionals who fail to recognize how frustrating it can be for a farrier in situations where there is little or nothing to do when addressing a horse's hooves. This is especially true in examples of horses with poor feet, odd hoof conformation, and the often-associated lack of hoof growth. Most unnerving are the circumstances connected to top performers, and a farrier's singular mission to ensure soundness and optimal performance against all odds. Interestingly, in top performers of any sport or discipline, there exists some correlation between superior performance and hoof-related issues.

Routine struggles can be commonplace with some farm managers' insistence on tight schedules due to travel or competitions, often overriding or disregarding individual horse needs. On these occasions, virtually little or nothing can be done from a trimming standpoint and farriers find themselves going through the motions. It seems counterintuitive and possibly even detrimental in one's attempts to maintain and/or improve the hoof's integrity, often resulting in more nail holes, broken hoof walls, possible results from the stress, pressure and “The torque of the shoe's marriage to the dynamic hoof.

Often, owners and trainers are nearby keeping a close eye, a predictable scenario when working on their top horses. Occasionally they chime in, “you did nothing” or quizzically “not much foot there.” Usually I have a quick persnickety reply, “I get paid for what I leave on and not what I take off,” borrowing from an old timer.

How does a younger, less experienced farrier react to those occurrences and statements?

Undoubtedly, the unspoken pressure results in some obligation to do something greater than lightly rasping and repositioning the shoe for compensation, which can lead to unnecessary invasiveness, harmful to the foot and the horse's soundness.

It stands to reason, very simplistically, taking something flat and rasping it flatter probably won't increase or improve the vertical depth of the coffin bone, but maybe extra time with correctly executed interventions could.

So how long does it take for the hoof to grow, what may affect growth, and how can positive hoof growth be promoted? There are many factors which are believed to influence the hoof's quality and the amount of future growth, but there are also as many mysteries. Any attempts to make a convincing argument on this topic that 100% applies can prove elusive. There is always one horse that can make you a liar. Some horses can routinely grow significant amounts of hoof, but why that is can only be theorized. Hoof growth can be quantified by measurements of the toe's length with changes equaling 1/4 to 1/2 inch or more. Farrier visits and time in between certainly can affect this measurement. However, there are always exceptions and some horses may require shorter periods of time (three weeks) in between appointments, while others can go longer (six to eight weeks). When considering the shod hoof, the frequency of visits are primarily dictated by the ability to maintain the shoe's integrity, perhaps the farrier's greatest challenge.

It's universally acknowledged that it takes approximately one year for the hoof to grow from the top of the coronary band to the bottom of the foot. Old-school horsemen often preached the belief of the dam's influence on her offspring's hoof conformation and presentation, something I can directly attest to (including a propensity to kick). Genetics aside, diet, environment, terrains, work, conformation, injuries, climate, weather, moisture or lack thereof, and the time of year, as well as previous farrier interventions, all directly influence hoof growth. The most often overlooked influence on hoof growth are forces and pressures experienced, encountered, absorbed, and dampened, affecting circulation and a hoof's ability or inability to allow healthy blood flow which plays the most significant role in overall foot health and future growth. The hoof grows away from pressure, so low-heeled hooves have increased heel pressure and restricted blood flow promoting the foot's forward migration. Conversely, the same can be said with the presentation of high heels, shorter toes, medial, or lateral pressures.

Certainly, all of this trimming and 'balancing' keeps us farriers in business and recent changes in thought have owners and trainers considering individual needs instead of the calendar to the horse's betterment. This shift in thinking likely comes as a result of previous experience and unintended negative consequences.

Regrettably, time may never be on our side and overriding factors may fail to account for the time needed for optimal hoof growth. Shoeing schedules vary throughout the world, with greater amounts of time elapsing in between farrier visits, however, economics and environment may influence those practices.

In the end, the foot can only grow with time, proper nutrition, care, and maintenance. It's amazing how resilient the foot can be and it's always advisable to follow the recommendations of one's farrier or a knowledgeable professional. They may likely suggest the application of certain approved hoof dressings and/or topical ointments to the coronary band or sole meant to stimulate blood flow, hoof growth and/or enhance protection. The added extra steps actually work and most farriers report an ability to detect improvements.

   Jude Florio, who has served as a professional farrier for over 20 years, is also a patented inventor having earned a graduate diploma from the University of London's Royal Veterinary College in Applied Equine Locomotor Research. He is among the current MSc Equine Science cohorts researching the effects of farrier interventions at the University of Edinburgh, Royal 'Dick' School of Veterinary Studies (June 2023).

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“Pretty much from there I never went home,” he said.

Burns now wears many hats–farrier, innovator, teacher, and the manufacturer of the Polyflex Shoe and other farrier products. He told the TDN he was willing to step out of the shadows of the backside to lend a voice to ongoing concerns he has fielded in recent weeks from multiple farriers from several jurisdictions about one of the new Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) regulations.

Burns shared photos of recently removed horseshoes provided to him by farrier Gary Gullo highlighting the severely compromised integrity of front shoes lacking extra toe, in accordance with HISA rules. Burns explained that the issue was popping up at tracks where the horses traverse the backstretch on pavement or macadam, which was leading to severe wear in the front of the shoe. He said that without the extra toe, the realities of maintaining the aluminum shoes' integrity is proving challenging.

Additionally, reports include observations of abnormal dorsal hoof wall wear, with some back to the white line, which is not good for Thoroughbreds, who are famously thin-walled and sensitive.

Queen XT horseshoes–widely worn until the new regulations came into effect–offer a hardened steel toe piece extending two millimeters above the aluminum, acting as an additional durable layer for the aluminum plate when coarse surfaces are encountered.

“We are just about a month in a half into the new rules,” said Burns. “We are not seeing the problem everywhere. However, the Queen XTs, with a hardened steel strip on the toe no more than the width of quarter, eliminates the aluminum wearing away with each foot fall. Honestly, I wasn't overly concerned when the initial rules came out, however, some of the shoes are wearing significantly.”

Burns said that he was a staunch HISA supporter, noting that during his years of travel around the country, “I struggled a lot just getting licenses and with the differing regulations. I often thought, 'why in the world are we not able to get a uniform license, we are all doing the same thing?'”

Burns indicated he was optimistic for HISA's mandate and future, and hopeful that HISA regulations will level the playing field. However, he also added his hope that HISA would reevaluate the shoeing rules in light of this new evidence and allow for the use of Queen XTs.

By design, he said, having the additional steel better maintains the integrity of the soft metal aluminum toe, offering better resistance to the abrasive surfaces horses encounter at some backside stabling areas.

Burns also reinforced the need to change certain vocabulary, clearly defining what should be considered a 'traction device.'

“It's not a traction device,” he said. “It's a wear plate. All we are asking for is the Queen XT, which eliminates the wear problems that we are starting to see. Most of the top barns have generally always used these. If they would have just said Queen XTs all the way around, I wouldn't have thought that much of it the new HISA rulings. I didn't see how that would be detrimental to the horse.”

Burns said that the unusual wear pattern he described has also created issues for trainers who are forced to “short cycle” the normal four-week interval for shoeing to avoid the potential for injury or catastrophic consequences caused by the shoe's deteriorating integrity. With a shortened shoeing cycle, farriers are faced with limited amounts of hoof to trim, as well as an additional possibility that the hoof wall will be further compromised with additional nailing. Additional consequences of the shortened shoeing cycle include the further cost outlays for trainers, owners, and farriers.

Burns said that he hoped that HISA would consider these findings and further contemplate an amendment with an allowance for the usage of a wear plate up front. He noted the organization's willingness to amend a shoeing rule to allow for traction devices to be used behind after reports of slippage due to a lack of traction behind, the source of the horse's power.

When asked to comment, HISA offered the following statement: “HISA's shoeing rules were created and refined in collaboration with horsemen, and HISA will continue to listen to feedback from farriers and other experts as we implement HISA's rules. The rules were drafted with equine safety and welfare as the top priority above all else. HISA's decisions have been consistently rooted in research, and as additional research continues to emerge, HISA will ensure its policies are always grounded in the latest science. HISA also continues to work directly with manufacturers to ensure they are producing shoes that comply with HISA's rules and prioritize equine safety.”

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Guest speakers include Dr. Renate Weller of the University of Calgary, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She is joined by Dr. Thilo Pfau, University of Calgary, Professor Faculty of Kinesiology, and Yogi Sharp, DipWCF BSc (Hons) First Class, best known for his platform “The Equine Documentalist,” which brings research to the wider equine community.

Podiatrist Dr. Scott Morrison, the Rood & Riddle Podiatry Center founder, said, “We wanted to hold a conference that incorporated both veterinarians and farriers in a collaborative environment that will inspire all who attend,” Dr. Raul Bras, International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame inductee, added, “We hope this will be an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn new techniques, meet each other and facilitate future collaborations for everyone.”

For more information or to register for the course, click here. The conference will be limited to 85 participants.

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Like humans, left-handed or right, horses favor one leg versus the other, with related studies approximating 75-80% of horses are right forelimb dominant. Forelimb dominance and how a horse supports itself are all factors with implications on hoof symmetry and morphology. If you observe a horse eating in a stall or grazing in the field, one foot is always pointed out in front of the other. This position is commonly referred to as the grazing stance, with the preferred foot varying among horses but likely remaining the same throughout a horse's life. I am not aware of any examples of ambidextrous horses or one's ability to change a horse's preference, however, we must consider that a horse normally grazes, whether in the field or stall, for approximately 22 hours a day and that reality has some consequences and effects on the hoof's morphology.

Using an example of a horse that points the left foot, leaving the right back, we then must start to ponder the other factors which may further affect the horse's ability to comfortably graze, such as the neck, poll, shoulders and their additional effects on the hoof, its confirmation and presentation. Typically, horses with extremes in conformation (head, poll, neck) will likely produce some level of inability to comfortably graze. Typically, this results in great visual differences in the feet and this will also include similar effects on the diagonal pair of the hind feet (i.e.: left front, right hind). Continuing to consider the above grazing stance preference, the right hind tends to be a slightly 'longer' toe with a 'lower' heel. However, achieving equilibrium in the hind feet tends to be easier due to the decreased amount of weight bearing. Many old timers, especially those in the Standardbred world, often say you can do a lot more to the hinds attempting to correct things than you can to the fronts with a decreased potential for soreness or lameness. That has also been my experience.

So, what then occurs when bearing in mind the grazing stance and effects on hoof presentation?

Continuing to use our example, characteristically, the left foot is always (visually) the 'longer' toe with a lower heel; this reality has varying degrees of extremes which are again dependent upon the horse's ability or inability to comfortably graze. With the force and pressure of the horse's weight leaning on the left heel, most experts agree, the foot grows away from pressure. Theoretically, this pressure impacts heel growth, likely impeding blood flow, which in turn impacts the foot's ability to grow 'up,' prompting interventions to change or correct the foot's presentation and alignment. These realities, if left unaddressed, probably will have greater consequences on soundness and biomechanics, including the potential for possible injury to soft tissue (DDFT and suspensory).

Radiographic image of club foot and toe's dish. The arrows highlight the dish and the changing relationship of outer wall and coffin bone. Breakover is highlighted with the red arrow beneath the shoe and the yellow arrow indicates arguably where the foot 'wants' to breakover. Additionally, the blue arrows emphasize the farrier's likely need to trim the heel in an effort to correctly align the bony column and reduce possible strain on soft tissue aspects of the forelimb affected. The successful farrier is always forced to balance the possible limitations of the foot's presentation for trimming and shoe application. | Jude R. Florio

Conversely, the foot that remains back usually presents a more upright appearance, the result of greater pressure being placed in the toe with pressure alleviated in the heel. Again, the extent or severity of that appearance varies and can be quantified with hoof angle measurements. As an example, Arabians (in my experience), always tend to have one club foot, the probable result of the breed tendency to have an upright head and high neck set, creating the need for the affected animal to contort itself to comfortably graze. Differently than the pointed foot, the back foot heel growth is dependent upon how much pressure is put in the toe. Having witnessed some extreme examples of the back foot being 'tipped' forward on the toe, this includes possibilities of the toe “dishing,” this visible change normally occurring when the relationship of the toe of the outer wall deviates from the position of the pedal bone and the toe extends past the breakover. All of these factors will dictate how each foot should be trimmed and how shoes should be applied.

Moreover, the realities of handling, exercise, training and veterinary/chiropractic treatment cannot be discounted when seeking balance and equilibrium. The types of exercise and training will also have direct effects on the foot's confirmation and presentation, evident in noticeable observations of shoe wear or the way a horse goes, where adjustments are possible.

I recently discovered that my iPhone has a slow-motion video option. (I know; welcome to the 22nd century, but I'm in a 2,000- to 3,000-year-old industry. I'm told the second oldest.) This slow-motion option has been great to detect gait anomalies, loading, unloading, landing and take-off. I highly recommend its use at the lower speed gaits as a tool to detect potential issues, which one can extrapolate may be exaggerated at higher speeds.

So, what is the farrier's role in all of this?

A farrier/podiatrist has a lot to consider when addressing these issues and their level of experience will dictate how much they do or how far they go. When I consider these differences, I always work from the space of the bony column's alignment and what I can do to improve it when necessary and within reason. There are some occasions where a horse will grow enough toe that can be trimmed down on the low, pointing foot, which may include pulling the foot forward and trimming the toe back. In extreme examples, sometimes there is not enough foot to be taken down and doing so may result in soreness. I have never experienced a horse being sore by taking the toe back. Subsequent to static balance, dynamics is key and setting the shoe back aims to decrease the duration of breakover, a result of the caudal shift of the fulcrum point, commonly referred to as 'backing the toe.'

The grazing stance | Jude R. Florio

Equally, the other front foot, upright and remaining back during grazing, is addressed slightly differently. Experience will dictate how much heel can be trimmed including a measure of the horse's comfort, frequency of shoeing and the degrees of change, with significant changes to the hoof's angle possibly negatively affecting the soft tissue. Some horses require greater amounts of heel trim. I often use the frog as a guide in assisting in decision making: the higher heel's frog seeking pressure (pumping mechanism, vascular function) distorts and, when trimmed, gives a greater ability for one to determine how much heel can come off. Of course, as highlighted in the article linked above, the use of radiography is an additional resource for guidance.

Having gained experience from past work on foals and younger horses, I have found positive changes are possible and realistic. Routine trimming requires minimal adjustments achieving noticeable changes and correction of differences in the feet with positive outcomes. Perhaps this is because of the foal's or weanling/yearling's size and the realities of initially suckling, as well as the future ease and ability to graze, which may decrease extremes and the effects on the feet. However, this will quickly change with time and growth and may include other circumstances throughout a horse's life including injuries and their potential for effects on hoof growth.

In the end, farriers have multiple tools at their disposal which should facilitate their ability to make sound decisions when attempting to address differences. Using fixed reference points, measurements which quantify toe length and angles can all be recorded for future reference assisting in achieving the goal of static balance and equilibrium. As in all things, there are no hard and fast rules. In certain instances extreme or otherwise, achieving balance and equilibrium may not be possible, therefore requiring veterinary examination and any number of interventions (pads, frog support, etc) in the hope of alleviating potential stress, decreasing strain and pressure with the expectation of facilitating improvements, especially in performance. However, it is wholly possible with time. By including the correct interventions, positive improvements are possible as redistribution pressure and forces theoretically can improve blood flow, which likely results in healthy hoof growth.

Jude Florio, who has served as a professional farrier for over 20 years, earned a graduate diploma from the University of London's Royal Veterinary College in Applied Equine Locomotor Research. He is among the current MSc Equine Science cohorts studying at the University of Edinburgh, Royal 'Dick' School of Veterinary Studies (June 2023).

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 Horse owners often panic at the sight of their lame horse until they realize the cause of lameness is an abscess. A horse with an abscess or one that is developing will often become lame in a short period of time. Many abscesses will burst on their own, but in some cases you may need to get the pus drained by your veterinarian or farrier to release the pressure in the hoof. 

 If you have a horse who is constantly developing abscesses, you may need to look into the problem further with your veterinarian. Recurrent abscesses in your horse could be caused by a variety of issues, such as poor-quality hooves, not keeping up on farrier care, environmental changes, chronic laminitis, or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction ('weakening of your horse's immune system).

Read more at Equus Magazine.

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As the only nationwide event of its kind and scale, the AFA Convention brings farriers, veterinarians, suppliers, horse owners and students together for four days of education, competition, certification, hands-on learning and networking, as well as a robust MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the equine industry.

Beginning on Monday, Nov. 8, our 50th Annual Convention will feature guest lecturers who are the top of their fields in the farrier, blacksmith and veterinarian professions. Including 20 hour-long session in just four days, attendees will be able to learn from renowned speakers on a variety of hoof-care related topics.

In addition to lectures, AFA Convention guests will be able to participate in hands-on learning demonstrations with our qualified certification instructors, start their journey towards farrier certification with our Examiners and Testers, visit top-of-the-line suppliers and exhibitors in our MarketPlace, network with people from all over the world, and watch the best farriers in the industry compete in our 2021 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition.

The National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from Nov. 9 through Nov. 11, featuring over 100 farriers competing in the Open, Intermediate and 2-Person Draft Classes, and culminating in the Capewell North American Challenge Cup Live Shoeing Finals on Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. It is following this competition that the members of the 2022 American Farriers Team will be named. These outstanding competitors will then represent the United States at competitions all over the world, but most notably at the International Team Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England, in October 2022.

“We are excited to be returning to Arlington for our 50th year to showcase the rich history of our association in a location that has proven to be popular with our attendees and vendors. We look forward to highlighting our past success and looking toward the future during this special 50-year celebration,” said AFA executive director, Martha Jones. “We welcome anyone in the Arlington area to attend—even if it's only for just one day—to watch and learn from the top farriers and veterinarians in the world, and to better understand why using a qualified farrier matters for the welfare of your horse.”

More information on the AFA Convention, including the full schedule of speakers, events, registration and competition classes, can be found on our website.

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As the only nationwide event of its kind and scale, the AFA convention brings farriers, veterinarians, suppliers, horse owners and students together for four days of education, competition, certification, hands-on learning and networking, as well as a robust MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the farrier industry. And to celebrate our anniversary, this year will also include special events such as our Legends Exhibition, recognition of American Farriers Team alumni, a Forefathers of the AFA presentation, and much more!

Beginning on Tuesday, November 9, guest lecturers who are at the top of their fields in the farrier, blacksmith and veterinarian professions will present twenty hour-long sessions, allowing attendees to learn from renowned speakers on a variety of hoof-care related topics.

This year's esteemed speakers are as follows:

Amy Armentrout, DVM, MS, DACVS
Brent Barrett, DVM, CJF
Shayne Carter, CJF, MS
Blane Chapman, CJF
Dusty Franklin, CJF, ASF, AWCF
Jim Keith, CJF
Ray Legel, CJF
Dennis C. Manning, CJF
Myron McLane, CJF
Grant Moon, CJF, AWCF
Lee Olsen, CJF
Tom Petersen, CJF
Jim Poor, CJF
Patrick Reilly
Bodie Trnka, CJF
Thomas N. Trosin, CF, CTF, CJF

The National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from November 9 through November 11, featuring some of the best farriers in the nation competing in the Open, Intermediate, and 2-Person Draft Classes, and culminating in the Capewell North American Challenge Live Shoeing Finals on November 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is following this competition that the members of the 2022 American Farriers Team and Apprentice Team will be named. These outstanding competitors will then represent the United States at numerous competitions, but most notably at the renowned International Team Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England.

In addition to lectures and the competition, AFA convention guests will be able to participate in hands-on learning demonstrations with our qualified certification instructors, start or continue their journey towards farrier certification with our Examiners and Testers, visit top-of-the-line suppliers and exhibitors in our MarketPlace and network with their peers in the industry.

“It's been 18 months since our community has been able to gather together for this event, and we could not be more excited to finally be celebrating our 50 years in Arlington. From outstanding lectures to an exciting competition, and a jam-packed MarketPlace to special anniversary events, this year is shaping up to be one you do not want to miss,” said AFA/FIA Executive Director, Martha Jones. “We welcome anyone in Arlington and the surrounding areas to attend – even if it's just for one day – to watch and learn from the top farriers in the country.”

More information on the AFA convention, including the full schedule of speakers, events and competition classes, can be found here.

For registration information, including one-day passes and guest passes, please click here or call the AFA/FIA office at 859-233-7411.

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Steve Kraus is an American Farriers Association, Certified Journeyman Farrier who has been the head of Farrier Services and a Sr. Lecturer of Large Animal Surgery, at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and the instructor of the Farrier School there since 2010. Prior to that, he worked for over 40 years in his own farrier business in Central New York. He is known for troubleshooting lame, injured and underperforming horses and has shod horses of practically every breed and discipline. He has lectured to farriers, veterinarians and horse owners all over the US, Canada, South America and Europe. He has been a featured speaker at the International Hoof Care Summit, Laminitis Conference, Equine Affaire and the American Farriers Association Convention. Steve has written many articles published in the American Farriers Journal, The Horse Journal and The Professional Farrier. In 2016, he was inducted into the International Farriers Hall of Fame.

The Cornell Equine Seminar Series is presented by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Equine Hospital, the New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Held monthly, equine experts present on important equine health and management topics. The event is free and open to the public. Register here.

Read more here.

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The reasons for this misconception are twofold, explained journeyman farrier Pat Broadus. 

First, racehorses coming off the track are usually at the end of their shoeing cycle, or even overdue, so those individuals tasked with taking over the horses' care do not see the feet at their best. That image of long-toed, uneven hooves is then perceived to be the fault of the farrier at the track, when in reality the horses' feet may have simply overgrown the shoes due to the time it takes to find retiring racehorses a new home.

Second, the lack of a standardized test to acquire a racetrack farrier's license has been a growing problem for several decades. As it stands in most states, all it takes to be licensed to shoe racehorses is a currently licensed farrier to vouch for the newcomer. The pitfalls of this system are easy to see, with unqualified individuals able to acquire licenses and begin caring for racehorses' feet without the necessary education to do so safely and successfully.

Licensing for racetrack farriers hasn't always been that way. 

The Journeyman Horseshoers Union, founded in 1874 as one of the oldest labor unions in the United States, initially helped farriers collaborate with the Teamsters, those driving teams of horses over long distances. The JHU developed tests for farriers, including forging custom shoes as well as exams on equine anatomy and physiology.

When the Teamsters switched from horsepower to engines, the JHU found a new home on the backstretch of the racetrack. In its heyday, the JHU required a five-year apprenticeship with a veteran racetrack farrier in order to be eligible to take the licensing exam. 

The difficulty of the test and strict requirements of the JHU meant that racetrack farriers were considered to be at the very top of their profession from the 1940s through the 1960s. 

By the 1970s however, the power of the JHU had started to decline as right-to-work laws began to grow in number. The apprenticeship requirement was decreased to three years, and continued complaining about the testing, as well as a lack of qualified examiners, eventually helped wipe out the exam altogether.

The American Farrier's Association, established in 1971, has since moved to the forefront of farriery qualifications. The AFA has developed four levels of testing for farriers, with “journeyman” the highest qualification, and in the minds of many, that has helped sporthorse farriers shift to the forefront as the “best” of their profession.

The most unique aspect of the AFA testing is the written portion of the exam, which tests a farrier's knowledge of anatomy, structure, how shoeing affects a horse's motion and stride, and different lameness issues.

“They're getting $350 to $400 to shoe show horses, so what's happened is the talent level at the racetrack has decreased,” explained Pat Broadus, who added that racetrack farriers may shoe horses for $200-$250 apiece. “The people that come out of school or have a lot of talent are drawn to show horses because they make more money. It's a better lifestyle with weekends off and you don't have to travel as much, so we're really losing a lot of talent in the younger people coming up.”

Since racetrack licensing boards do not require AFA certification for farriers seeking a license, and licensing is contingent upon the validation of other working farriers, it's been hard for racetracks to strike the right balance between ensuring a high level of competency, fulfilling the demand for horseshoers, and avoiding right-to-work lawsuits.

In 2016, The Jockey Club attempted to refine a standardized farrier's test that it hoped would be adopted nationwide, much like model rules for other aspects of racing. The standardized farrier's test was developed by the Shoeing & Hoof Care Committee of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, chaired by prominent owner Bill Casner.

However, debate amongst trainers and currently-licensed farriers about the test's format and who the examiners would be kept the project from getting off the ground.

“For the most part, racetrack shoers stay quiet and stay in the background,” explained Pat Broadus. “Most of these guys have businesses built, and they help bring somebody else along. 

“Still, a lot of racetrackers were looking for something to validate themselves, to prove they could get things done on the big stage. It was up to them, because the test had been gone; you couldn't take a test and be validated anymore.”

Tired of hearing that racetrack farriers were not as good as their sporthorse counterparts, Broadus decided to pursue the AFA's top-level journeyman certification. In April of 2021 he became the first racetrack farrier to earn that distinction in nearly 40 years. 

Eric Gillaland was the lead examiner for several parts of Broadus' testing. 

“For him, coming from the racehorse background, is a little different from the majority of the AFA,” Gillaland said. “For the journeyman test, you have to make a bar shoe to fit a pattern. The first time he did it, he did it in aluminum, and we weren't sure about that. Everybody else does it in steel. But he did a beautiful job. He's talented enough that the second time, he just did it in steel. 

“His method was also very different on his live horseshoeing. We use plain stamp shoes, which are definitely not a racehorse thing, because there's no traction at all in those. He made templates, then walked to the truck and didn't have to walk back and forth to the horse 10 times to see if it fit. Watching him go through stuff, the efficiency that he has, most of the racetrackers probably have to be efficient to get so many young, excitable horses done each day.”

Broadus has now inspired other racetrack farriers to pursue their AFA certifications, spending multiple hours of his own time each week helping them study.

“I was a farrier for 28 years before I took the test, and I'm a much better farrier now than I was then,” Broadus said. “But at the end of the day, it's not about me. I stepped up and did it first, but if no one else does it, it doesn't mean anything. That's the reason I'm so proud of these guys going up there; they're leading the way.”

Broadus' father, Sonny, was the president of the Arkansas branch of the JHU, and was an examiner for some of the final JHU exams given in that state.

“We had a lot more quality horseshoers back then,” Sonny Broadus said. “There was no such thing as a superstar. There were just craftsmen, and everybody kind of followed their lead. 

“The trainers knew a lot more, too. Trainers would walk around the barn area while you were shoeing a horse. He might stand there for 30 minutes, talking to someone else while he watched you shoe a horse, and you might see him three or four times in a week. If he liked what he saw, he'd come back and ask you if you had room to add his horses to your schedule, and you'd work something out.”

The elder Broadus is extremely proud of his son's passion to help improve not only his own craft, but that of those around him. He hopes Pat's dedication to continuing education helps show today's trainers the importance of testing farriers.

“Every trainer should want his farrier to at least be qualified, and that's what the journeyman's test with the JHU stood for,” said Sonny Broadus. “It told you he was qualified; he's not a genius, but he's not going to hurt you, either.”

Gillaland agreed that trainers should want their farriers to be able to pass the competency exam, but acknowledged that the AFA hasn't been as proactive as it could be about educating trainers and horse owners about the certification process.

“The AFA is an excellent organization, but the downfall is it's run by volunteer farriers, and the reason we get into this is we're hands-on people,” Gillaland said. “We're not sit-downers, so to do other stuff to promote the certification, it doesn't really fall into the realm of understanding.

“It really comes down to, I think, the majority of people are not that involved in certification because their owners don't ask for it. Whoever their farrier is, that's who they think is best.”

The AFA's website does a good job explaining the different levels of certification the organization offers, and Gillaland hopes Broadus' actions help inspire trainers to begin talking to their farriers.

“If these trainers knew what was involved in studying for and taking the test, they'd start asking their farriers whether or not they were certified,” Gillaland summarized.

The post Not Just ‘Platers’: Racetrack Farriers Stepping Up Their Game With AFA Certifications appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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