Last month I finally began the process of getting my CJF. The test for the Journeyman is comprised of three parts, each scored to an exacting standard. A written test, a forging component where I build a fullered barshoe to fit a pattern in 35 minutes, and a shoeing portion in which I will shoe …
Last week we posted a photo to our Facebook page asking owners if they could identify which shoe goes on which foot (right front, left hind, etc). For some, this was a guessing game; however, if we consider the anatomy and conformation of most horses it is rather easy to tell the shoes apart. First, …
This is the second in a two part series on hoof care for shows. Last month, we talked to show organizers about arena surfaces and hiring a show farrier. For this month’s blog, we will be discussing hoof care as it relates to showing for owners. As you begin to schedule shows and clinics to …
This blog post and the next will focus on hoof care as it relates to showing horses. Today, we will be addressing show organizers and next month we will focus on horse owners. For show organizers, two important considerations to keep in mind while planning are the arenas being utilized and the on-site farrier. Both …
At Dixie’s Farrier Service, we are committed to living out our core values. In doing so, we are driven to give back to our community, both the horse world as well as the general community. In the horse community, we are happy to offer multiple free education events each year. We have presented at various …
We all want our horse’s hooves taken good care of, but what makes it a good job? While the question of exactly what is correct for each horse is far too complex to answer in a blog, I will try to give a general overview of things to look for. For this example I will …
As the weather is cooling off and shows and trail rides are winding down for the year, we have to consider what care is needed for horses’ hooves. For most horses, hoof care during the fall and winter will look about the same as it does the rest of the year, but for others, it …
As we look back on the anniversary of the founding of Dixie’s Farrier Service, the past 10 years have gone by extremely fast. With that in mind, it is easy to get swept up in the daily routine of running a business, which is why setting boundaries is vital. For many of us, boundaries …
Over the past couple of months, the dream of a multi-farrier practice has started looking more like a reality with the schedule full several weeks out and days pushing the maximum of what I can do on my own. It has come into our consideration of hiring help, however; this isn’t a simple or quick …
As farriers, we have a difficult and dangerous job – on a good day. Ideally, horses will be trained to stand for the farrier and vet and won’t cause any issues. Unfortunately, we see horses all the time that do not stand or show behaviors that are less than ideal. At best, this can lead …
Hey folks! Kia here. I thought I’d give Cody a break from procrastinating on blog posts and post one myself. Most clients don’t get to interact with me in-person unless I’m riding along with Cody during an appointment or event on the rare occasion. I work on the keyboard, staring at a screen, instead of …
How long have you been shoeing? Dixie’s Farrier Service was started in September of 2008. I began pursuing shoeing late in 2006. Why hot fit? There are several reasons for fitting shoes hot. First, it gives us a more exact fit than cold shoeing. In addition, hot fitting will kill the bacteria and fungi that …
Much to the dismay and frustration of my wonderful marketing director, Kia, I am just sitting down to write this blog on the 30th of April, its due date. It is currently sunny and 60 degrees with a high today of 70. Perfect weather. Definitely not the kind of day to sit in an office. …
Running a small business is a lot like riding horses. Simple, but not easy. Ok so actually the major concept of each of those is simple but when you look at the details neither is simple or easy. One part of running a small business that eludes many, including farriers, is budgeting. Talking to other …
There are many different aspects of this trade that we have to work on as farriers. Business skills including accounting, marketing, communication, customer service, inventory management, etc. Anatomy and pathology, forging skills, trimming techniques, nailing, finishing, and horsemanship. Each farrier has a different set of skills and level of skill in each of these …
