From the category archives:

Equine Soundness

New Farrier and Horse Owner Resources

March 9, 2010 0 comments

“Share a little March Gladness…”
We’d be “glad” if you would check out each of our newly designed websites …
www.dougbutler.com – for horseshoeing books and training DVDs
www.butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com – learn about our facility, staff, curriculum, class schedules, admission requirements, tuition
www.butlerhorseshoeingschools.com – sign up today to receive weekly blogs on humane horse foot care for owners, farriers, and [...]

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Celebrating “March Gladness” at Doug Butler Enterprises

March 2, 2010 0 comments

March is a special month for many reasons – from basketball teams and their March Madness to the glories of Springtime, such as new baby calves on our neighbors’ ranches, early flowers popping their heads up through the lingering snow, and pastures and yards turning green to announce the long winter is over. Yes, Spring [...]

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7 Farrier Fundamentals

January 29, 2010

It’s important to have a memorized sequence of performing farrier skills so  nothing is left out.  This is the sequence we teach at Butler Professional Farrier School.  The image in the mind guides the craftsman’s hands.  This sequence must be practiced until it becomes a habit.
1. ASSESSMENT
Consider horse, shoe wear, and conditions
2. TRIMMING
Consider position of [...]

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5 Tips to Select a Sound Horse

December 9, 2009 2 comments

We all value our animals — both in terms of money and our emotional attachment to them. Although there are fewer horses today than a hundred years ago, there are more people who own horses, and individual animals have a much higher value.
Many well-meaning people buy a horse just because they become emotionally attached [...]

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FAQ #9 What’s normal hoof size?

December 7, 2009

Answer: A hoof that is proportional to the horse’s body size allows for ideal distribution of body weight over the foot’s laminar surface. (Laminar surface refers to the area where the sensitive laminae, attached to the coffin bone, interlocks with the horny laminae at the hoof wall.) When the foot is proportional [...]

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