Assess the foal’s limbs soon after birth. Most mild limb deformities can be helped by stall rest that limits exercise. Many problems are due to lack of cartilage and bone maturity and will improve with time if the affected areas are not stressed. If there is more than a 5- degree deviation in the limb, or concerns about the straightness of the legs, your veterinarian should assess the situation and make recommendations at this time. The hooves should not be trimmed until the foal is at least two weeks old, and then only if a problem is evident.

It is important to treat limb deviations before the epiphyseal growth plates of the lower leg bones close at about three months (short pastern), six months (long pastern), and nine months (distal cannon bone). After these plates close, very little structural change can be made in the limb by trimming or shoeing. It is questionable how much change can actually be made before that time. Severe angular (conformation) defects cannot be eliminated by corrective trimming or shoeing. Serious problems may require periostial stripping or check ligament surgery. Future plans for the horse should be considered in making this decision as its athletic career may be limited.

The Farrier’s First Visit
A foal’s feet should be checked by a competent farrier by the time it is two months old. You can help prepare your foal for the farrier’s first visit by (1) teaching the foal to stand and lead, (2) picking up and holding the foal’s feet daily, (3) providing the farrier a safe corner in which to trim the foal’s hooves, (4) having an experienced person hold the foal for the farrier, and (5) having an experienced person hold the mare close at hand.

Imprint training should be started as soon after birth as possible in order to begin the process of desensitization of the foal to the farrier. To do this, rub down the legs and pat the bottom of the hoof with your hand 40 or 50 times on each foot or until the foal relaxes. Repeat daily and then weekly and finally monthly. It is also important to clean out a foal’s feet each time the animal is handled to accustom it to foot handling.

Foot Balance and Trimming
Regular foot balancing will allow the foal to grow as straight as possible. The focus of trimming should be on keeping the weight of the foal evenly distributed over the limbs. The foal’s hoof may be trimmed more often than that of a mature horse, but less hoof is removed. The excess wall is trimmed down to the level of the sole at the toe.

Keeping the hoof length the same on the inner and outer sides of the leg (medial /lateral balance) is critical. This must be maintained because a foal frequently wears one side or the other unevenly. The animal will learn to compensate for minor structural faults. Avoid over-trimming of the sole and thus removing protection from the coffin bone. Trimming one side lower in an effort to straighten legs produces sheared heels.

Medial or lateral extension shoes made from aluminum or plastic may be glued or nailed to the feet of crooked foals to help in the distributing of weight more evenly over the bone column. Shoeing the foot may protect it from wearing away faster than it grows and sometimes it is necessary to maintain a balanced stance. If a horse is shod during the growing months, shoes should be reset frequently (every 3 to 4 weeks) and progressively larger shoes applied each time.

Having the hoof trimmed out of medial/lateral balance in an effort to straighten bones is not a good practice. Excessive stresses on the joint may cause damage, but the most noticeable effect will be the creation of a sheared heel. This may cause circulatory disturbance and lameness later on. The edges of a foal’s hooves should be kept rounded to avoid chipping.

When a young horse begins serious training, regular trimming and hoof care should include shoes that protect the foot or are necessary to enhance the action of the specific type of horse.

Learning to learn applies to every phase of life.

Recently I became aware, through an article titled “Divided Attention” by David Glenn published February 28, 2010, in The Chronicle of Higher Education, that many students today are having greater difficulty learning and applying what they’re being taught due to inattention and the illusion of competence that comes from their being “multi-taskers.” (It has always been a challenge for teachers to get and keep a student’s attention, but it seems that today there are even more things to distract students.)

A study by Dr. Clifford Nass of Stanford University supports this theory. Dr. Nass found that distracted multi-taskers believe they have learned and absorbed more than they actually have. As a result, multi-taskers typically perform worse on cognitive and memory tasks than do students who focus on a single task.

Students learn better and retain more when they are not distracted by electronic devices, such as cell phones, I-pods and laptop computers. Although we provide free wireless internet for our students at Butler Professional Farrier School, we do not allow them to use the computer or text on cell phones during lecture and discussion time.

We have found that vocabulary memorization, study with intent to answer questions, and accurate drawing of spatial concepts help students absorb and retain more material than simply reading and discussion alone because it helps them stay focused.

Learning to learn requires at least seven things:

First, have a desire to learn. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, has said, “Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.” An inquisitive mind can be developed, but only if one wants to. How bad do you want to learn?

Many of life’s experiences can suppress a desire to learn. Sometimes it’s people who have a strong influence on you, such as parents, school teachers, childhood friends, mentors, peers, and other close associates. Drug use, especially marijuana, also can kill the desire to learn. Yet, ultimately, you are the one who chooses your attitude toward learning. You are in control of your future, your destiny.

Second, accept personal responsibility for your own learning. You must accept the responsibility for finding the answers yourself. We each have a varying capacity to think and to learn. How we use that ability determines our success in life. It is a measure of our belief in ourselves, the questions that we ask, and the power of the answers for us and those answers we can give to our clients in the future. Don’t expect your teachers to spoon feed you — their role is to provide the opportunity for you to learn.

Third, search all available sources for the answers. Search out the answers that others have already discovered. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Do your homework! In science, it is called “The Review of Literature.” Try to understand why others came up with the answers they did. Spend as much or more time reading as you do using Google or other electronic search tools. Just having the materials is not enough. You must know what is in the book or article and how to apply it. When solving a problem, start where others have left off.

Fourth, think about the question/problem all the time. Isaac Newton said he discovered the law of gravity by thinking about it all the time. Eventually the answer will come to you. It may be when you least expect it. This is the way our subconscious mind works. The more experience you have the easier it becomes to compare the current problem to a similar one from the past.

Fifth, experiment and prove the answer/solution that comes to you. Don’t adopt the idea until it has been tested by your own experience. Try it enough times so you are confident it will give consistent results. Also, others may try to steal or crush your ideas if you share them too soon.

Sixth, look at the answer/solution from several perspectives. Look at it up close, then look at it in the context of the overall expanse. This takes time and requires a commitment to learning. Don’t become obsessed with an idea by itself. If you do, you will look only at things which justify or prove your tentative conclusions. Rather, try to see how it fits into the big picture. For example, at Butler Professional Farrier School we teach horseshoeing, not just foot shoeing.

Seventh, try to group concepts in units of seven or less. Dr. George Miller of Harvard University, as far back as 1956, suggested that humans’ working-memory-capacity – that is, their ability to juggle facts and perform mental operations – is limited to no more than seven things at a time. It is less if a person is distracted by multi-tasking. Fending off distraction and focusing your attention is critical to learning.

Learning to learn is an important activity. You must desire to do the hard things. It can make the difference as to success or failure in life. Dr. Nass of Stanford worries that, “Media multi-tasking might actually be destroying students’ capacity for reasoning.” Students often choose to do the easy rather than the hard things.

You will find it easier to learn new knowledge and skill, and therefore excel at your craft, if you incorporate these suggestions into your learning activities.

“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 other horse professionals

Please share a little “March Gladness” by forwarding this information to at least one person during March.

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 is definitely a time to celebrate.

And March is a special time of celebration for us, too –  we call it “March Gladness.”

• The Principles of Horseshoeing was first published in March 1974 – over 35 years ago. The third edition, The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3), continues to provide “gladness” in the lives of farriers, horse owners and other horse professionals who rely on P3 for solid, proven solutions for equine hoof care.

• March will bring many glad, new announcements such as new product details and continuing education opportunities from Doug Butler Enterprises and Butler Professional Farrier School.

• March Gladness provides us with yet another opportunity to say Thank You –

… to our long-standing, Faithful Customers. We appreciate your continued confidence and support. Your testimonials and thank you letters encourage us to continue to develop new products and services that benefit farriers everywhere.

… to our Newer Customers. We are excited that you have become a part of our “farrier family.” We encourage you to continue to grow with us by investing in the materials and training that will help you achieve your goals. We have found that farriers who study our educational books and other learning materials are among the most successful in their field.

• A little “March Gladness” to share with your shoeing customers:

“Horseshoeing is an art, a skill, a science, and a service. One of the great reasons for optimism in the future of horseshoeing is the opportunity to offer superior service.”

– Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF

Check back soon for more “March Gladness” that will help you reach your horseshoeing career goals!

The best way to tell the position of the Distal Phalanx, or P3, is to have a lateral/medial radiograph of the hoof.  Usually, the foot will have to be placed on a block to get the x-ray beam parallel to the base of the bone.

Without an x-ray, you can look at the slope of the upper one third of the hoof wall, just below the coronet.  If the wall is tightly adhered to P3, this will give you an accurate angle for the hoof wall and bone.  Ideally the angle of the base of the coffin bone is 5-10˚with the ground.  Ideally the angle of the dorsal front surface of P3 is parallel to the slope of the pastern.

You can also run your finger down the front of the pastern.  If your finger slides easily over the coronary band, the bone is in a normal position.  If your finger stops or falls into a crevice at the hair line, the bone has sunk within the hoof capsule.  Another indication that the bone has sunk, is the dropping of the sole.  If the sole is flat, that indicates the bone has sunk down due to a weakened or destroyed laminar attachment.  This is the case in foundered feet.

The best way to understand what is inside the horse’s hoof is to study the anatomy of the equine foot.  A good resource is The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3).  Until you have studied enough to know the foot backwards and forwards and can visualize what is located within the hoof, you should be dealing only with sound backyard horses and referring other cases needing more expertise to a qualified farrier.

It is interesting to see the students’ progress at our school.  At first, some are hesitant to even begin trimming the hoof.  With the sequential learning we provide at Butler Professional Farrier School, they each gain confidence as they learn to visualize the interior of the horse’s foot.  We just graduated eight students this week, and the work they did in their final exams showed their understanding of equine foot anatomy.

What should horse owners expect from their farrier?

You, the horse owner, have a right to expect a well-trained and experienced professional to care for your valuable horse(s). Unfortunately, some farriers short-change their education by not acquiring a firm foundation of basic knowledge about their craft. Even those who make the sacrifice to attend a school don’t use that time wisely in study and practice to get the most out of the experience. Schools vary in quality and intensity. Sometimes a farrier’s lack of knowledge and skill is the instructor’s fault; some times it’s another student’s fault; but mostly it’s the individual’s fault for underestimating the complexity of the subject and the dedication required to really learn and master the farrier’s craft. A mentally lazy attitude cheats and prevents a person from being all he or she could be. Here at Butler Professional Farrier School, we can tell the kind of farrier a student will be by his or her attitude toward learning. We try to accept only those interested in learning to be the best. More experience is needed after school to be competent. You want your farrier to be studying and learning every day. He should be learning from every horse and be better today than he was yesterday. Since you are paying for farrier service, you have a right to expect excellence. Seek out a farrier that is humble enough to be constantly learning. If you have questions about horse care, he should know the answers or be willing to refer you to someone who does. Expect him to share his knowledge with you and refer you to another equine professional specialist if a problem warrants it. Although the farrier may have strong opinions based upon his or her experience, each should be able to explain reasons for that belief. You should expect your farrier to act with integrity and honesty. You should be able to trust him or her.

You have a right to expect your farrier to arrive ready to work at the appointed time. If there is a problem that causes the farrier to be unavoidably detained, you should expect to be notified in a timely manner. You should expect to be reminded the day before of appointments made previously. If you call your farrier with a question, you should expect an answer by phone or e-mail within 24 hours. Farriers who plan ahead will have the supplies and tools needed to shoe your horse on the appointed day. They will do their best to meet your expectations, because they believe you, the customer, are the sole judge of their performance. Since your farrier knows you expect him to be on time for appointments, please be aware he also wants to be on time for his other clients and may have to cut his discussion short to assure others of a prompt arrival time. If more work needs to be done than was scheduled, expect to make another appointment.

You have a right to expect a farrier to treat your horse(s) and property with respect. If work becomes unsafe for the horse, or the farrier, you should be advised of possible options and given the choice to make the decision of how to proceed. Restraint measures should not be applied without your consent. If veterinary assistance is needed, you should make that decision. You have the right to expect the farrier to clean up before he leaves. He should pick up nail stubs, sweep up, and deposit manure and hoof clippings in refuse containers. You have a right to expect a price estimate before work begins giving you a choice to accept or reject the proposed treatment option. Your veterinarian’s advice should be weighed along with your farrier’s advice. They won’t always see things the same way and you need to make the decision of what you think is best for your horse. Often the decision comes down to who you trust and what seems to be the most practical.

What does your farrier expect from you, the horse owner?

Your farrier has a right to expect you to honor your appointment(s). The farrier expects you to provide the necessary information that will allow him or her to do the best job for your horse. If you have concerns, he expects you to be frank and honest and share those with him. He expects to be regarded as a professional and receive consideration as such. If something in your schedule changes, the farrier expects you to notify him 24 hours before the appointment so he can change his schedule and reschedule your appointment. Horses should be caught and their feet cleaned, if necessary, before asking the farrier to work on them. Either you or your authorized representative should be present to catch and hold the horse(s) and discuss any unusual foot conditions or concerns.

Your farrier has a right to expect you to provide a safe, dry, level, well-lighted place to work. Unfavorable conditions will not allow the farrier to do his best work. Your farrier has a right to expect you to provide a well-mannered horse that has been trained to stand for trimming and shoeing. Both of you have the right to stop work if you think conditions are unsafe. Having a companion horse nearby often helps the horse being worked on stand better. Your farrier expects you to be committed to your horse’s welfare. He expects you to care for the horse in a humane manner.

Your farrier has a right to expect prompt payment for services rendered. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, expect to pay for services when they are rendered. No businessman can operate very long without capital that comes from honest labor. Don’t expect the farrier to come unless the previous bill is paid. Farrier work is hard, challenging and dirty work. Since farriers don’t receive a salary, but are independent small business owners, they depend upon your payment to operate. Refer business to your farrier if you are pleased with his work. The best recommendation you can give is, “He [or she] is my farrier.”

When expectations are met, business is good, and life is enjoyable. When expectations are violated, sooner or later, relationships and business go downhill. Try to exceed expectations!

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 P3 bone when cutting frog, sole, and wall

3. SHOE MAKING OR SELECTION

Consider horse, foot, and preference

4. SHOE FITTING

Consider practical protection and support

5. NAILING

Consider safety, position in foot, and size of nail

6. FINISHING

Consider safety, clinch strength, and smoothness

7. EVALUATION

Consider soundness, fit to prior set standard, and overall appearance

Here are seven guidelines and important questions to consider in establishing and maintaining good farrier-client relationships.

1.  Be on time for your shoeing appointments.  It is easier to build a good long-term relationship when the first impression is favorable.  If you wish to be successful, you must advertise success.  Are you making a good impression?

2.  Build value in the mind of the customer.  Convince people of your desire to be of service and to do it right.  Show them that you are providing excellent service because of your training, experience and credentials.  Your attitude, training and dependability have tremendous value.  Have you paid the price to be a qualified, valuable asset to your client?

3.  Devote time and attention to your best clients.  Develop a system for prioritizing who the strong clients are in your business.  Paredo, an Italian marketing specialist, gave the rule that 20% of your clients will give you 80% of your business.  The end of the year is a good time to evaluate your client base — determine if a customer ranks as “A,” “B” or “C” in your business.  Focus your time on giving great service to your best clients.  How important is the client relationship to you?

4.  Show empathy for the concerns of your clients.  Create a systematic way that you can record and remember each specific horse’s name that you have worked with.  These records should include both problems and successes that you have had in shoeing their horses.  Do you keep accurate, helpful records?

5.  Set up standards for your terms of payment.  Control how the fees for your service are received.  If you don’t set up a standard and stick to it, your clients will control how and when you receive compensation for your service.  Does your client know how you do business?

6.  Send thank you notes and gifts to clients for new business or referrals.  A short note can go a long way in building value for your service.  Are you grateful for your client’s business?

7.  Sponsor a Customer Appreciation Day, such as a barbecue or educational event, to endear you to your customers and help them appreciate your qualified service.  Do your clients know how much you appreciate them?

We wish you the best in getting the New Year off to a great start!

Answer: You are not required to read all the pages before you arrive.

You’ll find after enrolling and completing the application process that a copy of P3 will be sent to you, and you are at liberty to use your copy to read and study as you wish. There is a homework assignment on five chapters to turn in the first day of class. Many students have studied considerable parts of the book before coming, and doing that does help you “hit the ground running” when you get here.

Ask yourself, “Would I rather study with instructors who wrote the book or an instructor who just read the book [and perhaps only part of it]?” At Butler Professional Farrier School, we teach you specific ways to apply “P3″ to YOUR needs.

You have complete information under one cover, written in an easy-to-read and understand style. Difficult words are defined for you, and there is a glossary of horse terms. It summarizes early blacksmithing and horseshoeing books. It is indexed, encyclopedic and systematic to help you find what you need. This highly illustrated book is where you learn about horses — not just horse’s feet. It explains the why as well as the how to do horseshoeing and to make a living doing it.

Our system enables you to subconsciously learn correct principles you will apply throughout your professional farrier career. You will not be required to read chapters, as you would in a college course, before the lecture. Rather you’ll be introduced to the subject matter first, and you’ll find your homework then relates to topics you’re already familiar with and have even applied immediately after the lecture time in a hands-on setting with live horses.

Our students report their satisfaction with our method of teaching. They like knowing what they can expect each day. Success, of course, depends on how much individual students put into the learning process.

Interestingly, Business Coach, Alan Weiss, states, “If you read just 25 pages of a 700-page book and simply read it five days a week, you will finish it in about 6 weeks”! So, for those of you who apply early, you will have plenty of time to read the whole book if you want to before you arrive!

We’ve even had people, who bought P3 when it was first published, report they’ve read the whole book as much as three times.