If you live in the vicinity of Lincoln, Nebraska, we invite you to attend Dr. Butler’s Nebraska Horse Expo program on “Humane Hoof Care,” at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2010!  His 2:00 p.m. program is scheduled in the Nebraska Room of the Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln, Nebraska.

And there’s more “March Gladness” to share, because from 3:00-6:00 p.m., on March 13^th, Doug is available for questions in the Ask-a-Farrier session, scheduled in Pavilion II – Equine Barn, Booth R6.

Saturday’s presenter attended the Cal Poly horseshoeing school in 1963, was one of the first farriers in the American Farriers Association to become a CJF (Certified Journeyman Farrier) in 1983, and the first American to become a FWCF (Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers) of Great Britain in 1992. He earned a dual PhD in Veterinary Anatomy and Equine Nutrition from Cornell University.

More modern farriers have been trained by Doug Butler than any teacher in the history of the craft.  He is the only person who has been National and International Horseshoeing Champion, inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame and honored as a “Farrier Industry Legend.”

He has served on editorial advisory boards of The American Farriers Journal, Hoof Care & Lameness, Equine Practice, Equine Athlete, and Equus magazines.

Dr. Butler is the author of The Principles of Horseshoeing, the most widely used farrier textbook in the world, now in its third edition (P3).  In addition, he has written several other texts to help farriers and horse people.  Shoeing in Your Right Mind helps develop visualization skills, and Six-Figure Shoeing helps develop farrier business skills.

The “Butler Classic Collection” has recently been released with eight single dvds to teach anatomy, shoeing and forging skills.

In addition to training farriers, Dr. Butler has presented at international veterinary conferences and in most of the veterinary schools in America.

Doug specializes in helping farriers reach higher levels of skill in business and in life.  From 1964 to 1995, he taught farrier science and other equine courses at various universities.  In 2000, he organized Farrier Focus® Conference, the first farrier business conference.  In 2006, Doug and his sons, Jake and Pete, established Butler Professional Farrier School, LLC, near Chadron, Nebraska.  (Visit www.butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com for more information.)

Those attending Saturday’s Nebraska Horse Expo presentation will have the rare opportunity to learn from the man an associated press reporter called, “The master of the horseshoeing universe”!

“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.

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.             –Alfred North Whitehead

We have several notable holidays in the United States.  Valentine’s Day is one of them!  Not only is it a good time to communicate with loved ones, family members and friends but also to thank others who have been influential in your lives.  Take time to call or write a note of appreciation!

We definitely appreciate the many people who have touched our lives in positive ways.  Life is too short to spend all your time complaining when there is so much to be grateful for!

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

Hoof wall thicknesses vary. There is a very small margin for error. The farrier must pay close attention to selecting and driving each nail.  Not all nails are manufactured perfectly, and misshapen nails might not drive straight.

However, nail quicking isn’t the only kind of quicking that can affect a horse – he can also be quicked and become lame if his sole is trimmed too close.  There’s a great tendency for inexperienced farriers (and owners) to think that you get more of your money’s worth by trimming more so you don’t have to trim so often.  This  may also happen to a pet horse or harness racehorse when people think a shorter foot helps the horse move faster.  Doing this doesn’t leave enough protection for the horse’s foot – he may break over easier, but he won’t move as well.

The thinned sole does not offer enough protection for the hoof’s more sensitive inner structures, and lameness is the result.  The worst problem of quicking from trimming too short is abscessing, whether from an infected deep cut or from a bruise.  A quicked horse can bruise the sensitive solar corium or the bone, especially in a rocky area, because his protection from the sole is greatly decreased.  The resulting abscess is usually infected with “Clostridia” bacteria, which produce gas that puts pressure on sensitive areas.

Treating a quicked horse depends on the extent of the injury.  If it’s severe, call your veterinarian.  For minor wounds, treat conservatively.  If he’s bleeding, use a disinfectant and cover it with duct tape and a clean towel, gauze or a disposable diaper to keep more infection from getting in.  When it begins to heal, cover it with a pad.

If you cover a bleeding wound without treating it, it will often abscess.  If it does abscess, it’s important to have a professional open up an abscess to drain.  Then you can use Epsom salts paste or a 20% ichthammol black salve to draw the infection and swelling out of a minor abscess.

A pad is probably the best remedy to protect the tender foot until the horse grows more sole for protection.  But take the pads off as soon as you can so the horse doesn’t get dependent upon them.  You can give him Bute for a few days so he is comfortable enough to eat and move around, but the concern then is that because he doesn’t hurt as much, he may cause more damage to the thin sole.

You can also put turpentine or Venice turpentine on the normal or quicked sole to toughen it, but be careful not to spill it on skin because it will burn.

Farriers perform a valuable service for people who care about their horses. It’s important to be trustworthy and do the job right.

Let me share a true story. A stone mason was laying very large stones for the walls of a large church building. One of the stones had a crack on the very inside of the stone. The foreman, a master mason, came by and looked at it and said, “There’s a crack in that stone.” The mason said, “I know it, but it’s on the inside. It’ll be covered up with plaster, and no one will ever see it. No one will ever know it’s there.” The master craftsman said, “Take it out. There are already three people that know it’s there.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you know it, and I know it, and the Lord knows it. That’s who we‘re building this building for. Take it out.”

I’ve thought about that a lot. Sometimes when you’re working on a horse and you make a mistake, you see it and nobody else does. It still needs to be fixed.

When I was working for a man who trained some national champion Saddlebred horses, one time I received the nicest compliment, I think, I was ever given by anyone. He said he would be back in a little while, and I asked him if he didn’t want to stay and watch me to make sure I was doing it right. He said, “No, I don’t worry about you because I know you can’t do it wrong. You can’t leave here if it’s wrong because you’ll have to fix it because you won’t be satisfied with it.”

I think that was one of the nicest compliments I ever got.

If your standard is high enough, when you please yourself, you’ll please everyone else.

I believe the NC Tool hoof knife is the best value for the money.  They come sharp and are easy to keep sharp.  And they are relatively inexpensive to replace.  I think the best hoof knives in the market are Ringel knives.  I use them in my work, for they are made of high quality steel.  They are concave ground and will last for many years.  You have to sharpen them less than most knives.  They are solidly built and don’t come loose from the handles.  I like the custom made bone handles the best.  To save your knife, use a loop knife on the frog only.  You can use half-round nippers for dry frogs and soles to preserve your sharp knife.  I sharpen my knife occasionally with a chain saw file and dress them daily with a diamond hone.