The Winning Edge Farrier

10/01/2026

09/18/2026

Boo got some toe clips and a new set of shoes Wednesday

09/09/2026

Why Is the FARRIER Always to Blame?

There are countless variables involved in the care, comfort, soundness, and performance of a horse. Yet, strangely, when something isn’t right, the feet are often the last thing examined. On the other hand, when a horse isn’t performing well, the farrier is often the first person blamed.

When something isn’t right, owners may work through numerous treatments, modalities, and equine professionals before the feet are seriously considered. The farrier is often the last professional asked to help but when a horse becomes uncomfortable or isn’t performing well, the farrier is somehow the first person blamed.

It’s an interesting contradiction: last to be consulted, but first to be blamed.

Sometimes there is a problem involving the feet, and that absolutely needs to be addressed. But the condition of a horse’s feet is influenced by far more than what happens during a farrier appointment.

Environment, nutrition, turnout, footing, workload, conformation, previous injuries, underlying pathology, shoeing or trimming cycles, owner compliance, and overall husbandry all play a role. A farrier cannot control wet or dry conditions, manage the horse between appointments, correct inadequate husbandry, or account for injuries and medical information they were never told about.

A farrier can only make informed decisions based on the horse standing in front of them and the information they have been given.

That is why blame is such a slippery slope. It narrows our focus, damages professional relationships, and often delays finding the real source of the problem.

The question shouldn’t be, “Whose fault is this?”

It should be, “What variables are contributing to this, and how can we work together to help the horse?”

The best outcomes happen when owners, farriers, veterinarians, and other equine professionals communicate openly, share information, and approach the situation as a team.

Because when everyone is focused on assigning blame, the horse loses.

When everyone is focused on finding answers, the horse has a much better chance.

Blame divides.
Communication finds answers.
Let’s do better.

08/19/2026

When your horse is broken you fix him; when you’re broken he fixes you 🐴🐴

07/10/2026

We Saved the Best for Last! 😎

We’re sending one farrier a free 2027 AFA Convention registration in Mobile, Alabama!

Know someone who deserves to be there? An apprentice, mentor, or fellow farrier who’s putting in the work and pushing the trade forward?
👇Drop their name in the comments and tell us why they deserve to be there. We’d love to see a photo and hear a short story or tribute celebrating their journey in the farrier trade.

We’re looking to spotlight the people who make this industry stronger every day—and give one of them an unforgettable Convention experience!!

🗓️ Winner will be selected at random and announced at the end of Farriers Week.
Let’s keep celebrating the craft, the community, and the people behind it all 🙌

06/24/2026

Archie 2020 when I first stated shoeing him to today 2026