In the equestrian world, the role of a farrier is indispensable. Farriers are skilled craftsmen and women who specialize in equine hoof care, encompassing the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves, if necessary. This age-old profession blends art, science, and a deep love for animals, ensuring that horses maintain optimal hoof health and performance. For those drawn to this unique career path, choosing the right school is the first step toward mastering the craft. In this blog post, we'll trot through some of the best farrier schools in the USA, wher ..read more

In the world of equine care, precision, safety, and efficiency are not just goals—they are necessities. For professionals dedicated to maintaining the health and performance of horses, every tool in their arsenal plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives. Among these essential tools, the hoof stand stands out (pun intended!) as a game-changer for farriers and hoof care specialists. And when it comes to selecting the best hoof stand on the market, the Hoof-it Blacksmith model is unparalleled. Here’s why incorporating a hoof stand into your hoof care business is a smart move and why the ..read more

Nutrition Tips for Stronger Hooves As a horse owner, you understand the significance of proper nutrition for your equine partner, overall health and well-being. However, did you know that a well-balanced diet contributes to strong and healthy hooves? In this blog, we will discuss nutrients and dietary tips that contribute to stronger hooves. Quality Forage as the Foundation High-quality forage, such as grass and hay, should form the foundation of your horse's diet. Forage provides essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for hoof health.  Protein for Hoof Gr ..read more

A horse "frog" infection refers to an infection of the soft tissue structures found on the underside of a horse's hoof, known as the frog. The frog is an important structure that helps to absorb shock and distribute weight during locomotion. Frog infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria and fungi that thrive in moist environments, such as the environment found inside a horse's hoof. These infections can cause the frog to become swollen, tender, and produce a foul-smelling discharge. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other structures of the hoof and lead to lameness. Preve ..read more

HOOF-it® has recently announced the global launch of its latest eco-friendly product, the HOOF-it® Blacksmith© Eco© Hoof Stand, made from Arboform®, which is known as "liquid wood." The Blacksmith Eco is a sustainable alternative to the traditional polypropylene hoof stands and is made from 100% renewable raw, biodegradable materials. A hoof stand is an essential tool for the hoof care and shoe fitting work of horses, as it allows farriers to work on hooves without having to hold them. Historically, HOOF-it® has produced polypropylene stands with glass fiber, but founder and owner Heinz D ..read more

Horses are highly social animals and have complex communication systems that rely heavily on body language and herd dynamics. Understanding horse behavior is important for anyone who works with horses, whether as a rider, trainer, farrier or caretaker. In this blog post, we'll explore the basics of horse behavior, including communication, body language, and herd dynamics. Communication: Horses communicate with each other using a variety of visual and auditory signals. These include ear position, tail movement, vocalizations, and body posture. For example, a horse with ears forward and tail rel ..read more

Strong and healthy hooves are crucial to a horse's overall wellbeing, and proper nutrition plays a significant role in achieving this. In this blog post, we'll discuss the essential nutrients for maintaining healthy hooves and provide tips for feeding your horse a balanced diet to support their hoof health. Components of a Horse's Hoof: A horse's hoof is primarily made up of protein, specifically keratin, and connective tissue. These structures are responsible for the strength, durability, and shock absorption of the hoof. To maintain healthy hooves, a horse's diet must contain the necessary n ..read more

Hoof care is an important aspect of horse management, and regular trimming and maintenance are crucial to keeping a horse's hooves healthy and strong. While many horse owners opt to hire a professional farrier to handle their horse's hoof care, some may wonder if they can do it themselves. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of DIY hoof care and help you determine if it's right for you and your horse. Pros of DIY Hoof Care: Cost savings: Hiring a professional farrier can be expensive, and DIY hoof care can possibly save you money in the long run.  Convenience: If you h ..read more

Hoof care in horses is a crucial aspect of horse health management. Neglecting proper hoof care can lead to severe and painful hoof problems, which can ultimately cause lameness and even euthanasia in extreme cases. At HOOF-it, we understand the importance of good hoof care in horses and provide expert hoof care products to ensure your horse's hooves remain healthy and sound. Understanding Hoof Anatomy Before delving into hoof care, it is crucial to understand the anatomy of the hoof. The horse's hoof is a complex structure made up of three main parts: the outer hoof wall, the sole, and ..read more

Spring is a great time to take extra care of your horse after the long winter months. Here are some tips for spring horse care: Check your horse's overall health: Spring is a good time to have your horse's overall health checked by a veterinarian. This can include a dental check-up, deworming, and vaccinations. Grooming: Your horse's winter coat may be shedding, so it's important to groom your horse regularly to help remove loose hair, dirt, and dander. This can also help to prevent skin conditions and improve circulation. Feeding: As the weather warms up, your horse's nutritional needs ..read more