A respected equine vet and farrier have joined forces to produce this much-needed manual on the art and science of shoeing horses.
The coverage starts with a brief history of farriery, and moves on to look at the legalities of the job and how to control equines for trimming and shoeing.
The authors describe in detail the care and maintenance of the forge and farriery tools, as well as the anatomy and function of the horse, especially that relating to the lower limbs and feet. The principles of foot balance and gait, including assessing foals, are discussed and illustrated in full, along with innovations and fashions in shoeing. The process of shoeing a horse – removing shoes, trimming, and fitting new shoes – is described in detail and accompanied by step-by-step photos.
Shoe making and specialised shoes (including variations of conventional shoes, bar shoes, extension shoes, preventers and surgical shoes) are given in-depth treatment, and there is an extensive chapter on lameness and disease relevant to farriery.
Throughout, the book is embellished with hundreds of specially taken photos and explanatory line drawings in colour, giving additional clarity to the authors’ clear text.
Unrivalled in its scope, this book is a valuable work of reference for working farriers everywhere, and essential reading for trainee farriers and vets. It will also appeal to horse professionals and interested horse owners.
Hardback.