Volume 1, Issue 5 / September 2000
VHA's Second Annual Founder Clinic Held at Dr. John Sangenerio's Veterinary Clinic in Suffolk, this clinic was a smashing success! Dennis Butler and Blaine Chapman (of Lubbock, TX) organized this helpful event. First we has a slide show with excellent commentary by Mr. Chapman, then they brought in the horses. We examined an overweight Paso Fino who was shod with aluminum heart-bars and a hospital plate and discussed the importance of having thick, cresty necked horses tested to make sure their thyroid is functioning properly. Often a significant cut in feed intake is recommended. Next, we looked at a seven year-old Arabian who had a detodamy (cutting the deep flexor tendon). This may seem an extreme procedure but this, as well as a hoof resection at the dorsel wall, was necessary because of the severity of the founder. Finally, the horse was shod with a heart-bar shoe and hospital plate. Mr. Chapman commented that feed reduction in this case could do more harm than good. Time was running out, so Mark Ingram and Butch Hockaday shod the third horse with heart-bars, while Mr. Chapman kept working on the second one. All three horses walked away sound after being brought in lame, but the Arabian's turnaround was phenomenal. The owners, who had despaired, were amazed and grateful. As I glanced about the room, chatting with other farriers, their wives, and the horse owners, I could not help but notice how this particular clinic had everyone's attention riveted. All this in a facility that was second to none! Everyone should make an effort to attend the 2001 clinic.
From the Iron Age to the Internet Although in past issues, we have celebrated the "low-tech" nature of out work, in this issue I would like to invite some of you to explore the world of computer-technology and the Internet. The latest technology can't replace us, but it can help us to educate ourselves further and share information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at a low cost. We create things to meet particular needs with our forge, hammer and anvil. The word processor is also a tool for creation. With a computer and an Internet connection we can not only organize our business more efficiently, we can communicate with farriers around the world. Actually, to get on the Internet, you don't even need a full-size computer with word-processing. Companies like I-Opener offer a small screen & keyboards for as little as $99. Once you get a computer, you don't even have to pay for Internet access since there are several companies that provide free access and free email accounts. Prices are coming down as the technology grows. If you feel resistant, imagine how much more difficult your business would be without the telephone. When it first come out, many people refused to use phone technology. The Internet is much the same: a new technology, once learned, can empower us and enrich our lives. Lately I've been having email discussions with farriers across the country and learning quite a lot. When I asked whether they felt computer/internet was worthwhile for the farrier, here is what they said: "I think the internet is one of the greatest tools to come along for the farrier. I also think that Baron Taylors web site www.horseshoes.com is the best on the net." Ray Miller, Wisconsin farrier w/40 years experience. "Absolutely! You can learn a ton. You can keep up with what’s going on in the local, regional, national, and international farrier associations. You can answer email at midnight or at 5:00 a.m. and not worry about waking someone up. Many of your clients will appreciate it. And, from the number of unsolicited contacts I get, I would suspect that it would be a great form of advertising if you were looking for clients." Dan Child, Indiana farrier w/28 years of experience. Fran Jurga of Massachusetts gave a report to the Farrier Industry Association meeting in Fort Worth, Texas last year and found that from 1997-1999 there has been a large increase in the number of farriers using the Internet. I’m still learning how to use this amazing tool and I expect I always will be but I’m happy to share what I know. The best way to learn is to do. Most computer whiz-kids I know learned from playing around, trial and error. Why not try it yourself? It opens a whole new world of possibility. |
