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June 2009 Guest Farrier Journal Entry
Communication Amongst Farriers – It’s About Time
Guest Farrier Corey Minnick, CJF
June 30, 2009
I would like to thank Mike for opening up this venue to both myself and those whom stumble across this website while surfing the information superhighway. I hope it will be a service to horse owners and the horses they care for.
The sharing of information is a relatively new concept in the world of farriery. Not all that long ago when farriers bumped into one another in a barn all work came to a screeching halt. This was to insure that the “competition” didn’t catch a sneak peek at the way you trim a foot or shape a shoe for a particular application.
Farriers of yesteryear viewed each other as competitors, rather than colleagues. Lack of communication was running rampant. The learning curve created by this practice made farriers struggle with any one of their problems for all too long, usually until said individual figured out a solution by trial and error. This unnecessary trial and error meant horses were deprived of reaching their full potential.
Through groups like the American Farriers Association and partnerships like those with the American Association of Equine Practitioners, communication lines were opened and friendships were forged.
With events such as conventions, clinics, wet labs, contests, and demonstrations, farriers and veterinarians alike finally had a venue to educate each other and be educated by people from all points of the country and the world.
As for myself, (and I think I can speak for Mike also), I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and skill in this profession. This is my profession, not a hobby, not just a job. As for the horse owning public, seek out a farrier that is talented and has a passion for learning. That is if Mike or myself is not already providing your farrier services. Your horse will thank you.
-Corey
Bio:
Corey Minnick is an AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier based in Hagerstown, Md. He is President of the Maryland Farriers Association - a chapter of the AFA and runs a full book of Pleasure, Hunter Jumper, Dressage, 3 Day Event, and Endurance Horses .
Related Article: Horse Farrier Interview - Corey Minnick
From The Equinest
