Don't Forget Your Hard-Working Farrier During National Farriers Week July 7 to 13

Brookfield, Wis.- There aren't a lot of guarantees in life, but your farrier working as hard as possible to ensure the health of your horse is certainly one of them. Sometimes farriers don't get the recognition they rightfully deserve, which is why American Farriers Journal is sponsoring National Farriers Week from July 7 to 13, 2002.

With the temperatures soaring and the weather sweltering, July is the perfect time to take a minute to thank your farrier for all the back-breaking work he or she does. If it wasn't for your farrier, your horse wouldn't be able to run, jump or trot at the level that you expect. Just think about how much time a farrier spends to better your horse's well being. Throughout the year, shoers attend numerous shows, clinics and conferences trying to find out the latest in equine health. All of these educational events come at their own expense. And, don't forget the shoeing rig or trailer that rolls onto your driveway. Maintaining that professional image while keeping the rig well stocked is not cheap.

While National Farriers Week is about giving your farrier a needed pat on the back, it's also about understanding the issues facing your shoer. Farriers don't have all the answers when it comes to caring for each individual horse, and horse owners don't always know what the farrier is doing for the horse. This is why communication between the two parties is critical. Neither side can be expected to know everything, which is why establishing lines of communication will only better your horse's health.

The key is to continue the communication and the interaction with your shoer when National Farriers Week is completed. Use this week as a springboard for the rest of the year. Your farrier, and your horse, will certainly appreciate it.