Larson Farrier Service LLC

11/03/2025

Why does hoof growth slow down during the winter?

The short answer: When horses are cold, they tend not to move as much. Less movement means less blood flow, and therefore slows hoof growth.

The long answer: In the winter, the blood vessels in the limbs constrict slightly to keep more blood in the core of the body. When you couple this with the shorter days, which influence our horses metabolism and hormone cycles, and people not riding and possibly even turning their horses out less, this reduced vascular stimulation to their feet tends to slow growth.

08/09/2025

If you're always striving from greatness, even your stumbles will land you ahead of where you started.

We sure are enjoying these cooler days hope everyone having g a great weekend.

07/18/2025

Horse hooves grow about 1/4 inch per month and it takes nearly a year for a full new hoof to grow from the coronet band to the ground.

07/07/2025

It’s the crooked fence and the knotted wood that make the land feel lived in — beauty’s never been about straight lines.

06/20/2025

"Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can." -Arthur Ashe

05/29/2025

Ain’t much in this world tougher than a horse’s hoof — worn by miles, hardened by work, and still steady under the weight of the ride.

04/22/2025

A sound hoof is the quiet foundation beneath wild hearts and endless journeys.

01/12/2023

07/18/2020

Thrush is an anaerobic bacterial infection which affects the frog and deep central sulcus of the foot. If left untreated, advanced cases of thrush can cause prolonged discomfort and sometimes lameness. The main causes of thrush include,

-A wet environment, often as a consequence of certain seasons throughout the year.

-Hoof quality, which correlates with proper hoof care. This includes regularly picking out your horses feet and maintaining an appropriate routine trimming schedule.

-Nutrition, whereas a deficiency or imbalance can contribute to a weakened hoof structure. A strong hoof is less vulnerable to pathologies.

Does your horse have thrush? You’re not alone. According to 2018 American Farriers Journal Farrier Benchmark Study, “some 52% of farriers indicated they see thrush on a weekly basis throughout the year in their footcare practice.” Thankfully, although thrush is not always easily prevented, there are numerous effective strategies to treat the infection at any stage in its development.

04/28/2020

Hot Shoeing

According to the 2018 American Farriers Journal Farrier Benchmark Study, 73% of full-time farriers hot fit shoes on the majority of the horses they work with. Hot shoeing is widely believed to keep healthier hooves.

A hot shoe instantly kills bacteria in the area it is being fitted. Although not a cure, hot fitting can make a notable impact in minor anaerobic bacterial / fungal cases such as in the early stages of White Line Disease.

The hoof wall consists of tubules. Hot fitting essentially cauterizes these freshly cut tubules after trimming, “sealing” the foot. This “seal” aids the hoof in keeping its ideal moisture content in both dry and wet environmental conditions.

Burning a shoe / clip into the hoof wall creates a seamless fit. Hot fitting is not a substitute for properly flattening the shoe or foot, but ensures a precision “lock” between hoof and steel that can not otherwise be achieved by cold fitting a shoe.

04/11/2020

Old Founder Cases

Founder, described as the displacement (sinking or rotation) of the coffin bone, is a crippling disease with long-term impacts. In the initial stages, both medical and mechanical treatments are necessary for responsible diagnosis and continuing care.

These pictures are the before and after of this particular horses’ second appointment. At her first appointment with Larson Farrier Service, she was presented with excess “rocker-type” growth and AAEP grade 4 lameness.

Reportedly, this horse foundered out at pasture as a filly with no suspected recurrences. With excellent continuing care she went on to have a successful show career. Now, returning to regular quality trimming, combined with careful observation / nutritional maintenance from her devoted and knowledgeable owner, she can live comfortably well into her retirement years.

04/02/2020

A heartfelt thank-you to our clients and friends during this difficult and uncertain time.

Our commitment has been and will continue to be the utmost care for our clients in every way. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns, we are happy to accommodate the best we can.