Hoof Care Articles
Kick him in the belly
Have you ever seen a horse being beat on while it’s being shod? A horse acts up while shoeing and someone says kick him in the belly! Or smacks him with a rasp! While I can appreciate a horse owner approving of disciplining their animal, hitting them rarely, if ever,...
Is a high nail a happy nail or a hot nail?
Have you ever experienced your horse becoming lame because of a hot nail? Chances are that you have, and unless it’s caught quickly, it usually abscesses and sidelines your horse until it’s resolved. It’s more common than it probably should be, although some horses...
Hot shoeing is a reason to charge more money
Have you ever heard it said that hot shoeing is unnecessary, useless, and outdated? Some have asked, “Why make or modify a shoe when you can buy anything you need?” I grew up ranching in South Dakota, and I was taught that hot shoeing is totally unnecessary and only...
Don’t skip the pony
Who’s got a miniature pony? Everybody needs at least one. They can be a lot of fun to have around for young kids, serve as a companion pony, or even as a cute pasture ornament. As much fun as ponies can be, they require a certain amount of special care. As you might...
Trimming & Shoeing Clinic continues to expand in Dupree, SD
Trimming & Shoeing Clinic continues to expand in Dupree, SD Over the week of June 18, 2018, two Olsen Equine clinics were held in Dupree, SD. Eighteen participants from as far away as Hardin, MT and Hazen, ND, and from nearby Dupree and Eagle Butte, SD....
Increased lower leg injuries: Are we breeding them that way?
Have you ever noticed all the problems and issues that today’s horses seem to have with lower leg injuries? I’ve seen a growing number of horses experience these types of injuries. I’ll admit that we do ask a lot of our horses, and that accidents and bad shoeing...
My Horse Threw a Shoe
Have you ever had a horse lose a shoe? Chances are, that if you have ever had a shod horse you’ve most likely experienced the frustrations that come with a thrown shoe. Whose fault is it? Is it because the farrier did a poor job applying the shoe? That’s usually where...
I Want a Second Opinion
Have you ever had to make a big decision and known in your heart you were right, only to find out later you were wrong? I don’t care who you are or what you do, if it hasn’t happened yet, it will. I believe one of the most valuable things you can do is get a second...
America Needs Us!
Do you remember that time when you were out in public and ran into a rude person? You know, the guy or lady that ruined your day or gave it their best shot? Did you ever wonder why they had to be like that? I think it’s important to be nice to everyone, especially...
Don’t Tell Me How to Do My Job
Have you ever experienced someone taking offense at being told how they were supposed to do something? I have witnessed it a lot, and it can especially true with farriers. I’ve heard people complain about how a horse owner insisted on a certain way to shoe the horse,...
Set Yourself Up for Success
Have you ever looked at a terrible shoeing and thought to yourself, “That horse must be hard to shoe?” Usually, the first reaction seems to question what the farrier did wrong or what he could have done better. You rarely hear anything about how bad the situation may...
Don’t Touch the Heels!
Have you ever heard others complain that, "My farrier cut all the heel off?" Or perhaps you’ve even said yourself, "Don't touch the heels, that's how the last guy crippled him." I'm sure I have at least thousands of times. It's a misconception, however, to think that...
Hoof Care Neglect
Hoof Care Neglect, as published in the Dally Times, March 2017 In my experience, hoof care neglect is one of the worst things that can happen to your horse. When the foot grows too long, it creates a lot of leverage and stress. This stress causes hoof distortion,...
Chris Cox: Caring for Your Horse’s Feet
Chris Cox Horsemanship Caring for your Horses' Feet Our horses in today's world are being limited to smaller acreage for grazing, or even stalled. I feel over the years, horses' hooves have changed for the worse. Line breeding does play a big part in the factor of...
Adding an extended heels to sliders
Professional Development
Professional Development with World Champion Blacksmiths Lee was working on his forging skills at the World Championship Blacksmiths' winter clinic at Flatland forge, Midland, TX, this January 14-15, 2017. Professional development is both a priority and and investment...
Offering two clinics in South Dakota
This June, Olsen Equine will be offering two shoeing and trimming clinics in Dupree, SD. Attendees can choose from two five-day sessions: June 19-23, and June 26-30. CRST Members are welcomed to apply for a partial to full financial assistance. For more details,...
2017 Shoeing & Trimming Clinics
I am very pleased to offer 5 day shoeing and trimming clinics. In that time you will learn how to safely and confidently trim and shoe your own horses. Basic anatomy, conformation, and horsemanship will all be covered as well. It will be a week that will truly change...
2016 Shoeing Clinic
This past May, Olsen Equine held a shoeing and trimming clinic in Dupree, SD. The clinic was a helpful time of learning for many, and plans are being made for a 2017 event. Stay tuned for details to come!
Olsen Equine featured in Superlooper and Dally Times
Lee Olsen was recently featured in the Superlooper and Dally Times Enjoy reading the full article! If You Think Hiring a Good Farrier Is Expensive, Try Hiring a Bad One! Have you ever heard that a farrier didn’t stand a horse up enough? Or maybe that he cut all of...
