The right farrier for you is a certified, continuously educated professional who prioritizes your horse's long-term soundness, communicates well, and operates on a reliable schedule. Key indicators include a gentle demeanor with your horse, custom, proactive hoof care rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach, and constructive, honest communication.

Here is how to evaluate if your farrier is the right fit:

• Professionalism & Education: Look for American Farrier Association (AFA) certification (e.g., CF or CJF) and evidence of continuing education, as the best farriers are constantly learning.
• Skill & Approach: A skilled farrier should not be trimming the hoof to fit the shoe; instead, they should be balancing the hoof to the horse's conformation. They should be knowledgeable about modern techniques and not use a generic, one-size-fits-all approach.
• Horse Behavior: They should be patient, gentle, and "horse savvy," handling your animal safely and minimizing stress.
• Communication & Reliability: Good communication is vital. They should be willing to explain their methods, discuss your horse's needs, and arrive when scheduled, or communicate delays promptly.
• Trust and Teamwork: A good farrier will act as a partner, often collaborating with your veterinarian, and not be offended if you ask for a second opinion on a difficult issue.

Signs it might be time for a new farrier:

• They refuse to discuss the horse's needs, according to the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative website.

Read more: Does the Shoe Fit? Farrier Frustration – Is Your Shoer the Right One for Your Horse?

Purchasing a new saddle? Excitement, commence! Take a gander at these five helpful Q&As, answered by our friends, Circle Y, to help you in this process.

1. Are there different kinds of Western saddles?

There are many different types of Western saddles to suit your specific discipline, including saddles made for trail riding, barrel racing, roping, and showing. Learn about the different types of Western saddles produced and the differences in each.

2. How should riders sit on, or in, the saddle?

A saddle with a 4 ½” or 5” cantle provides a deep, secure seat. A saddle with a 2 ½”, 3”, 3 ½” cantle will feel more open to the rider.

3. Which saddle seat size is preferred by riders?

Seat size for the rider definitely varies on personal preference and discipline, with seat sizes ranging from 10” (kids) to 18” and half sizes also available. In general, for seat size, you should allow for four inches between the front of your body when you're sitting comfortably and the swell of the saddle. For speed events and roping, a tighter fit is preferred. For trail riding, sizing a half size up is usually preferred rather than snug.

4. How much can Western saddles weigh?

Western saddles can range in weight from 20 to 50 pounds, so depending on rider preference and strength, this aspect can be important when purchasing a new Western saddle.

5. Which saddle tree size will best fit my horse?

Professional saddle fitters are available in the industry to study your horse for a sure fit; however, here are some general guidelines to help you in making this decision.

• Horses with a narrow, defined wither are best suited for a Medium tree
• Horses with a wide, with slightly defined, wither are best suited for a Wide tree
• Horses that are Mutton withered, with a big shoulder, should best fit a Foundation wide
• Horses with a really wide back and wither are best suited for an Extra wide

See a wide selection of saddles and tack available.

Additional resources:

All photos courtesy of Valley Vet.

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Classic Equine removes the guesswork from leg protection, so you can spend more time riding and enjoying a healthy, happy horse. Provided by Equibrand

Horses are designed to move. That's something all horse owners understand (sometimes a little too well). In the wild, they rely on their legs to make quick, powerful movements to get to safety quickly. When you're riding them, they move similarly, but often we ask them to do those same movements more precisely and intensely (especially when they're training for intense rodeos, races, and shows). The quick turns, sliding stops, and the power needed to move out to a dead run can put a lot of stress on their legs if you're not careful.

That's where leg protection comes in.

Leg protection should be one of the first things you consider before swinging a leg over your equine partner. At Classic Equine, we understand that education is key to ensuring long-term health and success for you and your horse. Here are some ways our extensive line of boots can provide the ultimate protection for your horse.

Splint Bone Protection and Support

Horses have two splint bones on each leg, the medial and lateral, to support the cannon bone, stabilize the leg, attach ligaments and tendons, and help absorb impact during movement.

Boots known as ?splint boots? help protect from blows and crossfire injuries under saddle and support soft tissue structures of the lower limbs. Some boots are built primarily for protection, others for support, and some are designed to do both. Regardless of what you're looking for, Classic Equine's got your horse covered.

• ClassicFit

  The only sling-style boot on the market with an outer strike pad for superior protection. Instead of being sewn on the inside of the boot, it is positioned on the outer part of the pad and protects the medical side of the cannon bone. Lightweight and flexible, it allows natural movement while providing support.

  Quick and easy to put on, it's got an ergonomic design and bound edges to keep the dirt out.

• Legacy2

  Known for the original, patented Cradle Fetlock System, the iconic Legacy2 sports medicine boot provides both protection from crossfire injuries and support. It's the only boot on the market with an inner splint pad, with a neoprene ridge designed to fit between the cannon bone and supporting ligaments and soft tissue to help prevent the boot from turning.

  The boot mimics the horse's natural anatomy, supporting the suspensory ligaments. This is Classic Equine's best-selling and most trusted product among professionals. With a tough, ballistic material that protects the fetlocks and hook and loops that securely keep everything in place, this boot is ready to be put to work.

• Flexion by Legacy2

  An evolution of the innovative Legacy2 boot, now featuring individual abrasive-resistant cells on the cradle that supports the fetlock. These cells allow independent movement and stretching with each stride.

  Like the original Legacy2, it incorporates the patented Cradle Fetlock System, offering protection and support. The separate abrasive-resistant cells enhance stretchability, which lets you get a tighter, more secure fit. It supports the fetlock without restricting movement and maintains a snug, clean fit to keep dirt out. This boot is very form-fitting, flexible, and a favorite across all Western disciplines.

• AirWave Classic Splint

  This splint boot is specifically designed to keep your horse's legs cool while providing protection. Its perforated foam body draws heat away, and the durable, flexible mesh cover offers extra toughness where needed. Lightweight and simple to put on, it promotes airflow to prevent muscle fatigue from overheating.

  The leather splint pad is paired with shock-absorbing nitrate lining for added protection. Ideal for young horses, beginners, or for light exercise.

• ProTech Splint and Hind

  Available in both front and hind versions, this hard-shell protective splint boot was the first on the market in 2006. The front pair features a hard-shell splint pad and tendon guards that are strategically positioned to protect the inner splint bone, fetlock, and surrounding soft tissues, while still allowing airflow through the soft jersey lining. The hind boots were designed as skid boots, with a hard-shell cup protecting the fetlock and extended protection up the leg.

Overreach Protection

When your horse gets to going fast or is still figuring out where his feet are, he risks his hind foot sticking the back of the front foot, called "overreach." Aside from the annoyance of pulling a shoe, this can cause serious injury to sensitive areas of his heel and pastern.

This is where bell boots come into play.

• DyNo Turn

  Classic Equine's #1 selling bell boot. If you've ever put a pair of these on, you know there is a small wedge inside the back of the boot. It's designed to fit into the natural indentation of the horse's pastern. This contoured shape keeps the boot in a place to protect the hoof, heels, coronet band, and surrounding structures through strenuous maneuvers.

  Made from 2520 denier DynoHyde material, these boots are tough. The reinforced double hook-and-loop strap closures secure the boot in place for consistent protection. Also available with fleece lining for horses that need added protection from deep sand or have longer pasterns.

• Flexion No Turn

  An evolution of the original DyNo Turn, this bell boot features added flexion material on the back, resulting in the most technologically advanced bell boot on the market. This added honeycomb protection provides impressive strike concussion protection. It still features the same dense, shock-absorbing center and a soft jersey lining as the original.

Healthy Legs=Happy Horse

Muscle fatigue often leads to injury, and excessive heat can quickly cause fatigue. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of how long your horse's boots stay on, as they should only be used when necessary, not for the entire day.

After your ride, be sure to rinse your boots to wash away sweat, dirt, and grime. This simple step helps prolong their life and keeps them ready for your next ride. Once they are all dry, keep them organized in a Boot Accessory Tote.

Clean boots mean happier, healthier horses!

Whether for horse, livestock or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our Classic Equine products at ValleyVet.com.

All photos courtesy of Valley Vet.

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