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Lone Wolf Farrier Services, Kearney, NE (2026)

08/05/2026

"Wisdom Wednesday"

SOME LESSONS PACK A PUNCH
Before I went to horseshoeing school, I trimmed horses on my own and learned whatever I could along the way. Looking back, I realize I had a lot more determination than experience, and more confidence than good sense.

Back then, I often worked with horses that others stayed away from. If someone said a horse was difficult, I wanted to give it a shot. If they said nobody could trim it, I was even more interested. I felt proud when I could handle problems others wouldn’t. Most of the time, things went well, but not always.

One hot, humid day, I drove out to a remote farm. The air was thick and still, and just standing outside was tiring. The owner said there was a tough mare to do last, so I brought a cowboy friend with me in case I needed help.

By the time I got to the mare, I was hot, tired, and just wanted to be done. I managed her front feet with only a little trouble. When I moved to her back feet, she gave a few warning kicks. They weren’t too bad, but they made me pay attention.

I used a cotton rope and worked with her back feet until she settled down. My friend asked if he should keep the rope on and stay close. I told him, "No, she'll be alright."

I took off the rope and walked back to her hind end. I didn’t even get a chance to pick up her foot. I had one hand on her hip when she suddenly pushed into me. I pushed back instinctively. At that same moment, I felt her hip shift underneath my arm.

I knew right away what was about to happen. There was no time to get out of the way. I just clenched my teeth and braced for a kick to the thigh, but that’s not where she aimed. She twisted her whole body as she kicked. One hoof hit me under the jaw, the other near my belt line.

What I recollected was taking a few steps back and then lying down because the pain was so intense. Others said the impact sounded like a shotgun. People saw me stumble back into a nearby panel, slide down to the ground, curl up tight, and then suddenly go limp. Some thought I was dead. They couldn’t find a pulse, and if I was breathing, it was so shallow they couldn’t tell.

They let the mare go while everyone tried to figure out what to do with an unconscious farrier in the middle of nowhere.

Eventually, I managed to answer someone kneeling next to me who asked a question. I thought it was the only thing he said, but he later told me he had asked at least 20 questions before I responded.

Past the gasping for air, the first thing I remember seeing when I opened my eyes was an open can of beer and my inhaler on the ground next to my face. Apparently, beer was part of my friend’s emergency medical plan. I still tease him about it, saying, “I was there at the pearly gates, then I heard a beer can open. I told St. Peter I’d have to get back with them because I couldn’t leave an open can of beer.”

When I finally stood up, my friend gave me the biggest hug I’ve ever had. He looked at me like he’d seen a ghost. "Don’t you ever scare me like that again!" he said.

While everyone was trying to figure out how badly I was hurt, I had only one question: "Where’s that damn horse?" They told me they had let her go. I told them to bring her back. I didn’t care about finishing the trim or proving anything. What worried me was what lesson she might have learned. If she learned that kicking made people go away, the next farrier, or even her owner, could be in even greater danger.

After a lot of convincing, they brought her back. This time, it was clear what she wanted to do. She wasn’t just giving warning kicks anymore. She was serious.

My friend and I had to lay her down so I could do a “mock trim.” Even with him holding her legs, she still managed to kick my hand before we finished.

Looking back, I know I was very lucky in a very bad situation. She kicked me square in the jaw but didn’t break anything or even chip a tooth. I still don’t know how I walked away. My jaw was a bit crooked afterward, though. Later, when I finally got the courage, I had a chiropractor realign it, and I don’t recommend that experience!

For months after that, I stopped trimming horses. My body healed, but the questions stayed with me. I had wanted to go to horseshoeing school for a while, but money was tight and, honestly, I was scared. Getting hurt once is one thing. Making a living standing next to a huge animal that could hurt you any day is something else, especially when you need that paycheck.

For the first time, I really questioned if I wanted to do this at all, whether part-time, full-time, or anything in between. But as the months went by, I found myself drawn back to horses. I did a trim here and there, and before long, I was working again
That’s when I realized something important. For years, I worried that if I committed to horseshoeing full-time, one bad accident would end everything before I ever had a chance to build a career. Ironically, the very thing I feared happened before I even started. Yet here I was, still being drawn back to horses.

That’s when I understood that courage isn’t pretending the risks don’t exist. It’s acknowledging them, respecting them, and still choosing the path you believe is worth taking. Life is never guaranteed. We can’t always undo the choices we’ve made, but we can decide what those choices will teach us and how they’ll shape the ones we make next.

Strangely, the horse that almost ended my trimming career was also part of what started it. Sometimes, the hardships that nearly break us are the very things that shape who we become.

07/31/2026

"Find Out Friday"

TEST, DON’T GUESS
When we think about what our horses eat, we usually pay attention to hay, grains, and sometimes add supplements if we think something is missing.

But do we really know what’s actually in their food?

Testing your hay and grain can reveal their nutritional profile, including sugars, starches, protein, minerals, and more. This is especially helpful for horses with metabolic issues. Checking your water can reveal mineral imbalances or contaminants that could affect your horse’s health. You can usually use agricultural labs for these tests, or ask your veterinarian if they can send in hay or grain samples for you. When appropriate, your veterinarian may also recommend bloodwork to evaluate nutritional status, metabolic concerns, or other underlying health issues.

These tools can take away much of the guesswork when it comes to feeding and caring for your horse.
The goal is not to wait until problems show up. Instead, it’s about gathering information so you can make good decisions before small issues turn into big ones.

Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can add to your horse’s feeding program is not another supplement…

It is knowledge.

07/29/2026

"Wisdom Wednesday"

THE DONKEY JINGLE
Over the years, many kids came to ride with me. Most of them just wanted to get on a horse right away. They showed up excited and ready for adventure, thinking they'd hop straight into the saddle.

But instead, I gave them chores. If they wanted to be around the horses, they had to show they were willing to get their hands dirty first. That meant cleaning pens, picking up trash, fixing fence, grooming horses, hauling buckets, and doing almost every job except riding. Some kids lost interest when they realized riding wasn't the only thing we did. But the ones who stuck around were rewarded. After they showed they were willing to work, they got to ride often.

We had a lot of good times over the years. There were funny and exciting moments, and more than a few moments where a kid found themselves unexpectedly acquainted with the ground. Sometimes pride got bruised. Sometimes an elbow got scraped. It was all part of learning.

The funny thing is, while I taught those kids about horses, they taught me a lot too. Many started out shy, sitting stiff in the saddle and worrying about every move the horse made. I soon learned that the more a rider focused on their nerves, the more nervous they got.

So, I tried to distract them. Sometimes I gave them little tasks, like riding over to pick a cone off a branch or weaving through obstacles. Anything to get their minds off worrying. Sometimes I would sing, and before long, they would join in. I found that singing a catchy song was the quickest way to help someone relax in the saddle.

One song became a favorite. We sang it to the tune of the old Oscar Mayer bologna commercial.

It went like this:

"My donkey has a first name, it's A-N-G-E-L.
My donkey has a second name, it's D-E-V-I-L.
Ooohh I love to ride her every day,
And if you ask me why I'll say,
Because Angel has a way with B-U-C-K-I-N-G."

The song fit Angel perfectly. She was a good donkey, but she had a mischievous side that sometimes reminded riders not to get too comfortable.

I hadn't thought about that silly song in years. But recently, I talked with one of those former kid riders, who is now in her twenties. During our conversation, I asked if she remembered the old Angel jingle. She laughed and said, "I kind of remember it." I started singing to help her remember, and soon she was singing along too.

For a few moments, we weren't just two adults talking about life. We were back with the horses, the chores, the laughter, the dusty trails, and a donkey named Angel who occasionally lived up to the second half of her name.

At the time, the song didn’t seem important. It didn't change anyone's life. It was just a silly jingle we made up to pass the time and help riders relax. But often, those are the things that stay with us.

When people talk about memories, they usually think of the big moments—milestones, major accomplishments, and life-changing events. But sometimes, it's the small things that last the longest. A joke, a song, a nickname, or a story you've heard many times. The little parts of everyday life that seemed unimportant at the time. Years later, those small moments can take you back.

Sometimes all it takes is a few lines from a donkey jingle to remind us that the moments we thought were ordinary were quietly becoming some of life’s best memories.

07/24/2026

"Find Out Friday"

LOST IN TRANSLATION
Ever feel like your farrier or veterinarian is speaking another language? Don't worry—you aren't alone! These terms are not meant to sound complicated. They are a precise way to describe exactly where something is located. But they can sound confusing if you don’t use or hear them often.

Here are a few you'll hear most often:

● Medial – Toward the inside of the limb or hoof (closest to the horse's midline)
● Lateral – Toward the outside of the limb or hoof
● Dorsal – The front (toe side) of the hoof
● Proximal – Closer to the center of mass
● Distal – Furthest from the center of mass
● Solar – This term refers to the bottom, or sole, of the hoof. If your veterinarian or farrier mentions a solar abscess or solar bruise, they mean the sole of the foot.

The different ways we describe the "back" of the foot:

● Caudal – This means toward the back. It is often used to describe structures or pain found at the back of the hoof, like the caudal heel.
● Palmar (front feet only) – This refers to the back structures below the carpus (knee) of the front limb, including both the back and underside of the hoof.
● Plantar (hind feet only) – This is similar to palmar, but it is used for the hind leg below the tarsals (hock)

Many of the terms above are directional terms, meaning they describe a location instead of a specific body part. While this post focuses on the lower leg and hoof, words like medial, lateral, dorsal, proximal, and distal can be used for almost any part of the horse’s body.

These are just a handful of the terms you may hear equine professionals use. You may hear different names for the same structure depending on a person's education, specialty, region, or the age of the textbook they learned from.

For example:
- The coffin bone has many names that include third phalanx (P3), distal phalanx, and pedal bone.
- Older texts may refer to the navicular bone as the shuttle bone.

Remember, every knowledgeable equine professional had to start somewhere too. Learning the language of hoof care takes time, and there’s no shame in asking, “What does that mean?” Asking questions is one of the best ways to become a better advocate for your horse.

07/22/2026

"Wisdom Wednesday"

THE OLD COWBOY
Over the years, horses have taught me a lot. I’ve learned about timing, humility, patience, and how quickly a normal day can turn into something unexpected. They’ve also given me a few stories I still can’t quite explain.

One summer, I joined a group trail ride. Among the riders was a young girl, maybe twelve years old, riding a paint horse. Like most horse-crazy kids, she raced around with her loyal horse, explored every corner, and looked right at home in the saddle.

During the ride, we crossed an empty river bottom and slowly made our way up a bluff. There was a narrow cattle trail along the edge, but most of the riders decided to stay farther inland. It had rained a lot lately, and the ground near the edge didn’t seem safe.

No one noticed the young girl take the cattle trail, so nobody warned her to stay away from the edge. Suddenly, the ground beneath her horse collapsed.

One moment, she was riding right next to me. The next, she and her horse were sliding toward the edge.

I watched helplessly as she grabbed at the grass and dirt around her, trying to stop herself. I saw the fear in her eyes as she looked at me, desperate for help. I wasn’t fast enough to reach her, and even if I had been, it wouldn’t have mattered. The horse’s body pinned her as the sand kept collapsing beneath them.

Then, right in front of me, both the horse and the girl slipped over the edge of the bluff and disappeared, plunging nearly fifty feet into the dry river bottom below.

It all happened in seconds. I immediately jumped off my horse and ran to the edge. When I looked down, I saw the girl and her horse at the bottom. Miraculously, both were standing.

As I tried to decide whether I could safely get down the steep slope, I saw an old cowboy on a big red sorrel horse coming toward her from below. I remember thinking, “Go faster!” The horse wasn’t slow, but to me, every stride felt too slow.

The cowboy finally reached her and said, "Well, that was quite a fall. You and your horse okay?" The girl replied that the horse had fallen on her, but she thought she was alright.

Once we saw she had help, my friend and I encouraged the riders above to keep moving. Someone was already with her, and more people were coming to help. The last thing we needed was a group of people gathered watching and creating congestion on top of the bluff, so we moved on.

Later, we found out that both the girl and her horse were remarkably unharmed. That alone would have made the day unforgettable. I thought that was the end of the story, but it wasn’t.

A few weeks later, my friend and I saw some of the other riders at a gas station, where they were having coffee. We talked about what happened with the girl and asked who the old cowboy on the sorrel horse was, since he was the first to reach her.

They looked confused and said her stepfather was the first person to reach her. But we knew what her stepfather looked like, and it wasn’t him. Even stranger, her stepfather had come from a completely different direction than where my friend and I saw the old cowboy ride in from.

Later, someone showed us photos from that day. The photographer had a clear view of the riverbed and of where the girl fell. The pictures showed the girl, her horse, and the riders on the bluff above, including me near the edge. But there was no old cowboy on a sorrel horse in any of the photos.

Even now, I can’t explain it. I saw him clear as day; I heard every word he spoke to the girl. Maybe there’s an explanation, maybe not. All I know is what my friend and I witnessed.

After all my years with horses, I’ve learned that not every ride gives you answers.

Some rides just leave you with a memory you never outgrow.

07/17/2026

"Find Out Friday"

HOOF CARE ISN’T A SIMPLE EQUATION
We have access to more information than ever through books, videos, social media, podcasts, barn conversations, and AI. While this is valuable, no single source has all the answers, and not all information is accurate or evidence-based.

A key challenge in hoof care is that outcomes are rarely determined by a single factor. Genetics and conformation are important, but environment, weather, nutrition, workload, metabolic health, age, arthritis, and injury can all influence the horse between visits. As a result, the condition of the hoof at each appointment reflects weeks or months of growth and management, not just the most recent trim.

This complexity is why skilled hoof care professionals pursue ongoing education. Experience shows that a single visit rarely reveals the full picture, and several trim cycles may be needed before patterns become clear.

However, abundant information can also spread misinformation. Some recommendations are grounded in research and experience, while others are based on opinion, isolated cases, or rapidly spreading trends with little evidence. Certain methods may be harmless, but others can cause significant harm if applied without proper evidence or understanding of the individual horse. Maintaining healthy skepticism and a commitment to continual learning protects both horses and their caregivers.

Thoughtful hoof care means asking questions, evaluating the quality of information, and resisting the urge to follow every new trend. One of the best investments for your horse is to find a trusted farrier who pursues ongoing education, critically assesses new information, and values collaboration with other professionals. Since no one has all the answers, effective hoof care relies on teamwork and continuous learning.

Healthy hooves do not result from a single technique or universal approach. They come from understanding anatomy, considering the whole horse, and making informed decisions over time. Whether you are a horse owner or equine professional, stay curious, keep learning, and remember that healthy hooves are usually the result of many good decisions and favorable circumstances working together.

When a horse improves, it is rarely due to a single change. Effective trimming or shoeing, nutrition, environment, veterinary care, exercise, and consistent management usually work together to achieve results.

07/15/2026

"Wisdom Wednesday"

JUST WALK AWAY
After years of working with horses, I’ve realized that sometimes the wisest choice is to walk away. You don’t always learn the most by pushing through a job—sometimes, you learn more by knowing when to step back. It took plenty of accidents and mistakes before I really understood how to read both a horse and the situation in my line of work.

A friend called and asked if I could trim a mare she was working with. She warned me over the phone, "She's nasty." The mare needed her feet trimmed, but no one trusted her enough to do it without sedation. My friend had the sedative and gave it to her before I arrived.

When I showed up, the mare looked completely harmless. Her head hung low, she was drooling, and her eyes were heavy. Anyone would have thought she was too tired to put up a fight.

I trimmed her front feet without any trouble. But when I stood up and looked at her back legs, something felt off. I studied her for a moment, then shook my head and said, "Nope."

My friend looked at me. I told her, "I'm not doing the back feet," all while the mare stood there, nose almost in the dirt, drool dripping from her mouth, looking half asleep.

I added, "She's catty, the kind that gives no warning before she explodes."

I couldn't tell you exactly what I saw in that mare to indicate it, but the feeling was there. Somewhere in the back of my mind, past experiences were setting off warning bells.

My friend knew my story. She remembered when I got kicked in the jaw years ago. She also knew I wouldn’t walk away from a horse unless I had a good reason.

She just shrugged and said, "Okay." She didn’t argue, pressure me, or try to change my mind. She trusted what I saw, even if she couldn’t explain it herself.

I picked up my tools and started walking back to the truck. But her boyfriend didn’t understand why I would just walk away like that.

The horse looked sedated, calm, and most of all, safe. To him, it probably seemed silly to refuse to trim the back feet.

"You're not even going to try?" he asked. I just said, "Nope."

As I walked away, I watched them from the corner of my eye. Sure enough, his ego took over. He slowly moved toward the mare’s hindquarters, trying to prove something. He barely got his hand halfway down her hip before, in a flash, the mare came alive and kicked out.

The kick missed his head by inches. It was over as quickly as it started. The mare dropped her head and looked drugged again, but he just stood there, frozen and pale.

My friend started laughing. "That's what Sierra was talking about!"

Some people think experience makes you fearless, but I’ve found the opposite. Experience teaches you respect and caution. It shows that looks can be deceiving. Most of all, it teaches you to listen when your gut says, "Stop."

That day, I only trimmed half a horse, but I drove home in my pickup instead of riding in an ambulance.

07/10/2026

"Find Out Friday"

WHEN NOT TO KNOT
A common misconception is that horses must always be tied with a solid knot for the farrier. In reality, the safest method depends on the horse, the environment, and your farrier's preference.

The goal is to secure your horse without risking entrapment for either the horse or the farrier in unexpected situations.

Many farriers prefer methods that allow a horse to release pressure if it panics, including:

· A blocker tie ring or similar device.
· Looping the lead rope around a sturdy hitching rail instead of tying a fixed knot.
· A quick-release knot when appropriate.

Since preferences vary, consult your farrier before the appointment.

*****Safe Equipment Matters*****

Even the safest tying method can be hazardous if the equipment is not in good condition.

Before your appointment, inspect the following:
· Worn or frayed lead ropes
· Improperly fitted or damaged halters
· Rusted or weakened snaps
· Loose eye bolts or tie rings
· Damaged cross ties
· Rotten fence posts or unstable hitching rails

Faulty equipment can cause hardware to become airborne, startling the horse and creating a hazardous situation for everyone nearby.

Remember...
The safest setup is not always the most secure-looking knot; it’s the one that lets you maintain control if something unexpected happens.

Taking a few moments to check your tying method and equipment helps ensure a safer experience for both your horse and your farrier.

07/08/2026

"Wisdom Wednesday"

DON’T LET GO OF THE GATE
Years ago, when I was new to horses, I entered one of my first horse shows. I signed up for a bunch of classes because I loved riding and figured more classes meant more time in the saddle.
One of the classes I entered was trail. If you haven’t heard of trail class, it’s where you and your horse go through different obstacles while judges watch how you handle each one.

One of the obstacles was opening and closing a gate. Since I had never done a trail class before, I asked an experienced girl how the gate worked. Honestly, calling myself a novice would have been generous. I was probably even less than that. If there was a category for people who have no idea what they’re doing but are excited anyway, I would have belonged there.

She explained it step by step: "Ride up beside the gate, unlatch it, open it, ride through, turn around, close it, and latch it again." Then she added, very seriously, "Whatever you do, don't let go of the gate." What she meant, of course, is that letting go would cost points.

But what I heard was: DO NOT LET GO OF THE GATE. I understood the message loud and clear.

So off I went with my mare, Star, to practice on one of the big gates outside. Everything went fine at first. I undid the latch and started to open the gate. We were halfway through when the gate made a loud creak.

Apparently, Star thought that noise meant there was a monster nearby. She jumped through the half-open gate and bolted.

Meanwhile, I was still focused on my instructions: don’t let go of the gate. So there I was, holding onto the gate with no horse under me. People hurried over to see what had happened.
I simply stated, "I was told not to let go of the gate... and I didn't." The girl who explained the obstacle quickly clarified: "Well... if your horse leaves without you, then yes, you should probably let go of the gate."

Lesson learned: Don’t let go of the gate… unless your horse leaves without you. Sometimes the real lesson isn’t about following instructions more closely, but about knowing when to use common sense instead.

07/03/2026

"Find Out Friday"

HEAT ADVISORIES & FARRIER APPOINTMENTS
With heat advisories in effect this week, I want to share key ways to stay safe during farrier appointments.

Farrier work is physically demanding, involving bending, lifting, and supporting limbs, often in barns or other areas with limited airflow, and is performed while wearing protective gear. High temperatures and humidity increase the risk of overheating for the horse, owner, and farrier.

Fortunately, a few simple steps can make a big difference.

- Whenever possible, work in the shade. Moving the horse to the shaded side of a barn or building can help reduce heat stress.

- If electricity is available, use a fan to improve airflow, increase comfort, and help reduce flies during the appointment.

- Fresh, cool water is always appreciated. While most farriers bring their own, offering a refill or cold bottle is a thoughtful gesture that never goes unnoticed. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

- Have your horse caught, clean, and ready before the appointment. Minimizing time spent in the heat benefits everyone.

- Continue working with your horse between visits. A horse that stands quietly is not only easier to work on but also safer. Good manners help appointments proceed efficiently and reduce physical effort for both horse and farrier, especially in hot weather.

⚠️ Pay attention to signs of overheating. If you notice yourself, your farrier, or your horse is struggling with the heat, do not ignore it. Taking a short break to cool down or rehydrate is far better than pushing through and creating a medical emergency.

Hot weather does not have to interrupt good hoof care, but it does require extra planning and flexibility. Most appointments can be completed safely with preparation. However, during periods of extreme heat, adjusting the schedule may occasionally be the safest option for both horses and people. Good judgment is one of the most important safety tools we have.

❤️A big thank you to the owners who go the extra mile to ensure appointments are safe and enjoyable. Your consideration is noticed and genuinely appreciated.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and look out for one another this summer.

Lone Wolf Farrier Services

08/05/2026

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