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The Farriers' National Research Center, Inc. is a unique organization owned by caring horse owners and farriers. The mission of the FNRC is to determine shoeing techniques, products and applications that will keep horses sound. Research is the foundation of equine health practices.
The investigation of new ideas is important in providing answers to problems, both old and new. It is through research that the normal physiology of the horse becomes better understood and that doors are opened to improve horse care.
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| Every horse that comes to the FNRC is evaluated and documented, and we provide information based on these records. Problems that are found often include unbalanced trimming and shoeing which cause the entire horse to be out of balance When the horse is out of balance the entire bony column is effected. The FNRC is
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working on ways to prevent this.
The FNRC also evaluates and recommends products to farriers and horse owners based on the research we conduct. We are not paid by companies to use their products, but provide an objective assessment of current equine products. A sampling of the products we study are hoof conditioners, feed, supplements, shoe styles and innovative equine equipment .
Knowledgeable and dedicated care of the hooves is essential to a horses'
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well being, because the hoof carries the entire weight of the horse. Therefore, the hoof needs to be
FNRC HISTORY
In 1988 Ralph Casey began a complete study on proper shoeing to maintain a sound horse, which would allow the horse to perform at the highest possible level. Prior to Casey's study, no one had ever researched keeping the horse sound with documented proof like we do here. Horse owners began bringing their horses to be evaluated and it became apparent that many of the horses once had the potential to be champions (cutting, running barrels, hunter/jumpers and other events). In most cases the horse had received too many "$15.00 " trims.
It is through this research that the FNRC was started in 1993.
 
balanced as much as humanly possible. Whether a champion or a gentle trail horse, all aspects of correct horse care make a difference. When it comes to shoeing, there is more to the science than flattening the foot and nailing the shoe. In order to ensure the longevity of the horse and proper shoeing, an educated farrier must be obtained.
Improper trimming and shoeing will eventually cause the bony structure to become out of alignment. The horse will be sore due to the unbalanced toe, heel and leg lengths. This is the most common and most serious problem occurring to horses today.
Current Projects
- The study of improper shoeing and the effect on the bony column.
- The use of different shoes in different events and the results.
- The use of these shoes in preventing injury top both the horse and the rider.
- The soundness of horses ridden with shoe vs ridden without shoes.
- Proper and improper balance of the Gaited horse.
- Injuries caused by too many traction devices placed on shoes of events: Cutting, Hunter/Jumpers, Barrel and Racing.
- A Cover-All Building for more Continuing Education Clinics.
- Short Shoeing
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FNRC Projects Documented
From the Farriers' National Research Center office, here are
a few of the research projects we are working on.
We have related some of this information to Horse Owners by
way of articles submitted to various magazines.
Many of these articles are available on the BWFA website.
1993-ongoing
| Apprentice Research Program
| 1993 Final
| 200 Horse Owner Clinics - 20 Questions each
| 2004-ongoing
| Barefoot vs Shod
| 1993 Final
| How different Horseshoes effect the horse in motion
| 2005 Final
| Traction- Borium Nails
| 1993 -ongoing
| Equine Nutrition
| 1993 -ongoing
| Hoof bonding, Acrylics The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
| 1999 -ongoing
| Teaching of Farrier Science
| 1993 -ongoing
| Equine Magnetic Therapy
| 1996 Final
| Hoof Gauge Evaluations
| 1993-1999 Final
| Treating Canker
| 2004 -ongoing
| Nolan Hoof Plate for hoof growth/lameness
| 1999 -ongoing
| Plastic wedges
| 2004 -ongoing
| Aluminum Shoes
| 1993-2008 Final
| FNRC shoe design to speed up horse
| 1998 -ongoing
| Gaited horse shoeing padded/flat
| 1993 -ongoing
| Hoof cracks
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New Products
- Equicast
- Merlin Chain Saw Trimmer
Each topic is available on DVD
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