In this episode of Ask An Expert, we sit down with Steve Kraus, an American Farriers Association Hall of Fame inductee. Steve brings a wealth of knowledge about all things hoof care—from understanding the anatomy of the hoof to addressing common problems like cracks and splits. If you’ve ever wondered what to look for in a good farrier or how to manage your horse’s hooves day-to-day, this conversation has plenty of practical advice.

Episode Highlights:

• 16:35 – What to look for when switching farriers (and how to avoid common mistakes).
• 22:00 – Do hoof dressings work, or are they just hype?
• 32:00 – Preventing costly mistakes when buying a horse with hoof issues.
• 39:00 – The best approach to help tricky hoof splits heal.
• 42:55 – How to spot an ideal hoof and assess your farrier’s work.

Meet the Expert, Steve Kraus

Steve Kraus leads Cornell’s Farrier Program and has been a guiding force in hoof care for over five decades. An American Farriers Association Certified Journeyman and consultant for Mustad Hoofcare, Steve brings unmatched expertise in therapeutic and performance shoeing. He is also the author of Shoeing the Modern Horse: The Horse Owner's Guide to Farriery and Hoof Care, a comprehensive guide for horse owners on hoof care best practices.

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