Ryan Jennings Horseshoeing

NZFA Northern Branch Intro Competition 2026 judged by Pat Schimanski

Farrier-shop.com Intermediate Division

Intermediate Speed Forging class
🥇 Joe Butler
🥈 Leigh Danford
🥉 Ryan Jennings

Intermediate Forging Class
🥇 Joe Butler
🥈 Leigh Danford
🥉 Ryan Jennings

OVERALL INTERMEDIATE RESULTS
🥇 Joe Butler
🥈 Leigh Swizzle
🥉 Ryan Jennings

Prizes and trophies for the Farrier-shop.com Novice Division of the NZFA NZ Farriers Association Auckland Farrier Competition 2025

Thanks to Farrier-shop.com for their sponsorship of the intermediate division.

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50 farriers, 0 returned messages. We’re officially at peak efficiency. 📵📉

Pulling out all the tricks for this one 👊

This horse presented with:
• A major dorsal wall crack
• Thin soles
• Under-run heels
• Significant wall flare
• Poor HPA (hoof pastern axis)
• Poor base proportions

The goal was to stabilise the hoof capsule, improve alignment, and create an environment that allows healthy, uniform hoof growth.

A crack plate was applied to stabilise the hoof wall and avoid future growth to failing the same damage.

A hoof cast was then used to provide additional support and rigidity while also creating adequate structure to securely nail the shoe to.

The cast is adhered to the hoof wall using glue, meaning the section wrapped over the heel bulbs (during application) can be removed. This allows the heels to retain normal function of expanding and returning under load.

To address the poor HPA and base proportions, I used a frog-support 3° wedge pad plus an appropriately fitted shoe. Getting the HPA plus base proportions right is key to loading the limb correctly and overall performance.

Impression material was added to better engage the caudal hoof promoting effective haemodynamic function within the hoof.

A very rewarding case and a great example of how multiple remedial techniques can work together to improve comfort, function, and long-term hoof health.

A good read that wholly encompasses the struggles of the modern farrier in a traditional trade

On fleek 💅

One cycle with shoes on and wedge pads engaging the frog and providing caudal support was all it took to get these feet healthy and back to being barefoot 👌

Something a little different…

It’s not super often I’m fitting wedge pads on the hind end, but they can be incredibly useful in the right situation.

This horse has been diagnosed with kissing spine and after a year and half of being symptom free it has recently begun to gone downhill. By adding wedge pads behind, we can help shift posture, encourage the horse to load and move through the hindquarters more comfortably, and reduce strain through the back.

It’s not a “fix” on its own, but as part of a good team (farrier, vet, physio, saddle fit, etc.), it can really help these horses move freer and feel better in their work.

Always cool to use shoeing as a tool to support the whole horse, not just the feet.

Before and after

Same hoof 5 weeks apart

By creating targeted access points, I’m able to clean and treat the area affected by White Line Disease, while leaving as much healthy hoof wall intact as possible