flatironforgeny

Case Study: A Simple Hospital Plate Solution for a Tough Hoof Abscess

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:00:49 GMT

Removable Plate Allows for Access to Wound

When a horse has a deep hoof abscess, treatment can quickly become frustrating for owners. The foot needs protection, but it also needs regular access for cleaning and medication. In this case, an off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) with a painful front-foot abscess needed a solution that balanced both.

Rather than relying on bulky bandages or repeated shoe removal, I built a custom hospital plate shoe that allowed the owner to safely remove the plate each day, treat the foot, and put everything back together without disturbing the shoe.

The Challenge

Deep subsolar abscesses often require daily care over an extended period of time. The main challenges here were:

Protecting a sore front foot
Allowing consistent daily cleaning and dressing changes
Keeping the hoof stable and supported during healing

Bandaging alone can fail quickly, and pulling shoes repeatedly isn’t ideal for the hoof or the horse.

The Solution

A removable hospital plate shoe provided the best balance of protection and access. The plate covered and protected the sole while still allowing the owner to remove it daily for treatment.

This setup:

Kept the hoof clean and protected
Made daily care easier for the owner
Maintained consistent hoof support throughout recovery

The Outcome

With the hospital plate in place, daily treatment was straightforward and reliable. The horse stayed more comfortable, and the abscess could be managed without setbacks from lost bandages or unnecessary disruption to the hoof.

Thoughtful Shoeing for Medical Hoof Issues

Cases like this show how a simple, well-planned shoeing solution can make a difficult hoof problem easier to manage. When protection and access are both essential, a hospital plate can be a practical option for the right horse and situation.

Case Study: From Laminitis to Liberation

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:58:11 GMT

How Expert Farriery Restored a Miniature Horse’s Joy

When Katherine Forrest of Windswept Farm in Brooktondale, NY, first met Flatiron Forge's Megan Mix , she wasn’t just meeting another farrier-in-training; she was meeting the person who would transform her entire hoof care program.

“I first met Megan as a client of Cornell’s farrier services when she was a student. I had seen many Cornell Farrier School cohorts and she stood out immediately as a dedicated, engaged, and skillful professional, with capacity to connect with both horses and people.”

The Challenge: A Miniature Horse in Crisis

Katherine’s small herd of Icelandic horses had a range of hoof care needs, from pasture soundness to endurance racing. But it was her miniature horse, Tangles , who brought Megan to the farm for the first time.

Tangles was suffering from an acute laminitic episode , a painful and potentially devastating hoof condition. After nearly a month of trimming, boots, and medical management, nothing had brought him relief.

That changed the moment Megan arrived.

The Solution: Precision, Innovation, and Compassion

Within minutes of her assessment, Megan applied custom composite glue-on shoes with dental impression material , balancing comfort and structural support for Tangles’ hooves. The result was immediate.

“Megan had him back to his sassy self within minutes,” Katherine recalls. “It was clear from that first appointment that Megan would become an integral part of our farm’s foot care program.”

The Outcome: One Farrier, Full Confidence

For years, Windswept Icelandics had worked with multiple farriers, each offering a limited scope of service. The approach led to inconsistent care and frustration. Megan changed that.

“Megan has demonstrated her skill with the forge, steel and nails, composite glue-ons, and barefoot trimming at a level which exceeds most farriers many years her senior,” says Katherine. “Her thirst for learning, patience, and passion for best practices make her an enjoyable presence in the barn and a valued partner for horses, their owners, and veterinarians alike.”

The Takeaway

What began as a crisis call for a miniature horse became a lasting partnership built on trust, technical excellence, and care for equine welfare.

“I cannot recommend Flatiron Forge highly enough. I would welcome speaking with anyone about my positive experience, although it will be a long conversation!”

New Services for Your Smallest Steeds!

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:24:14 GMT

We’re excited to announce that we’re now offering glue-on shoes in even more sizes—a perfect option for horses who can’t tolerate nails, need extra support, or are on the mend. We’ve expanded our sizing to include miniature horses!

Whether you’ve got a tiny trotter or a sensitive soul, we’ve got solutions that are gentle, secure, and tailored to your horse’s unique needs.

Now scheduling spring appointments! Message us to book or ask questions.

Happy hooves, happy horses!

Rustic Horseshoe Coat Rack / Tool Rack!

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 23:15:16 GMT

Rustic horseshoe coat and/or tool rack mounted on 20.5” L X 4.5” W locally sourced rough cut lumber from our mill.
$45 takes it! Will make custom orders by request.

Local pickup preferred, but shipping available at buyers expense.

Easycare Blue Shoes

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:24:42 GMT

This sweet old man was born with very unusual conformation and oddly shaped feet, but is sound and happy in his Easycare shoes. I modify them pretty heavily to suit his needs, even adding some extra color to go with his turquoise-themed wardrobe!

Mixing It Up!

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:14:34 GMT

We did it! On a beautiful summer day a few weeks ago, I married Tyler Mix, the love of my life. We are so blessed to have each other, and to have such amazing family and friends. Looking forward to continuing to serve all my clients and their wonderful horses.

Glu-Shu For the Win!

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:12:33 GMT

This was a fun Glu-Shu application for an awesome barrel racing mare! I personally love the Glu-Shu brand on barrel horses because of the open heel.

2024 4H Animal Crackers at Cornell

Wed, 29 May 2024 14:08:33 GMT

It was an honor to be a presenter at this year’s 4H Animal Crackers event. I spoke with about 100 youth about my job as a farrier and made them some handmade shoes while we talked about forging and different types of shoes. What a blessing it was to meet so many bright and eager young people! Thanks to all who attended.

Mini's Transformation

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:47:51 GMT

Here’s a little story about how shoeing turned my horse into a completely different animal.

Mini used to be slower than slow, never had interest in running or jumping. The only time he would ever consider moving with some speed was when it was dinner time. This is a photo of him immediately after being shod for the first time.

Now that he’s got the proper protection and support his limbs need, not only has he decided that he LOVES to run, but he has also become noticeably smoother under saddle, happier, and more forward.

Versa Grip Glue-On Shoes

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 15:47:51 GMT

This horse struggled to stand for more than a few moments on the opposite foot due to some navicular issues, so Versa Grips were a good option as they could be slipped on easily. The best part about these shoes is that the horse can just stand in them while the glue sets!

OTTB With Severe Distortion

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:47:51 GMT

OTTB (off-the-track thoroughbred) with some severe distortion. Shod with dental impression material, plastic flat pad, and rolled toe shoe. As the hoof capsule improves over time, we’ll be able to get some higher nail lines as well.

UPDATE 2025: This young OTTB had a fractured coffin bone in the left front, along with severely distorted hoof capsules, paper-thin walls, white line disease, and thin soles.

He's been through a variety of shoeing options — from rim shoes to spider plates with pads, and most recently, glue-on shoes. These glue-ons have truly been lifesaving for him!