Esco Buff

Esco Buff Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF is the owner of Esco Buff's Professional Farrier Service, LLC, located Clearwater, FL.

Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF is the owner of Esco Buff's Professional Farrier Service, LLC, located in Clearwater, Florida. He is an American Farriers Association (AFA) Certified Farrier (CF), an International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) Accredited Professional Farrier with a Foundation Credential (APF-I), a NYS Gaming Commission Licensed Farrier, a member of the International Horsesh

oeing Hall of Fame, a Society Only Member of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR), and the Large Animal Diagnostic Imaging Society (LADIS). Esco started in the farrier industry trimming and shoeing horses in 1974. Esco was introduced to blacksmithing and farrier work through his membership and association with the Boy Scouts of American while a staff member of Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Esco is a graduate of New Mexico State Farrier School under Mogan I. "Razz" Rasmussen (1974) and the Illinois State Horseshoeing School. Esco is an Eagle Scout with palms, an Ordained Minister; and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Esco is dedicated to excellence in horse foot care. He has a strong interest in working with laminitic/foundered horse and limb length disparity horses. Through applying the principles of hoof balance, biomechanics and holistic body balance, Esco creates sound horses with healthy functioning feet. In Recognition of Distinguished Accomplishments, Achievements and Contributions in Advancing the Farrier Industry, Esco Buff was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame in February 2011. Esco is routinely consulted for horse's that are foundered or with therapeutic shoeing needs. He typically shoes between 90 to 140 new foundered horse cases per year. Esco Buff has the only book published on how to correctly place positive pressure heart bar shoes on a laminitic and foundered horse. Esco approaches balancing the horse by incorporating the principles of Holism. In farrier work this means that isolated symptoms are considered secondary to the total physical state. Therefore, balance is performed by looking at the whole body of the horse. Esco accomplishes this through a more traditional approach or by using long established ways of trimming and shoeing while incorporating Holism to achieve balance. Limb Length Disparity (LLD) is an observable body imbalance and physical deviation that manifests itself in a structurally and/or functionally different limb length, and more than likely has been created due to congenital, hereditary, injuries, environmental, muscular and/or spinal problems. Identifying LLD includes a thorough evaluation of the conformation, muscles, skeletal structures, movement and attitude of the horse. There are two types of LLD, structural or anatomic limb length disparity and functional or apparent limb length disparity. In horses, we are mainly dealing with functional LLD. The disorder of unequal limbs or lack of similarity goes by several names such as: High-Low Syndrome, Limb Length Inequality, Bilateral Asymmetry, Club Foot (not to be confused with Club Feet). This topic has been the subject of controversy, particularly in the areas of causation, identification, treatment and clinical significance. Esco was the second person to author a book on this subject. Due to his extensive experience in shoeing foundered horse and limb length disparity horses, Esco has designed and published: the radiograph documentation forms -The Founder Data Collection and Analysis Form, The Founder Radiographic Collection Form, and The Equine Digit Radiograph Form, the books - Founder Data Collection and Analysis - How to take, read and interpret radiographs for the prognosis and treatment of the foundered horse, and Limb Length Disparity-Equine Anisomelia. Several of his articles can be found in the American Farriers Journal, European Farriers Journal and the Professional Farriers Journal. Esco shares his knowledge with an enthusiasm and dedication that reflects his love for the horse and his trade. He is an international speaker whose knowledge of the farrier craft make him a natural for consultations, group teaching experiences and as a presenter at workshops, seminars and clinics. Esco Buff lectures on such topics as: Laminitis and Foundered Horseshoeing, How to Correctly Place a Rigid Steel Heart Bar Shoe, How to Take, Read, and Interpret Radiographs for the Prognosis and Treatment of the Foundered Horse, Limb Length Disparity Shoeing, Principles of Body and Limb Balance, Holistic-Traditional Farrier Science, How to Set-Up and Run a Successful Farrier Business, Farrier Business Skills and Lameness Problem Solving. As an International Speaker, Esco has lectured at: Luwex Hoof Symposium in Germany; Norsk Hestesenter in Starum, Norway; DS Handvaerk and Industries, Odense, Denmark; International Hoof Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio; Equine Affaire in California,Massachusetts and Ohio; Can-Am in London, Canada; Life Data Labs Research Farm in Cherokee, Alabama; Southern Veterinary Conference (SVA) in
Birmingham, Alabama; Eastern Farrier Conference at Danny Ward's in Martinsville, Virginia; to name a few. Esco was one of the farriers for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, KY and for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon, NC. Esco also served as one of the Farrier Team Members for the Dressage Test Event at the 2010 Kentucky Cup. Esco was has been awarded with an Outstanding Presentation Award for a lectures given at the 2009 and 2011 International Hoof Care Summit. In Recognition of Distinguished Accomplishments, Achievements and Contributions in Advancing the Farrier Industry, Esco was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame in February 2011. From 2014 to Currently, Esco has been recognized for being the Top Ten Most Continuing Education Credits as awarded by the America Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF). Esco Buff, also owns a wireless DR x-ray machine that is legally registered in several states, which allows him to be able to take x-rays for the purpose of farriery for such things as providing correct trimming, apply horseshoes and for correctly applying positive pressure rigid heart bars shoes to certain radiographic measurements on laminitic horses.

2021 - 2016 NYS Gaming Commission Licensed Thoroughbred Farrier.
2020 - 2015 International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) Top Ten Continuing Education Credits Clinicians.
2022 - Successful completion of Knowledge Test for IAPF Nutrition Credential.
2021 - Successful completion of Knowledge and Practical Verification Test for IAPF Dressage Credential.
2021 - Successful completion of the Practical Verification Test for IAPF Hunter Jumper Credential.
2019 - Completion of Knowledge Test for IAPF Hunter Jumper Credential.
2018 - FEI World Equestrian Games Farrier, Tryon, NC.
2017 - Obtained AAPF/IAPF Farrier Foundation Credential (APF-I).
2014 - American Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) Top Ten Most Continuing Education Credits.
2011 & 2009 - International Hoofcare Summit (IHCS) Outstanding Presentation Award.
2011 - Inducted into The International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame.
2010 - World Equestrian Games (WEG) Farrier, Lexington, KY.
2007 - Authored: Limb Length Disparity (Equine Anisomelia).
2005 - Authored: Founder Data Collection and Analysis – How to Best Take, Read and Interpret radiographs for the Prognosis and Treatment of the Foundered Horse.
1990 - Authored the copyrighted: Founder Data Collection and Analysis Documentation Form.

10/22/2025

Subtle lameness observations, shifts in hoof quality and environmental stressors are already influencing farriery decisions, owner management and our shared preparation for what lies ahead. The 1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year project is made possible by Triple Crown Nutrition.

09/30/2025

In this episode of the American Farriers Journal podcast, brought to you by Triple Crown, International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Esco Buff kicks off a new series, “1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year.” where we follow a horse and its farrier for 1 year, chronicling details of its hoof care, veterinary ...

In this episode of the American Farriers Journal podcast, brought to you by Triple Crown, International Horseshoeing Hal...
09/18/2025

In this episode of the American Farriers Journal podcast, brought to you by Triple Crown, International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Esco Buff kicks off a new series, “1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year.” where we follow a horse and its farrier for 1 year, chronicling details of its hoof care, veterinary visits, nutrition and more.

https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/15133-podcast-1-horse-1-farrier-1-year?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=deu&utm_content=afj&oly_enc_id=6355F0943023H3A

Business Podcast · The American Farriers Journal Podcast is the farrier's audio sources for credible advice on shoeing products, practical coverage of shoeing practices to help them become more efficient farriers, and …

09/07/2025

This week schedule for Monday, September 8 through Sunday, September 14, 2025: 
Monday – evaluating a mule in North Carolina, then continuing northward to New York.
Tuesday through Saturday – final painting and cleaning in our New York home.
Sunday – family day! 

This is a rubber-heeled bar horseshoe—a steel shoe with a vulcanized rubber heel bar across the back. These were made to...
09/07/2025

This is a rubber-heeled bar horseshoe—a steel shoe with a vulcanized rubber heel bar across the back. These were made to give grip and shock absorption on pavement (and to quiet hoof noise).

They were popular for mounted police, parade and circus horses, and for horses working on hard streets.

These shoes were commonly made by the Fruin Drop Forge Co., Chicago and similar models from Firestone, Ajax, and Dryden. They were in wide use for street horses through the mid-1900s.

US Patent 1,137,855 (Robert E Fruin and Thomas Tobin, 1915)
This patent describes a horseshoe with a cushion-tread design—steel shoes featuring hollow “heel calks” (cups) on the base that are filled with resilient cushion pads. These pads overlap the edges and are connected by an integral cross-bar, forming a continuous cushioned surface across both heels.

US Patent 1,690,365 (Robert E Fruin, 1928)
Builds on earlier designs, again focusing on a metal horseshoe frame with rubber pads on the underside to soften impact on pavement, sometimes utilizing cavities for suction-effect grip.

US Patent 1,889,856 (Robert E Fruin, 1932)
A semi-cushion or partial cushion horseshoe—featuring a thick rubber heel pad only at the rear, with a metal frame, toe calks for grip, and improved durability. It was designed to provide cushioning yet maintain traction on wet or icy pavement.

Misc pics of various shoes, old shoes, history, shoe alterations,...
09/06/2025

Misc pics of various shoes, old shoes, history, shoe alterations,...

American Farriers Journal, July/August 2025, pages 42-47.   Canker, Coronitis, and Coronitis associated with Canker.
09/05/2025

American Farriers Journal, July/August 2025, pages 42-47.  Canker, Coronitis, and Coronitis associated with Canker.

09/04/2025

Rupert, Idaho, farrier Adrian Garza passed away August 25, 2025. He was 22.

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Clearwater, FL
33761

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Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF is the owner of Esco Buff's Professional Farrier Service, LLC, located in Western, New York and Florida. He is an American Farriers Association (AFA) Certified Farrier (CF), an American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) Accredited Professional Farrier with a Foundation Credential (APF-I) and a Hunter Jumper Credential (HJ Level Two) and serves on the AAPF Horse Owner Committee, a NYS Gaming Commission Licensed Thoroughbred Farrier, a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, a Society Only Member of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR), and the Large Animal Diagnostic Imaging Society (LADIS). Esco started in the farrier industry trimming and shoeing horses in 1974. Esco was introduced to blacksmithing and farrier work through his membership and association with the Boy Scouts of American while a staff member of Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Esco is a graduate of New Mexico State Farrier School under Mogan I. "Razz" Rasmussen (1974) and the Illinois State Horseshoeing School. Esco is an Eagle Scout with two palms, an Ordained Minister; and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration. Esco and his wife, Christine, have four children. Esco is dedicated to excellence in horse foot care. He has a strong interest in working with laminitic/foundered horse and limb length disparity horses (aka club foot, high-low, etc). Through applying the principles of hoof balance, biomechanics and holistic body balance, Esco creates sound horses with healthy functioning feet. In Recognition of Distinguished Accomplishments, Achievements and Contributions in Advancing the Farrier Industry, Esco Buff was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame in February 2011. Esco is routinely consulted for horse's that are foundered or with therapeutic shoeing needs. He typically shoes between 90 to 140 new foundered horse cases per year. Esco Buff has the only book published on how to correctly place positive pressure heart bar shoes on a laminitic/foundered horse. Esco approaches balancing the horse by incorporating the principles of Holism. In farrier work this means that isolated symptoms are considered secondary to the total physical state. Therefore, balance is performed by looking at the whole body of the horse. Esco accomplishes this through a more traditional approach or by using long established ways of trimming and shoeing while incorporating Holism to achieve balance. Limb Length Disparity (LLD) is an observable body imbalance and physical deviation that manifests itself in a structurally and/or functionally different limb length, and more than likely has been created due to congenital, hereditary, injuries, environmental, muscular and/or spinal problems. Identifying LLD includes a thorough evaluation of the conformation, muscles, skeletal structures, movement and attitude of the horse. There are two types of LLD, structural or anatomic limb length disparity and functional or apparent limb length disparity. In horses, we are mainly dealing with functional LLD. The disorder of unequal limbs or lack of similarity goes by several names such as: High-Low Syndrome, Limb Length Inequality, Bilateral Asymmetry, Club Foot (not to be confused with Club Feet). This topic has been the subject of controversy, particularly in the areas of causation, identification, treatment and clinical significance. Esco was the second person to author a book on this subject. Due to his extensive experience in shoeing laminitic/foundered horse and limb length disparity horses, Esco has designed and published: the radiograph documentation forms -The Founder Data Collection and Analysis Form, The Founder Radiographic Collection Form, and The Equine Digit Radiograph Form, the books - Founder Data Collection and Analysis - How to take, read and interpret radiographs for the prognosis and treatment of the foundered horse, and Limb Length Disparity-Equine Anisomelia. Several of his articles can be found in the American Farriers Journal, European Farriers Journal and the Professional Farriers Journal. Esco shares his knowledge with an enthusiasm and dedication that reflects his love for the horse and his trade. He is an international speaker whose knowledge of the farrier craft make him a natural for consultations, group teaching experiences and as a presenter at workshops, seminars and clinics. Esco Buff lectures on such topics as: Laminitis/Foundered Horseshoeing, How to Correctly Place a Rigid Steel Heart Bar Shoe, How to Take, Read, and Interpret Radiographs for the Prognosis and Treatment of the Foundered Horse, Limb Length Disparity Shoeing, Principles of Body and Limb Balance, Holistic-Traditional Farrier Science, How to Set-Up and Run a Successful Farrier Business, Farrier Business Skills, Radiology for the Farrier, Horse Owner Education Clinics and Lameness Problem Solving. As an International Speaker, Esco has lectured at: Luwex Hoof Symposium in Germany; Norsk Hestesenter in Starum, Norway; DS Handvaerk and Industries, Odense, Denmark; International Hoof Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio; Equine Affaire in California, Massachusetts and Ohio; Can-Am in London, Canada; Life Data Labs Research Farm in Cherokee, Alabama; Southern Veterinary Conference (SVA) in Birmingham, Alabama; Eastern Farrier Conference at Danny Ward's in Martinsville, Virginia; to name a few. Esco was one of the farriers for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina and the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Esco also served as one of the Farrier Team Members for the Dressage Test Event at the 2010 Kentucky Cup. Esco was has been awarded with an Outstanding Presentation Award for a lectures given at the 2009 and 2011 International Hoof Care Summit. From 2014 thru 2019, Esco was recognized for being one of the Top Ten Most Continuing Education Credits awarded by the America Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF). Esco Buff, also owns a wireless DR x-ray machine that is legally registered in several states, which allows him to be able to take x-rays for the purpose of farriery for such things as providing correct trimming, apply horseshoes and for correctly applying positive pressure rigid heart bars shoes to certain radiographic measurements on laminitic horses. 2020 - 2016 - NYS Gaming Commission Licensed Thoroughbred Farrier. 2019 - 2015 - American Association of Professional Farriers Top Ten Continuing Education Credits Clinicians. 2018 - FEI World Equestrian Games Farrier, Tryon, NC. 2014 - American Association of Professional Farriers Top Ten Most Continuing Education Credits. 2011 & 2009 - International Hoofcare Summit Outstanding Presentation Award. 2011 - Inducted into The International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. 2010 - FEI World Equestrian Games Farrier, Lexington KY. 2007 - Authored: Limb Length Disparity (Equine Anisomelia). 2005 - Authored: Founder Data Collection and Analysis – How to Best Take, Read and Interpret radiographs for the Prognosis and Treatment of the Foundered Horse. 1990 - Authored the copyrighted: Founder Data Collection and Analysis Documentation Form.