Forge Fate Farrier Service

11/28/2024

Today we are thankful to all of friends family and clients! We appreciate all the love and support you give and we are thankful to have you in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving everyone from Jeff Mangone APF I of Forge Fate Farrier Service.

11/20/2024

Jeff Mangone, APF I: A Leader in Farriery and Education

Jeff Mangone, APF I, is the esteemed owner of Forge Fate Farrier Service, recognized for his unwavering dedication to equine care, exceptional skill in shoeing, and commitment to advancing the art of farriery. His journey began in 2008 in Belfast, Maine, where he honed his craft on a thoroughbred breeding farm, receiving mentorship that laid the foundation for his extensive career.

Through his formative years, Jeff apprenticed under several accomplished farriers, absorbing invaluable knowledge and techniques specific to the needs of various equine disciplines. His expertise flourished as he learned to shoe Grand Prix dressage horses and catered to a diverse clientele, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence.

By 2013, Jeff had established himself among top competitors, shoeing several western horses that consistently qualified for World Championships in their respective events. His accomplishments reflect not only his technical skill but his deep understanding of the unique requirements of each horse and discipline.

In 2017, Jeff achieved a significant milestone by passing his APF I foundation test with what was then known as the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF). This achievement propelled him back to New Jersey, where he sought to be closer to family while collaborating with top veterinarians, including Dr. Riddle, to enhance his knowledge in equine health. Jeff actively pursued further education through specialized classes taught by his mentor, Sonny Pistilli, fostering strong professional relationships and refining his skills as a farrier.

From 2018 to the present, Jeff has embraced the role of educator, training several apprentices in farriery. His inclusive approach to teaching emphasizes equality, allowing both young men and women to thrive in the industry. Many of his students have gone on to achieve remarkable success, a testament to Jeff's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the profession.

Jeff’s tenure in Virginia enriched his experience, particularly with western show horses and collaboration with the Virginia Beach Mounted Patrol unit. These experiences not only broadened his skill set but also deepened his appreciation for diverse equestrian disciplines.

Despite his achievements, Jeff remains committed to lifelong learning. He continuously seeks out new techniques and advancements in equine care while actively shoeing upper-level English show horses in New Jersey and western and English show horses in Virginia. His relentless pursuit of knowledge ensures that he stays at the forefront of the farriery industry.

For anyone in need of a farrier, Jeff Mangone, APF I, stands out as a paragon of dedication, education, and compassion for horses and their owners. His commitment to continuous improvement and mentorship has established him as a respected figure in the equine community, making Forge Fate Farrier Service a premier choice for top-quality equine care.

11/17/2024

Today Jeff Mangone Apf-l got to meet Betty White! She was everything like her movie star counterpart. 😊

11/11/2024

Forge Fate Farrier Service extends heartfelt wishes for a Happy Veterans Day to all our veterans. We deeply appreciate your service and sacrifice, which allow us to enjoy our freedoms. While we honor veterans every day of the year, today we take a moment to express our gratitude and celebrate you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication.

11/10/2024

A very well said post from a fellow farriers.

11/09/2024

Today, the veterinarian prescribed a natural balance shoe with a blunt toe for this quarter horse, who is diagnosed with side bone and navicular.

Jeff Mangone Apf-l
Forge Fate Farrier Service

11/05/2024

10/22/2024

Fall laminitis refers to cases of laminitis or founder that occur in the autumnal months. Although laminitis can happen in any season, anecdotally there seems to be an uptick in the number of cases in the fall.

Why could this be?

• As the days get shorter and colder, grasses have been shown to respond to this stress with higher sugar concentrations. Diets with higher simple sugar concentrations may increase the risk of laminitis.

• Decreases in exercise may cause increases in body condition. Fat or obese horses are at risk of developing laminitis.

• Horses naturally have increased levels of certain hormones in the fall. If you have a horse with PPID (previously referred to as equine Cushing’s), the increase in their cortisol levels could put them at risk for laminitis.

If you have questions concerning fall laminitis or are concerned that your horse may be at an increased risk, contact your equine veterinarian so that they can properly evaluate your horse's unique situation.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

10/20/2024

On Friday Jeff Mangone Apf-l had the pleasure to assist a good friend and colleague Danny Pistilli. While Danny had a first day apprentice with him that day Jeff assisted Danny with shoeing lesson horses at a riding program right in Brooklyn NY. Danny and Jeff shod these horses for ring and road work to make sure they where sound and comfortable for the job the did.
Danny Pistilli and Jeff Mangone APF I are a prime example of farriers helping farriers!

10/13/2024

Unsung Heroes: The Farrier's Call

In fields where strength and beauty meet,
A noble horse, on nimble feet,
Must bear the weight of work and play,
For comfort's sake, we shoe each day.

To guard their hooves from stone and ground,
We craft a shield, both safe and sound.
With care we shape, with skill we mend,
To keep them fit, our steadfast friends.

The ringing hammer, a pounding beat,
Echoes the rhythm of toil complete.
Yet few will see the hands that strive,
To keep these spirits strong and alive.

A farrier's life, a sacrifice,
Missing games and moments nice.
While families gather, laughter flows,
We toil with purpose, as our love shows.

In forging fate, we find our way,
Through sweat and grit, in shades of gray.
So when you see your horse at rest,
Remember the one who gave his best.

With thankful hearts, let's recognize,
The quiet strength behind their rise.
Bring treats and praise, a simple start,
For farriers hold a special part.

Unsung heroes, humble and true,
They toil for the love of horses, for you.
So next time you watch them run and play,
Know a farrier's care is guiding their way.

By Jeff Mangone APF I
Forge Fate Farrier Service.

10/11/2024

Even if you love shoeing for a living, remember that you’re in it for the money, warns farrier Brian Robertson of Owosso, Mich. “When you wake up in the morning, you have got to be a businessman; from the minute you wake up until the minute you are off the clock,” he says.

10/09/2024

Why is it important to treat horses backs ??

Here is one reason 🧐

Failure of the horse to pick up their back feet rubs all the toe off. . . . . Destroys the shoe . . . Much to the farriers frustration!!!

People often say . . . . . Hes just 'lazy' , but then I ask them ,do you drag you're feet when you walk around?
I don't hear you stubbing the front of your shoes , if you did ,you would trip , which is infact, exactly what the horses end up doing(repeatedly)🤔😂

Nobody drags their feet unless they have a mechanical problem in regards to muscle or skeletal system😆

It's just not normal !!!

Time to call in the Equine Osteopath!!!🐴🐴🐴🐴

This article was found online and is a copy and paste as it was not shareable but it is a great read and before and after photos.

10/04/2024

How Morning Dew Affects Grass Sweetness and Contributes to Laminitis in Horses

Morning dew is a common sight on grasslands, often perceived as a picturesque element of rural life. However, the early morning moisture plays a significant role in how sugars accumulate in grass and has implications for horse health, particularly in relation to conditions such as laminitis.

The Sugar Accumulation in Grass

Grass contains a variety of carbohydrates, including simple sugars, which are vital for its growth and energy storage. During the night, photosynthesis ceases, and the grass uses these sugars for metabolic processes. In the presence of morning sunlight and cooler temperatures, the grass resumes photosynthesis rapidly, leading to a spike in sugar production.

Morning dew impacts this process in the following ways:

1. Moisture Enhancement: Dew provides moisture that promotes photosynthesis. Water availability allows grasses to effectively convert sunlight into energy.

2. Sugar Concentration: With photosynthesis commencing earlier in the day due to dew, sugar levels can accumulate before horses graze. Grasses may often have higher sugar content in the early morning than later in the day when temperatures rise and grass respiration consumes stored sugars.

3. Reduced Grazing Pressure: In cool mornings, horses may prefer to graze first thing, coinciding with peaks in grass sugar levels, making consumption potentially excessive.

Implications for Horse Health

While sugars are essential for energy, excessive intake can lead to health complications, including laminitis. Laminitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the hoof, and its development is closely tied to the following factors:

1. Insulin Sensitivity: Horses that are insulin resistant or diabetic are particularly at risk. High sugar grass from dew increases the risk of hyperglycemia, leading to excessive insulin production.

2. Grass Quality: New growth, which occurs in spring and early summer, is typically higher in sugars. When combined with morning dew, it creates an ideal environment for horses to consume high sugar loads.

3. Environmental Conditions: Warm, humid weather can exacerbate the growth of rich grasses. Cool nights followed by sunny mornings enhance sugar concentration, increasing the risk of laminitis during periods of lush grass growth.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate the risk of laminitis linked to morning dew and sugar-rich grasses, horse owners can adopt several strategies:

1. Grazing Management: Monitor grazing patterns, particularly in the early morning hours when sugar content is highest. Restrict access to lush pastures during these times.

2. Diet Monitoring: Provide alternative forage with lower sugar content during high-risk periods. Consider testing pasture sugar levels using a refractometer.

3. Regular Health Assessments: Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify horses predisposed to laminitis, enabling targeted management strategies.

4. Controlled Pasture Rotation: Rotating pastures can help minimize the exposure of horses to newly sprouted, sugar-rich grasses, particularly in early spring and summer.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between morning dew, grass sweetness, and laminitis is crucial for horse owners. By recognizing how environmental factors influence grass sugar levels and implementing management strategies, the risk of laminitis can be significantly reduced, promoting better overall health for horses.



Jeff Mangone Apf-l
Forge Fate Farrier Service

10/03/2024