Country Lifestyles
It’s not just a Man’s World- Profile Nikki Smith ASF, CJF, AWCF
By Jessica Crabtree
Few people will know the clicking and clanking sound that comes from the anvil of a farrier. In ancient documents it was found that the earliest of hoof protection was primitive shoes made of hide and woven plants. In the first century, people began to realize the animals that were counted on for heavy farming and travel needed protection for their feet to maximize their use. Sometime after, shod hooves traversed the roadways set down by ancient Romans. To protect their valuable steeds, the riders outfitted their horses with coverings inspired by the sandals strapped to their own feet. These leather and metal “hipposandals” fitted over horses’ hooves and fastened with leather straps. In Europe around 1000 A.D., horses’ hooves were fitted with a cast from bronze. These shoes were lightweight, scalloped along the outer rim with six nail holes. Every century since, the horse shoe has evolved and still to this day is a debatable topic and ever-growing industry.
The horseshoeing industry has long-time been a male dominated world. Why? For the long hours, backbreaking work in grueling conditions? Possibly, or the fact you are dealing with thousand pound animals with minds of their own. In an American Profile article from 2011, Eric Nygaard, then president of the American Farrier’s Association, based in Lexington, Ky., said, “Men outnumber women more than tenfold in the physically demanding horseshoeing trade.”
Today the paradigm is shifting and female farriers are more common. Born in Arizona, raised between California and Utah, Nichole (Nikki) Smith made her way to the Lone Star state at the age of 16. From a young age, Smith can remember always having a passion for horses. To read more pick up the February 2016 issue of NTFR.
By Dal Houston
I am terribly saddened by all the argumentative discourse that seems to be going on in today’s world. It seems as though it is no longer enough just to disagree on certain issues. We are expected to classify someone as an enemy if they do not always agree with us on all issues, lest we be considered weak.
To make things even worse, because those who disagree with you are now considered enemies, the sentiment seems to be that it is only fair and proper to destroy them, because they are the enemy, again with the fear of ridicule for being weak if we do not fight.
With all that said, and seemingly unrelated, I am a big John Wayne fan. From watching him dive into his role as a cowboy, to marveling at his time portraying a soldier or appreciating his acting gig as a sailor, there is seldom a week that goes by without me watching at least one
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Martha Crump
That old adage, “What you don’t know won’t hurt you.,” may have some basis in truth when applied to minor situations. However, when what you don’t know is presented in the form of a “Trojan Horse” and is what amounts to an incredible attempt to fleece American property rights, it becomes a different story altogether.
To put this unbelievable tale together, we need to step back to Joe Biden’s 2021 Executive Order which pledged commitment to help restore balance on public lands and waters, to create jobs, and to provide a path to align the management of America’s public lands and waters with our nation’s climate, conservation, and clean energy goals.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Lacey Vilhauer
Ingredients:
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
¼ cup water
Directions:
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor and pulse until combined. Transfer to a large bowl. Puree the strawberries in a food processor and add to the lemon mixture along with juice of one lemon and water. Taste and add more juice as desired.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
-
Country Lifestyles1 year agoScott & Stacey Schumacher: A Growth Mindset
-
Equine7 months agoThe Will to Win
-
Country Lifestyles7 years agoStyle Your Profile – What your style cowboy hat says about you and new trends in 2017
-
Country Lifestyles4 years agoAmber Crawford, Breakaway Roper
-
HOME7 years agoGrazing North Texas – Wilman Lovegrass
-
Country Lifestyles7 years agoDecember 2016 Profile, Rusty Riddle – The Riddle Way
-
Country Lifestyles8 years agoJune 2016 Profile – The man behind the mic: Bob Tallman
-
Outdoor9 years agoButtercup or Primrose?