Meet Joe

Joe Novy-Professional Farrier & Founder of The Hoof Lab

I grew up in the saddle, breaking and riding colts for trainers across the region. When I ventured out on my own, I quickly learned just how challenging it can be to keep performance horses sound—largely because of the shortage of truly dedicated farriers.

Everything changed when I finally found a great one. Within a few months, my horses moved better, felt happier, and performed at their best. That experience lit a fire in me: I decided to switch paths and become the kind of farrier I’d always needed.

I started with hands-on apprenticeships, then attended farrier school, and continued learning under multiple mentors while working toward certification. Along the way, I earned my Journeyman certification through the American Farriers Association. I was fortunate to travel widely, studying with top farriers and veterinarians, which ultimately led me to specialize in therapeutic farriery.

Today, I collaborate closely with veterinarians throughout Southern California and regularly travel to major events—including the NFR, The All In, World Series Team Roping, and MVP Barrel Race—to care for elite competitors. I work with horses across every discipline: trail riders, eventers, jumpers, dressage partners, endurance athletes, and rodeo stars. My focus is always the same—maximizing soundness, comfort, and performance.

Through The Hoof Lab, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned so horse owners can better understand hooves, spot issues early, and partner more effectively with their farriers. Because when owners are educated, horses win.

Credentials & Experience

  • Journeyman Certified Farrier – American Farriers Association

  • Specialized in Therapeutic Farriery

  • Collaborates with veterinarians across Southern California

  • Regular farrier at major events: NFR, The All In, World Series Team Roping, MVP Barrel Race

  • Works with all disciplines: trail, eventing, jumping, dressage, endurance, rodeo

Why I Started The Hoof Lab

The idea for The Hoof Lab came from years of seeing the same challenges in the industry: a real gap in accessible, practical education for both horse owners and farriers. Too many horses struggle with preventable issues simply because owners don't always know what to look for, and not every farrier has easy access to ongoing learning.

My goal is simple—to bridge that gap.

At The Hoof Lab, you'll find:

Curated connections to trusted associations across the country

A directory of vetted farriers with minimum certification (and often much more) who are committed to keeping horses sound

Hands-on videos, hosted clinics, and workshops

A growing resource library of podcasts, recommended products, and straightforward hoof care guides

Whether you're an owner wanting to better understand and support your horse's hooves, or a farrier looking to level up your knowledge, this is your hub. Together, we can raise the standard of hoof care—one educated step at a time.

Stay sound, Joe Novy

Testimonials

"Working with Joe has made all the difference for my horse's soundness." – Happy Client

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