See Gavi Get Shod!
Welcome to Shod Publications
Welcome to Shod Publications! I'm Amy Spungen, a former editor and longtime horse lover. I always wondered how horseshoeing worked—it looked so hard to do. One day, as I watched farrier Rob Fryer shoe my horse, Gavi, I asked some questions. Rob’s answers were so interesting that I decided to write a book about horseshoeing. And so Shod Publications was born. I created my small self-publishing enterprise so that I can focus on writing and publishing books I love for people I love: children!
After getting lots of feedback, I decided to break my one book into two books. Gavi Gets New Horseshoes is for young readers ages 4 to 8+and features Gavi describing getting shod in his own voice. The book for older children, Horseshoes for Gavi: Toe, Foot, Hoof, Shoe—Who Knew? also tells about Gavi getting shod, with more information about why many horses need shoes, types of horseshoes, hoof problems, and more. Though for ages 9 to 12+, that book has some adult fans as well!
ABOUT OUR BOOKS
Gavi Gets New Horseshoes
For ages 4 to 8+
Gavi the horse is getting new shoes! Young readers will learn how horse hooves are similar to their human toenails and experience getting shod through Gavi’s engaging first-person (first-horse!) narration.
Sparks fly, smoke rises, and nails are hammered—but with Gavi’s calm example, it’s clear that getting horseshoes, though important, is no big deal. Children will learn new words about a fascinating trade that has been practiced for millennia.
Horseshoes for Gavi:
Toe, Foot, Hoof, Shoe—Who Knew?
For ages 9 to 12+
Meet Gavi, a friendly black horse, and Rob, the farrier who takes care of his hooves. Step inside the barn and discover why horses need shoes, how their incredible hooves work, and the centuries-old craft of horseshoeing. From prehistoric horses with five toes to modern horses with one hoof per leg, this fun and fascinating book brings science, history, and everyday barn life together in a way kids will love. Lively photos, informative sidebars, and engaging text explain how hooves grow, why balance matters, and what tools farriers use to keep horse “feet” healthy.
Reviews
Midwest Book Review, 2026: Two outstanding titles ...
BookLife Review, 2026: Inspiring introduction to the ancient practice of shoeing horses.
Foreword Reviews, 2026: An educational picture book, Gavi Gets New Horseshoes celebrates the relationship between a happy horse and his talented farrier.
Gavi Gets New Horseshoes
This will be the favorite book you keep by your bedside to read to your young children each night. Not only are the details of how a horse gets new shoes fascinating, but the photographs and drawings capture the process and the care Rob and Gavi's person provide for this sweet, beautiful animal.
—Nancy Goodman
Horseshoes for Gavi: Toe, Foot, Hoof, Shoe—Who Knew?
What a great resource to answer the common question of why many horses need shoes! The author educates in a compelling and conversational way, drawing readers into the topic and providing beautiful photos and illustrations to help cement the information. Wonderfully done.
—Holly Gladd
Horseshoes for Gavi takes readers on a full-circle journey — from the anatomy and evolution of a horse’s hoof, to the history of shoeing, to a step-by-step through the actual process. The trust between Gavi and his farrier, Rob, adds real heart to the story. It’s a great fit for curious 9–12-year-olds — and adults alike — especially those who love horses or enjoy understanding how things really work.
—Colleen Corbett
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About the Author—and the Horse
Amy Spungen grew up riding horses wherever she lived, and she moved around a lot as military child. As an adult she worked for the government and nonprofit organizations as an editor and writer. She also worked as a freelance editor for many years.
Gavi was born in Spain and moved to the United States as a young horse. He enjoys life in northern Illinois and has a lot of fans, inside and outside his barn. Amy is his biggest fan. Gavi is a type of horse called Spanish PRE, and the white brand on his hip identifies him as this breed.
Take a nice spring walk with me!
More Gavi Videos for You
Nothing like a nice muddy day! Yeah!!
