Farrier info, advice and insights
Some interesting research into the connection between certain hoof shapes and lameness in this article at thehorse.com Could it be? A potential predisposing factor for lameness that can be seen with our very eyes? According to one British researcher, this dream could be a reality. A recent study revealed that certain hoof shapes and characteristics …
Continue reading "Does Equine Hoof Shape Have an Effect on Soundness?"
Concave barstock Making horseshoes is so much easier with the right tools - a quality hammer, a nice anvil at the right height, a fire that provides an even heat and a focussed mind are all important. But it's vital to have the right steel to start with too. I was spoiled being an apprentice …
What the horse owner says: "Do you mind if I watch and ask questions?" What the farrier hears: "I'm having a go myself next time"
What the horse owner says: "i'll be at work but my teenage son will hold the horse for you" What the farrier hears: "My teenage son hates horses and everything about them. He'll be miserable and hopeless holding the horse but I'm desperate to get my horse shod before the show"
What the horse owner says: "it's just up the road from the other horse you shoe" What the farrier hears: "it's an extra 30 minutes drive down a bumpy road, across a gushing river and I might not be able to catch the horse when (and if) you get here"
What horse owners say: "how much do you charge?" What farriers hear: "I'm ringing round as many farriers as I can find looking for the CHEAPEST"
What the horse owner says: "There's no good farriers in this area" What the farrier hears: "I've had most of the local farriers and none of them want to come back to my crazy place"
It's always handy to have a clean and level surface to work on when trimming and shoeing. Sometimes this isn't quite possible! I love living in New Zealand but this is what farriers experience from time to time. Photo copyright Antonia Steeg
Q. I’d like to start shoeing my own horses so I no longer need to use a farrier. Is there a weekend course I can go on or better still a book I can read to learn the basics? I just want to put shoes on my own horses, not learn about the advanced stuff …
Continue reading "Learning to be a farrier on a weekend course"
Liberty horseshoe nails I had a farrier call up last week wanting to buy more Jim Blurton bar shoes. He said the first pair he bought were sat on his fireplace at home and almost looked too beautiful to nail on a horse. Today, we got the Liberty BH 3.5 nails in stock and I …
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