Farrier info, advice and insights
When it comes to hoof care for your horse or pony, it's essential to make the right choices. Hoof boots are a popular option for protecting and supporting your horse's hooves, especially in rugged terrain or during transition periods. While buying second-hand items can be a cost-effective choice in many cases, this isn't necessarily true …
Continue reading "The Pitfalls of Second-Hand Hoof Boots: Why You Should Think Twice"
Farrier hoof nippers are essential in preserving the wellbeing of a horse's hooves. To ensure their longevity and optimal performance, it's recommended to invest in high-quality nippers and maintain their care. Practices include thorough cleaning post-use, routine oiling, correct usage, proper storage, and maintaining sharp blades. These measures enhance the nippers' lifespan, foster effective trimming, and contribute to cost savings in the long run.
Six times holder of the prestigious title of World Champion Blacksmith, Grant Moon AWCF is arguably the most famous farrier. He has shod in no less than 36 different countries and delivers clinics across the world. In our first ‘Farrier Focus’ we fire a few questions at Grant to give us an insight into who …
What's the one piece of advice you'd give a new farrier starting his/her career? Share your thoughts in the comments section (below) of this farrier blog or our Facebook page  or Twitter @nzfarriers
Inside the hoof Some of the structures inside the hoof are less well known – with the exception of a few which can cause the most lameness problems – but are just as vital for the health of the hoof and therefore the horse. Taking up a large area in the hoof capsule are the …
The hoof: Inside and Out There should be no understating the importance of healthy hooves to the equine. We rely on these four relatively small but vital parts of the horse in order to be able to do just about anything with our beloved friends. The health and functionality of the four feet can mean …
Guest Post by Alistair Dalziel AWCF: On the 27th and 28th August 2012, David Hankin provided an awesome opportunity for a pre-service teacher. He invited farriers from the length of New Zealand to practice on how to deliver lessons which encourage higher order thinking. Alistair Dalziel - an Associate of The Worshipful Company of Farriers, …
Q: I have been told to use aluminium shoes on my show hack, to improve her movement in the ring. is this a good idea, and what are the drawbacks? Pauline, Canterbury A: Hi Pauline. The best approach might be to give aluminium shoes a go on your hack – in between important shows to …
Continue reading "Will using aluminium shoes improve my horses movement?"
Question: My farrier generally shoes my horses with the outside back of the shoe much wider than their actual feet. I am concerned that they may be able to stand on their shoes and pull them off. Should I ask him to fit the shoes more neatly to the hooves, or is there a reason …
Guest Post by David J. Barron, CF, APF David Barron is an working farrier certified through the American Farriers Association and the American Association of Professional Farriers in the State of Washington, USA. David grew up on a large coffee farm in Zimbabwe, where he trained horses and competed in national polo and polocrosse. He …
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