Farrier info, advice and insights
Question: My four-year-old TB has a sand crack in one of her hooves. This crack has been there quite some time and has almost grown to the bottom of the hoof. While the coronet appears healthy and I never noticed any injuries, my main concern is that the hoof is still growing with a split. …
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Question: I am curious if you know whether special shoeing for specific disciplines is done here in New Zealand. I have recently had a friend and fellow dressage rider out from England, and she expressed surprise that my farrier was an ‘all-round’ farrier, so to speak, because she uses a farrier who specialises in shoeing …
Question: Do horses need to have their shoes removed when they are turned out over winter? Last season I thought I was doing my part-TB a favour taking his shoes off, but he was really crippled and unhappy hobbling around the paddock, let alone on the stoney driveway when I bought him in for his …
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My horse sprung a shoe while I was riding him a few days ago and one of the nails went right into the sole of his foot. Fortunately, the farrier happened to be visiting my neighbour and so he was able to remove the shoe. But I'd like to know, if this happens again, should …
Question: I know you mainly deal with horses, but I wonder if you could give me a basic outline of the care of donkey feet? We have inherited a pair of donkeys, and by the look of them their feet have been neglected for some time. Can any farrier deal with donkey feet or do …
Question: Hi David. I have a seven-year-old category B miniature horse that I rescued two years ago. He was 100kg overweight, had really over grown hooves, had already suffered laminitis twice and had the signs of it again when I first saw him. I had x-rays done of his feet when I got him and …
Q. I am concerned that a pony I recently purchased is suffering from a condition I believe is referred to as broken back axis, that more pressure is borne through the posterior part of the foot, resulting in compressed collapsed heels, with increased risk of bruised heels. She is about five years old and has …
Question: I have a 20-year-old TB gelding who, after having unbalanced, cracked hooves, has come a long way with corrective trimming from an experienced and reputable farrier. While his hooves have improved dramatically in a year, he still has slightly flat feet and his hoof wall, I am told, is quite thin. The problem is …
Q: If my horse goes lame immediately after being shod, should I call the farrier back, or get the vet? Belinda, Auckland A: Great question Belinda. Unfortunately, the inevitable does happen occasionally when a horse is sore after a hoof-care appointment. We trim and/or shoe horses primarily in order to make them more comfortable. During …
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