Farrier info, advice and insights
Q: Hi David. My friend's farrier says that nails should always be put in 'as high as possible', but my farrier says this is completely incorrect. What is your view on this? Nellie, Manawatu Answer: Thanks for your question. “As high as necessary” might be a better approach. That is, only as high as necessary …
Continue reading "How high should the farrier put the nails?"
There's regular discussion about the pros and cons of hot shoeing over cold. One of the things I enjoyed about hot shoeing was the smell. After a busy day shoeing, my clothes had that distinctive pong, particularly if I'd been working in a stable or in a closed environment. Less airflow really helped the odour …
When I first started my own shoeing round in the mid-90's back in Blighty, every one of my clients were obviously, new to me. I picked up quite a few clients who had been using farriers previously who they had labelled as "unreliable". Some of the farriers who had been grouped into the "he doesn't …
Clenching up the chestnut mare I was using Diamond pull-offs, Gibbins chaps and a T-shirt from The Warehouse
Horse and Hound have an article online about dogs hoovering up hoof and the dangers it poses Your dog may love the hoof parings discarded when your horse is shod — but vets are warning that large chunks could be potentially fatal. Owners are warned to clean up quickly after the farrier visits — before their dog does. Fourteen-year-old Mutley had …
I've spoken to a several farriers recently who are encouraging clients to come in to them to get their horses done. I see Jeff Crane from White Stone Forge in the US is now doing the same: It is very hard saying no and it’s hard driving all over the country side. I decided to …
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?"
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
We get heaps of seedy toe in New Zealand. Here I am using a Dremel tool to cut some out Photo courtesy of Antonia Steeg
Here's a farrier photo from a few years ago. There'll be no farrier photos of farriers, horses or dogs with santa hats on in this blog. I'm using a Horsehead nailing on hammer and March nails Photo courtesy of Antonia Steeg
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