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 …
Hot Shoeing Photograph
Here's a photo for Friday. I love how the photographer Antonia Steeg has captured the hot scale coming off the shoe as it's being shaped. I'm shaping a Kerckhaert Classic horseshoe with a Jim Blurton turning hammer on an O'Dwyer 40kg anvil.
NZ Farrier Supplies
New Zealand Farrier Supplies Having recently "retired" from full time shoeing and trimming, I've now focussed my energy to running the farrier supplies business based right here in Christchurch, New Zealand. I enjoy many of the local farriers dropping in to collect horseshoes, nails and farrier tools from our Yaldhurst storeroom daily but we also …
What do bar shoes do?
Can you tell me what bar shoes do? My horse was on-and-off unsound in front until my farrier put him in bar shoes, and now he is sound. But I am curious as to how they actually help. MG, Wellington Answer: Thanks for your question. Great to hear that you’ve made the improvements and your …
Farrier photo
Smokin' photo courtesy of Antonia Steeg
Jim Blurton barshoes
I recommend the Jim Blurton range of barshoes Egg bar shoes - for navicular and support Heart bar shoes - useful in the treatment of laminitis Straight bar shoes - for stabilising the hoof capsule These barshoes are excellent - well pitched nail holes, countersunk for stud holes and relatively easy to fit. They're how …
The equine foot – short video clip
A great video from Rood and Riddle about common riding surfaces and the types of shoe we select for use: hat-tip Tweedie & Associates
Why use concave horseshoes?
We have a choice of horseshoes in New Zealand and they all offer slightly different benefits. Farriers generally understand some of the benefits of true concave steel shoes. At farrier competitions in NZ (and in many countries around the world) the use of concave bar is common place. Similarly the training of apprentices and shoemaking …
Old Mac’s Hoof Boots
We've had very positive feedback from the horse owners around New Zealand we've supplied Old Mac's Hoof Boots to since 2008. Invented by David MacDonald, an Australian farrier, Old Mac's are a popular choice and as farriers ourselves, there's little doubt they are a good choice for many owners and riders as an alternative to steel horseshoes. We …
Farrier Blog 