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 …
Keeping a close eye on your farrier
Over the years, I've had clients who like to take a keen interest in what I'm doing with their horses' feet. It's a good approach - keeps them in the know with what we're trying to do with the shoeing or trimming and means they can ask questions if there's anything they don't understand and …
Collapsed heels
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 …
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
Facebook for farriers
It's here to stay, for the immediate future at least. Facebook - love it or loathe it. I must admit, I like a number of other people, tried my hardest to avoid it for a while but am now a regular user and find it vital to feed my habit multiple times a day. I've …
Hoof abscess question
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 …
Relief for itchy horses
It's that time of year again, when rugs are being biffed off the horses, their winter coats are being lost and in some cases, lighter cover options are getting dragged out of the barn. Driving around on my daily tasks, I see so many horses scratching themselves on fence-posts, fences or sometimes less suitable itching …
Farrier polo shirts – Kiwi Farrier Clothing
We've designed and manufactured some polo shirts for farriers. We chose fabric that keeps the farrier cool when working - the special weave pulls moisture away from the farrier whilst allowing the shirt to breathe. The special extended back piece covers the lower back when farriers are bending. The flap can be tucked in or …
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If my horse goes lame after being shod, should I call the farrier or vet?
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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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 …
Farrier Blog 