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 …
Worlds Best Hoof Oil
Worlds Best Hoof Oil I'm pleased to announce we're now approved distributor of Worlds Best Hoof Oil in New Zealand for the South Island. Worlds Best Hoof Oil is made in Australia Ingredients: Neatsfoot Wood/Stockholm Tar Saligari Oil Silicone Eucalyptus Oil Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1 litre, 4 litre …
How should a new farrier know what to charge?
It's an exciting time setting up a farrier business. Usually having just finished a period of training, we're eager to get going, to show the horse world what we've got and in many cases prove that we're better than the other guys. It's a natural feeling at the start and sometimes one that doesn't wane …
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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 …
Miniature horse with laminitis
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 …
Farrier Blog 