Q: Hi David. I have noticed that my horse is standing under himself with his front legs, very noticeably since I changed farrier about eight months ago. He also seems to stumble more. The main difference that I can see in the way he is being shod/trimmed is that the feet are being set back …
Gibbins farrier chaps video
Here's a Youtube video showing the manufacturing process for Gibbins farrier chaps. Uploaded by Stromsholm Gibbins farrier chaps are made in the UK and available at farrier-shop.com
Presenting the horse to the farrier
I expect all farriers have some clients who are more conscientious than others when it comes to presenting their horses for shoeing. It's usually quite easy for the client to turn up early to get the horse ready. Here in NZ, most horses live out all year around so the state of the paddocks depend on …
Kicking the stable wall
Q: My horse has white hooves and (I think) due to his annoying habit of constantly kicking his stable wall, the side of his hoof is discoloured as if it is bruised. It doesn’t seem to be causing lameness though. Should I just ignore it? RT, Te Awamutu A: You’re correct, this discolouration is likely …
Building the Equine Hoof
Building the Equine Hoof is an educational book co-developed by Zinpro and David Hood from Texas A&M University. Covering topics from basic anatomy of the horses foot, nutrition, hoof growth and common diseases, this 45 page full colour book is easy to read and educational. I've always particularly liked the transparent layered pages which overlay …
Replacing lost shoes
Q: My new farrier charges me to replace a cast shoe, but my old one never used to. I feel a bit resentful, as why should I pay if he hasn’t nailed the shoe on properly in the first place and it falls off or gets sucked off by the mud? What do you think? …
What causes corns?
Q: I do a lot of road riding and 10 to 20km forest rides, and my horse has developed corns on his heel. Can you tell me what corns are (are they anything like the corns that humans get) and how can they be treated? Is it caused at all by the surfaces he is …
Sticking to the shoeing process
I wouldn't claim to have worked with heaps of different farriers over the years. In fact, I consider myself a bit of an under-achiever in that respect. I have little doubt working alongside other farriers is probably the best way to improve our skills, learn new stuff and for farriers who usually work alone, realise …
Asking to get burnt
Somebody should tell this farrier fella that using a rasp like that when burning on is dangerous and there's a possibility the rasp could slip and he will burn himself. It happened to me once. At least.
Derek Gardner hammers
We just took delivery of some Derek Gardner hammers. Wow, they're just beautiful (in a practical sort of way). Made in the UK by multiple national farrier champion, Derek Gardner from Cumbria, each finished hammer is inspected by Derek before if leaves his workshop. The turning/rounding hammers are available in 1 3/4lb, 2lb and 2 …
Farrier Blog 