Horse people...farrier ?

[bodiesmom]

Would you "fire" your farrier if he/she trimmed your horse's hooves too short?

 

My pony came up "footy" after this last trimming and our riding instructor said her hooves were trimmed way too short.

 

I'm new to horses (just under a year of owning two ponies) so I wanted to hear thoughts from other, more experienced owners. My dd's riding instructor thinks I should fire him now, but I'm wondering if it's possible to just ask him to not trim as much off. I have no qualms about finding a new farrier if that is what is needed, but I also don't want to have a knee jerk reaction and fire someone if the issue can be easily resolved with communication.

 

***this same pony developed laminitis in all four feet after a trimming a few months ago. I don't have enough knowledge/experience to have a strong opinion about it being from the trimming or not, but I always suspected simply because this pony isn't on pasture, being fed soaked hay, etc.. The vet prescribed Bute over the phone based on the symptoms so he never saw the condition of her hooves after the trim.

 

TIA!

[Spy Car]

Having a farrier you can trust is critical IMO.

 

I've been out of the equestrian world for some time, but having a great farrier who can not only avoid causing harm, but has the talents to correct problems was considered a priority by all the serious riders I know. I'd listen to your instructor and find the best farrier in your area.

 

It is too easy for a horse to go lame. 

 

Bill

 

 

[Guest]

How did you find the farrier? 

 

Since it sound like your horse is coincidentally coming up lame after each trim, and the instructor has an eye to tell the trim is too short, I would probably go ahead and find a new farrier. I wouldn't gamble my horses soundness on something like this. Ask around at the barn at who else people use, and they will hopefully give you an idea of pricing as well. The pricing can definitely range between farriers, so be prepared for that. Hope your pony feels better soon! 

[prairiewindmomma]

I would fire a farrier over that.  Years ago, back when I had a horse (a gorgeous dapple gray Arabian!), we switched to one that did therapeutic shoeing.  It's so important to get the angles and balance right. We found a good one through some different events we went too---word of mouth is important.

[bodiesmom]

Thank you Spy Car and Texasmom- I greatly appreciate your input. You're both so right- it IS too easy for a horse to go lame and it isn't worth risking their soundness.

 

I found my current farrier by grabbing his card at the local feed store. I do have a name of another one that my trainer recommended, so I'll give her a call. I'm preparing myself for an increase in price as this guy charged only $40 per pony. BUT....I need/want these mares sound.

 

ETA- sounds like a gorgeous horse Prairiewindmomma! It also sounds like a consensus so far!

 

Also- these two ponies are only having barefoot trims (is that how you would describe it?). They aren't currently being worked enough to need shoes. However...we are on our way to showing soon- so excited!

Edited June 9, 2016 by bodiesmom

[Liz CA]

I would seriously think of changing farriers as well. Does the pony have shoes or is he barefoot? You could look into booties whiles he recovers from the trim.

I have had a farrier who trimmed without shoes and she was very skilled. It helped my gaited horse to be more comfortable as he aged.

As others have said, this is an important part of horse care and it takes a skilled person to perform the job so the horse can walk / jog / lope comfortably.

[Shellydon]

I would also switch.

[DaisyDay]

I would switch, too.

 

My son was looking into becoming a farrier and we learned that there are at least 2 different ways to achieve that.

 

One is to do an apprenticeship with a farrier who is willing to train. This is somewhat limiting because the trainee only learns what that farrier knows and that's all.

 

A better way is to actually go to a farrier school and learn everything there is to know about the horse's legs from the shoulder down to the hoof. They teach you about disease and injury, all about the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as trimming and shoeing.

 

All this to say that it's possible that your farrier has had limited training and maybe not enough experience yet.