Getting Ready For The Farrier
I am sad to say that my farrier is retiring. He has done such a great job with my horses hooves, I hate having to find someone new. But, I have put it off for too long, and my horses hooves need trimming. I think I have finally found someone who is taking new clients. He seems nice, and has a lot of good reviews. So I hope he will be everything I need him to be. And I want to make sure he wants to come back, so I need to be getting ready for the farrier!
I have had a great relationship with my farrier, and finding a new one. I want to make sure to keep up that relationship. So I thought I would share with you some of the things I do to make it an easier time for my horse shoer.
Making Sure The Horse Will pick Up His Feet
This is a no brainer. But I have had and seen horses that are reluctant to have their feet picked up. This is easily solved by picking out your horse’s feet on a daily basis. I know this is probably commonsense to most horse people, but I thought it should be said.
And picking out your horses feet doesn’t take much time or effort really, especially after you have achieved the daily habit. It will also help to keep your horses hooves problem free if you clean them daily.
It’s also worth mentioning when I am preparing for the farrier to come, right before he is scheduled to be there, I will run around and pick out their hooves one last time.
Braiding The Tail
I just like to do this to keep the tail out of my farriers work area. I want to make his work as easy as possible, so he can concentrate on my horse’s hooves, and not their tails batting around him. By braiding the tail, and then wrapping it up, it is less likely to interfere with the farrier. And it’s kind of fun to do too!
Grooming The Horse
I prefer to make sure my horses are groomed before the farrier gets there. I want my horses to be comfortable while they are getting their pedicures, so I groom them before the farrier comes. This way I can give them a once over look, to make sure nothing funny is going on. I look for any cuts or sore spots.
Fly Spray As Needed
During the spring and summer, I like to make sure my horses have a fresh coat of fly spray on them before the farrier comes.
I don’t want them dancing around because they have biting insects on them. This also makes it a little easier for the farrier to get his (or her) job done when my horses aren’t stomping their feet, swishing their tails and shaking their heads.
Feeding an Hour Before
Depending on what time of day it is, I try to also make sure my horses have full bellies before the farrier comes. Sometimes this may not be practical. But if they have full bellies, they seem to be more content to hang out and snooze while they are getting their hooves worked on.
So for example, my farrier will be coming out at 7:00 PM this week. So I will ask my husband to put them back into their pens and feed them at around 5:00 PM. Then when I get home at 6:15, I have plenty of time to do my preparations before the farrier gets to me.
Keeping Watch Over The Horse
I also think it’s worth mentioning that when the farrier is doing his job, I also have a job. My job is to make sure my horses are behaving while they are getting trimmed. This means I am an active participant in this adventure.
I pay attention to where my horse’s head is at all times by keeping a firm grasp on their lead rope. And remember to stay out of the farrier’s way.
I also make sure that my horses are paying attention, and that their mouths are not in the way. The last thing I would want to have happen is have my horse bite the person who is trimming the hooves.
I know I may be a little OCD when it comes to things like this, but for me, these are important things I like to do. Because I want to make sure my horses get the best care. Maybe you will find some things that you can use to make a great hoof appointment for your horses too.
Until next time, stay passionate, and enjoy your ride!
