by PearlyredTexas

Created on: December 18, 2009   Last Updated: February 09, 2012

            Finding a good farrier is essential in maintaining your horse’s hooves.  If you have a bad farrier it can be deadly to your horse.  If they trim them wrong then can lame your horse and it would take months or even years for the horses hooves to heal properly.  If they are not done on a regular basis it can also keep your horse from walking properly.  I found my farrier by word of mouth through another friend.  He does the natural method and that is the best for my horse.  My mare has long feet and when I bought her she had one shoe on that was too small for her hooves.  I had one farrier try to put new shoes on her but they kept falling off.  I chose the natural method because she stands better and it takes pressure off her front hooves. A horses weight is mostly on their front hooves. I tried to trim them myself once but my back is not strong enough and you have to have a very strong back to trim horses.

            There are many websites on the Internet where you can find a good farrier but I recommend that you ask another horse person instead.  They can then tell you what he charges and if he has been doing it along time. You can’t just use someone with little experience because if they don't know what they are doing they can lame your horse.   I like someone that takes their time and does not rush. You need to make sure that your horses feet are handled a lot prior to the farriers visit because it makes it much easier on the farrier and he won't get hurt either.

            My farrier does an excellent job and I made sure when he comes my way that other horse folks that live near me know he’s present so if they need his services it would save him from making a second trip.  I always make sure he has something to drink especially in the summer months so he won't get too dehydrated while working.  I also make sure to be available for him as back up eyes in case a horse should spook so he won’t get hurt.  I haven’t had that issue before but would hate to have it happened.    

            Once he is done, I always make sure to book another appointment within the six or eight weeks for his next visit.  Paying him cash is easier for him in case he needs change for his next client.  Always remember in between his visits to keep touching your horses legs so the horse will be accustom to being touched and it will be easier on the farrier every time he trims.  Your farrier will appreciate it and he will want you for a customer for many years to come.

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