From Basic Shoeing Skills to Skilled Shoeing
I've learned the basics of shoeing from observing and working
with qualified farriers and then went on to schooling for 2 years
at Alumni Of Walla Walla Farrier Science Program in walla
walla. I also have had the opportunity to Apprentice with Brian
Strelow he has taught me how to shoe a horse properly and
how to recognize pathologies and health issues concerning the
horse's foot. Recognizing the complexity of the hoof and some
medical issues surrounding hoof care. I have attended many
education programs and attending Clinics to continue to seek
out opportunities to improve my knowledge base and skill level.
I have Veterinarian clients as well.
with qualified farriers and then went on to schooling for 2 years
at Alumni Of Walla Walla Farrier Science Program in walla
walla. I also have had the opportunity to Apprentice with Brian
Strelow he has taught me how to shoe a horse properly and
how to recognize pathologies and health issues concerning the
horse's foot. Recognizing the complexity of the hoof and some
medical issues surrounding hoof care. I have attended many
education programs and attending Clinics to continue to seek
out opportunities to improve my knowledge base and skill level.
I have Veterinarian clients as well.
The Approach: Trimming and Shoeing Horses
To be a good farrier you need to be an experienced
clinician, detail oriented craftsman, and intuitive
horse person. One cannot Rush, so I pace myself
according to horse-client's needs. In order to
provide optimum hoof care, I believe strongly that
each individual horse's whole environment has to be
taken into consideration. You have to instinctively
understand the horse you are working on; assess
the animal's physical condition and mental state;
and you have to give the horse a chance to trust
you.
clinician, detail oriented craftsman, and intuitive
horse person. One cannot Rush, so I pace myself
according to horse-client's needs. In order to
provide optimum hoof care, I believe strongly that
each individual horse's whole environment has to be
taken into consideration. You have to instinctively
understand the horse you are working on; assess
the animal's physical condition and mental state;
and you have to give the horse a chance to trust
you.
My Philosophy
There are many theories on trimming &
shoeing which need to be considered
when you evaluate the conditions of a
horse's hooves. When examining a
horse, I select an appropriate method for
this individual horse. "One shoe Or trim
Fits all" Or Rasping a Hoof to fit a shoe
out of the box" Is NOT part of my
philosophy. If you prescribe only one
technique as a way to treat every horse,
you loose sight of that individual horse's
foot mechanics.
shoeing which need to be considered
when you evaluate the conditions of a
horse's hooves. When examining a
horse, I select an appropriate method for
this individual horse. "One shoe Or trim
Fits all" Or Rasping a Hoof to fit a shoe
out of the box" Is NOT part of my
philosophy. If you prescribe only one
technique as a way to treat every horse,
you loose sight of that individual horse's
foot mechanics.
We need to learn to work within the parameters of what is offered and not attempt to dictate
what we believe the ideal foot would be in order to improve, develop and maintain a healthy foot.
I prefer to Hot Shoeing with hand made clips, if possible, This is to absorb shearing of the nails
from jumping, barrel racing or any hard training ect. This helps protect the nails and clinches
from being loosened. Hot shoeing I prefer due to our climate, The heat kills any unwanted
surface bacteria, and helps to decrease fungal and bacterial infections in the hoof.
When shoeing or trimming a horse there are factors to consider.
* Conformation * Pathologies, such as Founder, Laminitis, Navicular, Seedy Toe and others.
* injuries, abscesses
* Gait problems, such as forging and interfering ect.
* Environmental problems, broken down feet, cracks ect.
Other Considerations are:
* Expectations of the owner
* Stalling, turnouts, arenas, trails, paddocks ect.
* diet and nutrition
* Type of work and overall condition.
To provide optimal services, I believe, there has to be cooperation between the horse owner,
the farrier, and the horse. Sometimes it is better to say good-bye than to continue providing
services and get frustrated-or maybe even injured, if the horse has serious behavior problems.
what we believe the ideal foot would be in order to improve, develop and maintain a healthy foot.
I prefer to Hot Shoeing with hand made clips, if possible, This is to absorb shearing of the nails
from jumping, barrel racing or any hard training ect. This helps protect the nails and clinches
from being loosened. Hot shoeing I prefer due to our climate, The heat kills any unwanted
surface bacteria, and helps to decrease fungal and bacterial infections in the hoof.
When shoeing or trimming a horse there are factors to consider.
* Conformation * Pathologies, such as Founder, Laminitis, Navicular, Seedy Toe and others.
* injuries, abscesses
* Gait problems, such as forging and interfering ect.
* Environmental problems, broken down feet, cracks ect.
Other Considerations are:
* Expectations of the owner
* Stalling, turnouts, arenas, trails, paddocks ect.
* diet and nutrition
* Type of work and overall condition.
To provide optimal services, I believe, there has to be cooperation between the horse owner,
the farrier, and the horse. Sometimes it is better to say good-bye than to continue providing
services and get frustrated-or maybe even injured, if the horse has serious behavior problems.
Many well -known farriers have pointed out (5) Factors needed for optimum shoeing/trimming
outcome. If any of the conditions are less than desirable, it will compromise the farrier's ability
to provide quality hoof care.
1. Well behaved horse 2. Clean work area 3. Dry work area 4. Flat Work area 5. Light
If any of the above requirements are laking, the final outcome may not be 100%. The first
requirement , a well-behaved horse is the most important. Being a farrier under a horse is
risky enough, but the "Big danger lies to a farrier's physical and financial well being are
magnified under a untrained or unruly horse.
outcome. If any of the conditions are less than desirable, it will compromise the farrier's ability
to provide quality hoof care.
1. Well behaved horse 2. Clean work area 3. Dry work area 4. Flat Work area 5. Light
If any of the above requirements are laking, the final outcome may not be 100%. The first
requirement , a well-behaved horse is the most important. Being a farrier under a horse is
risky enough, but the "Big danger lies to a farrier's physical and financial well being are
magnified under a untrained or unruly horse.
Pictured Above: Quality of a hand
made Shoe W/ hand made Clips
made Shoe W/ hand made Clips