Farrier came today......concerned

FLQuarterhorse39 · 06-13-2009, 05:49 PM

My farrier or his son are usually fabulous when the trim our horses, everyone is barefoot and well behaved. I was watching his son work this morning, and I noticed he didn't actually use the hoof nippers on my horses hind feet, they all could have benefitted from the nippers IMO, as it was 8 weeks instead of 6 between visits this time.

I'm just concerned if he skipped out on them because he didn't feel like it or if he thought they didn't need it.

What should I do? We love our farrier, he never trims to short, and always comes on time and on saturdays! I'd hate to get a 2nd opinion from someone and it get back to him that we don't trust his judgement.

I'm just worried about my babies thats all. We have 10 horses and I don't want to have them be uncomfortable.

beth55051 · 06-13-2009, 06:01 PM

If it's been dry or the ground is hard he may not have needed to actually be trimmed. Not every horse follows a strict 6 or 8 week schedule. Some horses, especially on their hind feet tend to wear them down nicely and keep them in good shape on their own.

I have a mare who gets her fronts trimmed every 4-6 weeks but her backs rarely need more than a good shaping.

I'd much prefer a tad bit of extra length than a too short trim and the problems that come along with it.

Dakota1 · 06-13-2009, 06:30 PM

I wouldn't worry to much. If you feel confortable enough with your farrier you could just ask. It sounds kinda more like he didn't think they needed it, but you'd have to ask. If his back hooves look fine, then I wouldn't worry bout it. I know how you feel though, I sometimes need to just trust my farrier, as long as they've done great shoeing/trimming in the past then there's nothing to worry about.

bubbleslove · 06-13-2009, 07:36 PM

I might call him and say that you didn't want to insult his work, but you had a concern about maybe they needed more taken off. Maybe off to email him pics?
I know that with all this rain we've been getting in Fla, my horse's feet are growing like weeds! He's usually 6 weeks on the nose, but the last one was at 4.5 weeks, and we're about due for it again whenever the farrier is back in town, again at 4.5 weeks.

Horselady44 · 06-13-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beth55051

If it's been dry or the ground is hard he may not have needed to actually be trimmed. Not every horse follows a strict 6 or 8 week schedule. Some horses, especially on their hind feet tend to wear them down nicely and keep them in good shape on their own.

I have a mare who gets her fronts trimmed every 4-6 weeks but her backs rarely need more than a good shaping.

I'd much prefer a tad bit of extra length than a too short trim and the problems that come along with it.

I agree...They may have not needed the backs trimmed...if he would have maybe they would have been to short then. You could very well call him and say you were concerned. Just to see what he says. But, Im sure they just didnt need the backs done

I know how it goes with your babies. I make sure mine are taken care of also....which reminds me. I need to schedule for a farrier also

David · 06-15-2009, 12:27 PM

Another thought is that, with it being June, the ground is getting harder and he may have wanted to leave a little extra to make sure they don't wear off too much before he comes back.

It's always been my opinion that it's better to leave a little too much than to take a little too much off. This way if he comes back and they didn't wear as much as he expected he can take a little more off with out any pain issues. Imagine how you would feel if he had taken off the amount you feel was necesarry and your horse wore to much off and came up lame before the next trim.

David

Hideaway · 06-15-2009, 12:35 PM

I wouldn't worry unless they look hideous. Sometimes the nippers aren't needed, especially with the horses stomping flies and moving around a bit. Also, as David said, perhaps he left a little foot for wear/stomping room.

fishing_trex · 06-26-2009, 01:42 PM

My previous farrier hardly ever used nippers. He preferred to rasp off the foot. I watched him rasp a fair bit off my mare's feet one time...

joustinggirl · 06-27-2009, 07:19 AM

Some of the thought and research has suggested that nippers MAY do more damage. Damage that, of course, we can't see. So many farriers, especially more natural ones, are trying not to use nippers at all.

And I repeat "MAY do more damage."

horseloverinVA · 06-27-2009, 07:29 AM

My farrier was just out last Monday and out of 4 horses he only used the nippers on 1 horses hind hooves. I don't worry about it, I trust my farrier and they all look good.

version1955 · 06-27-2009, 07:36 AM

I think its a wonderful thing that you're concerned and I bet your farrier appreciates it as well. Ya know, if you ask him as in you want to learn rather than asking like an indictment you may find your farrier is more than willing to explain what's going on and you may learn something new. So go on ahead and ask your farrier how come they didn't nip the back feet and tell us what he says.

Drafty · 06-27-2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by version1955

I think its a wonderful thing that you're concerned and I bet your farrier appreciates it as well. Ya know, if you ask him as in you want to learn rather than asking like an indictment you may find your farrier is more than willing to explain what's going on and you may learn something new. So go on ahead and ask your farrier how come they didn't nip the back feet and tell us what he says.

Ah more valuable information from version!!!

My farrier was leaving long toes and no heal on one of my mares, so I asked him about it in a nice way. He was impressed that I knew so much about what a good hoof looked like, and he explained to me that she wasn't growing much heal at all, so he had to leave the toes a little longer than he liked.

BarnBum · 06-27-2009, 07:54 AM

I would just call him back and ask WHY he didn't use the nippers. He works for YOU

Customer Satisfaction. You aren't questioning his abiity at all.

My farrier rarely uses the nippers on the back end. He files.

Also, some have mentioned about the dryness, I don't think you are dry, are you ? We have been getting some serious rain down here. We aren't wet as it is all soaking in. Love the Fla summers and sauna

You have a right to be concerned, just call him and ask !!

CoCo Cola Classic · 06-27-2009, 08:09 AM

You should be able to ask your Farrier "why" and "what" he is doing well he is doing it, not really sure why you didn't, but if your concerned call him, and if he gets offended, then thats his issue not yours, and trust me farriers need to explain them selfs all the time you wont be the first to question about their work.

knpaints · 06-27-2009, 08:26 AM

If it bothers you then ask him..My farrier would rather me ask. If they get uptight well thats their problem

theoldbear · 06-27-2009, 08:36 AM

I just used my eight farrier in the last 24 years, my third in the last twelve months, so I understand how hard it is to find a good one, and how you would not want to insult or offend.

The best one I ever had, who was killed in Hurricane Charley, did natural trims on all three of the horses we had at the time. On one, he always used just the hoof knife. He never used nippers or even a rasp. She was a Walker with hard black hooves, and he could bevel or round the edges with that knife like no one else I've ever seen.

The big Walker, he used nippers, and then finished with a rasp. Never touched his hooves with the knife.

The draft/QH cross, he used the knife and the nippers.

I asked him why, and he explained that the horses hooves were different in hardness and texture and shape, and he used what felt right.

The two Walkers gaited better and the other one actually went smoother after his care, so I've got to think he knew what he was talking about.

The young lady who did the hooves of the four we've got now (only the big old Walker is still around) also used different tools and techniques with each of the four. I think she may know what she's doing, too!

Lady_MCSE · 06-27-2009, 08:43 AM

Hmm, it's been 2 weeks since the OP posted and he\she hasn't been back ... any word from the OP on how the horses have fared?

Horsie Michelle · 06-27-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joustinggirl

Some of the thought and research has suggested that nippers MAY do more damage. Damage that, of course, we can't see. So many farriers, especially more natural ones, are trying not to use nippers at all.

And I repeat "MAY do more damage."

I've heard/read the same thing. My farrier spends the extra time to use the rasp, rarely the nippers unless there is a flare.

Rafflesgirl · 06-27-2009, 09:53 AM

Whenever I am wondering about something my farrier does I just ask it like I want a lesson. (And I usually do) For example, recently I asked just exactly how do you know how much frog to trim. And I also asked how do you decide on the horses you trim how much of an angle you want to do. My farrier is also a friend and I think he likes to feel like I am interested in his work and expertise. And if the answer didn't make sense I'd just ask for clarification.

version1955 · 06-27-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafflesgirl

Whenever I am wondering about something my farrier does I just ask it like I want a lesson. (And I usually do) For example, recently I asked just exactly how do you know how much frog to trim.

Trim until they croak

Okay, okay bad joke

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06-13-2009, 05:49 PM
FLQuarterhorse39 Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MacClenny, Florida Posts: 1,114	Farrier came today......concerned My farrier or his son are usually fabulous when the trim our horses, everyone is barefoot and well behaved. I was watching his son work this morning, and I noticed he didn't actually use the hoof nippers on my horses hind feet, they all could have benefitted from the nippers IMO, as it was 8 weeks instead of 6 between visits this time. I'm just concerned if he skipped out on them because he didn't feel like it or if he thought they didn't need it. What should I do? We love our farrier, he never trims to short, and always comes on time and on saturdays! I'd hate to get a 2nd opinion from someone and it get back to him that we don't trust his judgement. I'm just worried about my babies thats all. We have 10 horses and I don't want to have them be uncomfortable. __________________ I'm proud of my sailor!

06-13-2009, 06:01 PM
beth55051 Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 8,060	If it's been dry or the ground is hard he may not have needed to actually be trimmed. Not every horse follows a strict 6 or 8 week schedule. Some horses, especially on their hind feet tend to wear them down nicely and keep them in good shape on their own. I have a mare who gets her fronts trimmed every 4-6 weeks but her backs rarely need more than a good shaping. I'd much prefer a tad bit of extra length than a too short trim and the problems that come along with it. __________________ *If at the end of the day, all you have left is your integrity and honor. Then hold your head up, because that's more than most have.*

06-13-2009, 06:30 PM
Dakota1 Newborn Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: WA State Posts: 28	I wouldn't worry to much. If you feel confortable enough with your farrier you could just ask. It sounds kinda more like he didn't think they needed it, but you'd have to ask. If his back hooves look fine, then I wouldn't worry bout it. I know how you feel though, I sometimes need to just trust my farrier, as long as they've done great shoeing/trimming in the past then there's nothing to worry about. __________________ I've spent most of my life riding horses. The rest I've just wasted. ~Anonymous

06-13-2009, 07:36 PM
bubbleslove Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sunny South Florida Posts: 1,060	I might call him and say that you didn't want to insult his work, but you had a concern about maybe they needed more taken off. Maybe off to email him pics? I know that with all this rain we've been getting in Fla, my horse's feet are growing like weeds! He's usually 6 weeks on the nose, but the last one was at 4.5 weeks, and we're about due for it again whenever the farrier is back in town, again at 4.5 weeks. __________________ Proud owner of: Mr. Bubbles, Hank, and Sparky

06-15-2009, 12:27 PM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,308	Another thought is that, with it being June, the ground is getting harder and he may have wanted to leave a little extra to make sure they don't wear off too much before he comes back. It's always been my opinion that it's better to leave a little too much than to take a little too much off. This way if he comes back and they didn't wear as much as he expected he can take a little more off with out any pain issues. Imagine how you would feel if he had taken off the amount you feel was necesarry and your horse wore to much off and came up lame before the next trim. David __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.

06-15-2009, 12:35 PM
Hideaway Started Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: PA Posts: 2,640	I wouldn't worry unless they look hideous. Sometimes the nippers aren't needed, especially with the horses stomping flies and moving around a bit. Also, as David said, perhaps he left a little foot for wear/stomping room. __________________ Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

06-26-2009, 01:42 PM
fishing_trex Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,769	My previous farrier hardly ever used nippers. He preferred to rasp off the foot. I watched him rasp a fair bit off my mare's feet one time... __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking.

06-27-2009, 07:19 AM
joustinggirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boones Mill, Virgina Posts: 3,811	Some of the thought and research has suggested that nippers MAY do more damage. Damage that, of course, we can't see. So many farriers, especially more natural ones, are trying not to use nippers at all. And I repeat "MAY do more damage." __________________ Pink Tiger says 'Grrrrrr'

06-27-2009, 07:29 AM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,457	My farrier was just out last Monday and out of 4 horses he only used the nippers on 1 horses hind hooves. I don't worry about it, I trust my farrier and they all look good. __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

06-27-2009, 07:36 AM
version1955 Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: northern MN Posts: 9,162	I think its a wonderful thing that you're concerned and I bet your farrier appreciates it as well. Ya know, if you ask him as in you want to learn rather than asking like an indictment you may find your farrier is more than willing to explain what's going on and you may learn something new. So go on ahead and ask your farrier how come they didn't nip the back feet and tell us what he says. __________________ God gave us the drive to quit as a gift

06-27-2009, 07:54 AM
BarnBum Kid Safe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 6,363	I would just call him back and ask WHY he didn't use the nippers. He works for YOU Customer Satisfaction. You aren't questioning his abiity at all. My farrier rarely uses the nippers on the back end. He files. Also, some have mentioned about the dryness, I don't think you are dry, are you ? We have been getting some serious rain down here. We aren't wet as it is all soaking in. Love the Fla summers and sauna You have a right to be concerned, just call him and ask !! __________________ *Life is a coin, you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.*

06-27-2009, 08:09 AM
CoCo Cola Classic Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 53	You should be able to ask your Farrier "why" and "what" he is doing well he is doing it, not really sure why you didn't, but if your concerned call him, and if he gets offended, then thats his issue not yours, and trust me farriers need to explain them selfs all the time you wont be the first to question about their work. __________________ LOST IN THE WORLD FOUND ON HORSE BACK! CoCo Cola Classic

06-27-2009, 08:26 AM
knpaints Coming two Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,562	If it bothers you then ask him..My farrier would rather me ask. If they get uptight well thats their problem __________________ Kris~

06-27-2009, 08:36 AM
theoldbear Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Arcadia, Florida Posts: 936	I just used my eight farrier in the last 24 years, my third in the last twelve months, so I understand how hard it is to find a good one, and how you would not want to insult or offend. The best one I ever had, who was killed in Hurricane Charley, did natural trims on all three of the horses we had at the time. On one, he always used just the hoof knife. He never used nippers or even a rasp. She was a Walker with hard black hooves, and he could bevel or round the edges with that knife like no one else I've ever seen. The big Walker, he used nippers, and then finished with a rasp. Never touched his hooves with the knife. The draft/QH cross, he used the knife and the nippers. I asked him why, and he explained that the horses hooves were different in hardness and texture and shape, and he used what felt right. The two Walkers gaited better and the other one actually went smoother after his care, so I've got to think he knew what he was talking about. The young lady who did the hooves of the four we've got now (only the big old Walker is still around) also used different tools and techniques with each of the four. I think she may know what she's doing, too!

06-27-2009, 08:43 AM
Lady_MCSE Seasoned Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 4,653	Hmm, it's been 2 weeks since the OP posted and he\she hasn't been back ... any word from the OP on how the horses have fared? __________________ "A pun is its own reword." — Dance Drier, British comedian

06-27-2009, 09:53 AM
Rafflesgirl Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 596	Whenever I am wondering about something my farrier does I just ask it like I want a lesson. (And I usually do) For example, recently I asked just exactly how do you know how much frog to trim. And I also asked how do you decide on the horses you trim how much of an angle you want to do. My farrier is also a friend and I think he likes to feel like I am interested in his work and expertise. And if the answer didn't make sense I'd just ask for clarification. __________________ Kelli ~He is the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers - Shadowfax Lord of the Rings