Advice on hoof trimming...

merleliz · 09-13-2009, 09:01 PM

As some of you may have read in previous posts, my farrier is in the military and has been moved to Tennesee, prior to probably Afghanistan in the first of the year. I adore my farrier, my horses adore my farrier, and I really hate the thought of trying to get a new one, on top of being worried about him...and very proud of him, he is an exceptional young man.

Paul has been talking to him about doing the farrier work himself when he ships out overseas. There's no question that he could learn to do it, he is extremely talented with his hands, with tools and with animals...so I know he could learn it...but where to start? He's been watching our farrier, and he's been explaining things to him as he went along...but I would like him to get some kind of formal education in the subject before I turn him loose on my babies feet!

So...anyone have any suggestions about how he could get started?

pippy · 09-13-2009, 09:30 PM

There are farrier schools and I guess that is where I'd first start if I had an interest in it. I think it's very important to learn all about the structure of the hoof and it's nuances. Might want to do a bit of searching to see where the nearest one to you is.
Aside from that, hands on work next to a knowledgeable farrier and classes to stay up to date on stuff. My farrier has been in the industry for eons but still goes up to the U for workshops/ conferences/ clinics etc.
And of course, books for reference.

**taelesean** · 09-13-2009, 11:05 PM

There is an excellent book titled "Well Shod" by Don Baskins that would be a very good place to start.

Really, trimming a healthy hoof is not very hard. Even shoeing isn't terribly difficult if you are already familiar with the tools and used to working with animals. The hard part is dealing with out of balance feet or feet with problems - That's when the training and experience of a professional farrier is needed. The book I mentioned above will help you and your hubby know when it's time to call in a pro.

Horselady44 · 09-13-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taelesean

There is an excellent book titled "Well Shod" by Don Baskins that would be a very good place to start.

Really, trimming a healthy hoof is not very hard. Even shoeing isn't terribly difficult if you are already familiar with the tools and used to working with animals. The hard part is dealing with out of balance feet or feet with problems - That's when the training and experience of a professional farrier is needed. The book I mentioned above will help you and your hubby know when it's time to call in a pro.

That is a GREAT book! If he is just going to be doing your horses feet and not going into buisness for it, I think that would be a great start

merleliz · 09-13-2009, 11:20 PM

See, that's what is really worrying me, Bita has hooves that grow out more at the toe than the heel, our farrier has been working with that to get her angles right, and it's getting better, but her feet were badly neglected when she was rescued (not by us, we bought her from her rescuer) and I'm scared that inexperience could set us back.

Paul can learn to do it, he really is one of those horrible people that can learn to do anything.

But I'd feel so much better if we still had our farrier...I've read enough on here to know what damage bad trimming can do. And it's just not one of those things you can "practice till you get it right"...a mistake could be very costly and painful for my babies! And he's more one of the "learn by doing" type people, he will read instructions (if he has to), but he learns better hands on.

I guess I need to look into farrier schools around Atlanta, if we have such a thing!

Rhaige9 · 09-13-2009, 11:22 PM

My first ex hubby took a course at one of the local colleges on horse shoeing and then an internship with our farrier.

Karen Cole · 09-14-2009, 06:39 AM

My husband took on an apprenticeship with a well known Blacksmith to learn the trade.

Karen

David · 09-14-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merleliz

See, that's what is really worrying me, Bita has hooves that grow out more at the toe than the heel, our farrier has been working with that to get her angles right, and it's getting better, but her feet were badly neglected when she was rescued (not by us, we bought her from her rescuer) and I'm scared that inexperience could set us back.

Paul can learn to do it, he really is one of those horrible people that can learn to do anything.

But I'd feel so much better if we still had our farrier...I've read enough on here to know what damage bad trimming can do. And it's just not one of those things you can "practice till you get it right"...a mistake could be very costly and painful for my babies! And he's more one of the "learn by doing" type people, he will read instructions (if he has to), but he learns better hands on.

I guess I need to look into farrier schools around Atlanta, if we have such a thing!

Here you go...http://www.caseyhorseshoeing.com/ Supposed to be one of the top shoeing schools in the country. I've heard a lot of good things about them.

Also, I live near you (Cartersville) and I know of a couple of top shelf farriers who maybe able to take you on or else help teach your husband.

David

Sonseeahray's_girl · 09-14-2009, 01:31 PM

Instructional videos are great too.

My husband is like yours Merleliz...and really, it's not that hard to learn how. He'll probably pick it up pretty quick. One thing that my hubby did at first was that he didn't trim as short as the regular farrier would, but would trim more often, until he really got a good feel for how short he could actually go without hurting them.

merleliz · 09-14-2009, 01:44 PM

Thanks, David! I'll be passing this along to him to see what he thinks, I don't know if he is ready for the full blown course, but the trim class might be just what he needs!

David · 09-14-2009, 02:03 PM

No problem, hope it helps.

David · 10-07-2009, 10:29 AM

merleliz- I drove past that school this weekend, it looks really nice and it's not far from you. It's about 15-20 minutes off exit 320 on I-75. Did your hubby ever decide what he wants to do? I could recommend a few great books to get him started or he could go to www2.horseshoes.com and get advice there. I completely forgot about this thread or I would have contacted you but I just went to a free farrier's convention in Ballground a couple of weeks ago hosted by a member on the horseshoes site.

David

muttduck · 10-07-2009, 11:28 AM

You can take this site with a grain of salt, but I find these sites (that divinemisselle sent me) at least helpful.

http://www.barefoothorse.com/

Edited to remove a link, which is no longer working right.

David · 10-07-2009, 12:10 PM

If you want a barefoot site here is another...

http://www.hoofrehab.com/

Pete Ramey is respected by barefooters and farriers alike. He's a farrier who developed a barefoot philosophy to service his clients and his own horses.

Lady_MCSE · 10-07-2009, 12:43 PM

If I may throw in 2 cents, take it or leave it of course ...

In Illinois there is a very well respected farrier school. It's been several years since I looked into it, but as I recall they were set up to do the class in a several week session (4 or 6 I think?). The cost was around $2000.

I never went to that school because I didn't want to do farrier work professionally - well, I would love to but didn't think it was realistic to believe my back would hold up.

Two years ago I took a natural hoof trimming clinic by someone who is a follower of Pete Ramey's practices. She's been a farrier for many years, and used to do shoes and still could, but instead promotes barefoot trims whenever possible, and iron shoes in very very very rare cases. She does work with the plastic\rubber type shoes and does fittings for them. (Easy Macs and so forth.)

I've now been trimming my own horse for 2 years and not only have I not screwed him up, but actually was able to make him SOUND for the first time in 3 years. I've gotten compliments from other riders and vets on how good my horse's feet look, and recently had a "checkup" from the woman whose class I took, and she said I'm doing great.

With my history in mind, I would say that if your horses are not currently shod, then your husband would do well to find a barefoot trimmer to learn from. If you go to a traditional farrier school, then a lot of the training will be on how to handle the iron and not so much on hoof anatomy and proper trimming.

Pete Ramey does sell a DVD set for $300 ... not that I've ever seen it or recommend that as your only source of training. Just mentioning it.

David · 10-09-2009, 06:53 AM

In responce to Lady_MCSE's great advice, I'd also like to mention that Pete Ramey is a local for Merleliz and I. One thing though, almost every horseshoeing school I've heard of offers a weekend long trimming class. If you are interested in just trimming to stay barefoot maybe you could do just the trimming class from our local school or check out clinics coming to our area soon.

Speaking of clinics. I got free tickets this weekend to see Clinton Anderson next month. There is a tack store in Canton GA giving them away.

David

EquineAlberta · 10-09-2009, 11:16 AM

Something else you may want to consider doing is taking pictures of your newly trimmed horses that you and he can reference back to if you need to. You may also want to measure angles and such with your farrier there, to get an idea of what is the goal for your horses, then you can track if things are getting changed unduly over time.

Karen

cjisrowdy · 10-12-2009, 11:36 AM

Hello, in response to trimming. I am currently transitioning from 20 years in the military and I am also currently attending Casey and son horseshoeing school here in Georgia. Ralph and link Casey are absolutely awesome when teaching their trim class. Give them a call! I will be in the Clarksville area of tn when I retire. Hope your able to attend the class.

David · 10-19-2009, 01:44 PM

cjisrowdy-I'm pretty sure that's the school that is on 136 there at exit 320 off I-75. I've heard a lot of really good things about that school. Do you have someone who is going to let you ride along and pull off and pull down when you graduate?

David

TB's_are_my_thing · 10-19-2009, 04:13 PM

Not sure if anyone mentioned- but i notice a few schools offer a weekend hoof care/ trimming course. Not sure of any in your area, but it would be something to look into.

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09-13-2009, 09:01 PM
merleliz Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 4,474	Advice on hoof trimming... As some of you may have read in previous posts, my farrier is in the military and has been moved to Tennesee, prior to probably Afghanistan in the first of the year. I adore my farrier, my horses adore my farrier, and I really hate the thought of trying to get a new one, on top of being worried about him...and very proud of him, he is an exceptional young man. Paul has been talking to him about doing the farrier work himself when he ships out overseas. There's no question that he could learn to do it, he is extremely talented with his hands, with tools and with animals...so I know he could learn it...but where to start? He's been watching our farrier, and he's been explaining things to him as he went along...but I would like him to get some kind of formal education in the subject before I turn him loose on my babies feet! So...anyone have any suggestions about how he could get started? __________________ VOTE FOR "DUSTY TRAILS HORSE RESCUE" DAILY IN THE PETFINDER SHELTER CHALLENGE! http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/c...faces?siteId=3

09-13-2009, 09:30 PM
pippy Started Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 2,300	There are farrier schools and I guess that is where I'd first start if I had an interest in it. I think it's very important to learn all about the structure of the hoof and it's nuances. Might want to do a bit of searching to see where the nearest one to you is. Aside from that, hands on work next to a knowledgeable farrier and classes to stay up to date on stuff. My farrier has been in the industry for eons but still goes up to the U for workshops/ conferences/ clinics etc. And of course, books for reference. __________________ "It's never to late to live happily ever after."

09-13-2009, 11:05 PM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,319	There is an excellent book titled "Well Shod" by Don Baskins that would be a very good place to start. Really, trimming a healthy hoof is not very hard. Even shoeing isn't terribly difficult if you are already familiar with the tools and used to working with animals. The hard part is dealing with out of balance feet or feet with problems - That's when the training and experience of a professional farrier is needed. The book I mentioned above will help you and your hubby know when it's time to call in a pro. __________________

09-13-2009, 11:20 PM
merleliz Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 4,474	See, that's what is really worrying me, Bita has hooves that grow out more at the toe than the heel, our farrier has been working with that to get her angles right, and it's getting better, but her feet were badly neglected when she was rescued (not by us, we bought her from her rescuer) and I'm scared that inexperience could set us back. Paul can learn to do it, he really is one of those horrible people that can learn to do anything. But I'd feel so much better if we still had our farrier...I've read enough on here to know what damage bad trimming can do. And it's just not one of those things you can "practice till you get it right"...a mistake could be very costly and painful for my babies! And he's more one of the "learn by doing" type people, he will read instructions (if he has to), but he learns better hands on. I guess I need to look into farrier schools around Atlanta, if we have such a thing! __________________ VOTE FOR "DUSTY TRAILS HORSE RESCUE" DAILY IN THE PETFINDER SHELTER CHALLENGE! http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/c...faces?siteId=3

09-13-2009, 11:22 PM
Rhaige9 Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gooding, Idaho Posts: 126	My first ex hubby took a course at one of the local colleges on horse shoeing and then an internship with our farrier.

09-14-2009, 06:39 AM
Karen Cole Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,536	My husband took on an apprenticeship with a well known Blacksmith to learn the trade. Karen

09-14-2009, 01:31 PM
Sonseeahray's_girl Started Join Date: May 2006 Location: On Top of the World! Posts: 2,868	Instructional videos are great too. My husband is like yours Merleliz...and really, it's not that hard to learn how. He'll probably pick it up pretty quick. One thing that my hubby did at first was that he didn't trim as short as the regular farrier would, but would trim more often, until he really got a good feel for how short he could actually go without hurting them. __________________ Horses don't always stand quietly and wait for you to get smart -Beth

09-14-2009, 01:44 PM
merleliz Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 4,474	Thanks, David! I'll be passing this along to him to see what he thinks, I don't know if he is ready for the full blown course, but the trim class might be just what he needs! __________________ VOTE FOR "DUSTY TRAILS HORSE RESCUE" DAILY IN THE PETFINDER SHELTER CHALLENGE! http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/c...faces?siteId=3

09-14-2009, 02:03 PM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,286	No problem, hope it helps. __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.

10-07-2009, 10:29 AM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,286	merleliz- I drove past that school this weekend, it looks really nice and it's not far from you. It's about 15-20 minutes off exit 320 on I-75. Did your hubby ever decide what he wants to do? I could recommend a few great books to get him started or he could go to www2.horseshoes.com and get advice there. I completely forgot about this thread or I would have contacted you but I just went to a free farrier's convention in Ballground a couple of weeks ago hosted by a member on the horseshoes site. David __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.

10-07-2009, 11:28 AM
muttduck Kid Safe Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,959	You can take this site with a grain of salt, but I find these sites (that divinemisselle sent me) at least helpful. http://www.barefoothorse.com/ Edited to remove a link, which is no longer working right. __________________ Custom stall signs and pet portraits, Wood Burned by hand with your equine's (or pet's) image: www.WoodburnedPetPortraits.com Self Defense Supplies, Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays: https://selfprotectionsupplies.com/

10-07-2009, 12:10 PM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,286	If you want a barefoot site here is another... http://www.hoofrehab.com/ Pete Ramey is respected by barefooters and farriers alike. He's a farrier who developed a barefoot philosophy to service his clients and his own horses. __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.

10-07-2009, 12:43 PM
Lady_MCSE Seasoned Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 4,528	If I may throw in 2 cents, take it or leave it of course ... In Illinois there is a very well respected farrier school. It's been several years since I looked into it, but as I recall they were set up to do the class in a several week session (4 or 6 I think?). The cost was around $2000. I never went to that school because I didn't want to do farrier work professionally - well, I would love to but didn't think it was realistic to believe my back would hold up. Two years ago I took a natural hoof trimming clinic by someone who is a follower of Pete Ramey's practices. She's been a farrier for many years, and used to do shoes and still could, but instead promotes barefoot trims whenever possible, and iron shoes in very very very rare cases. She does work with the plastic\rubber type shoes and does fittings for them. (Easy Macs and so forth.) I've now been trimming my own horse for 2 years and not only have I not screwed him up, but actually was able to make him SOUND for the first time in 3 years. I've gotten compliments from other riders and vets on how good my horse's feet look, and recently had a "checkup" from the woman whose class I took, and she said I'm doing great. With my history in mind, I would say that if your horses are not currently shod, then your husband would do well to find a barefoot trimmer to learn from. If you go to a traditional farrier school, then a lot of the training will be on how to handle the iron and not so much on hoof anatomy and proper trimming. Pete Ramey does sell a DVD set for $300 ... not that I've ever seen it or recommend that as your only source of training. Just mentioning it. __________________ "A pun is its own reword." — Dance Drier, British comedian

10-09-2009, 06:53 AM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,286	In responce to Lady_MCSE's great advice, I'd also like to mention that Pete Ramey is a local for Merleliz and I. One thing though, almost every horseshoeing school I've heard of offers a weekend long trimming class. If you are interested in just trimming to stay barefoot maybe you could do just the trimming class from our local school or check out clinics coming to our area soon. Speaking of clinics. I got free tickets this weekend to see Clinton Anderson next month. There is a tack store in Canton GA giving them away. David __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.

10-09-2009, 11:16 AM
EquineAlberta Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,013	Something else you may want to consider doing is taking pictures of your newly trimmed horses that you and he can reference back to if you need to. You may also want to measure angles and such with your farrier there, to get an idea of what is the goal for your horses, then you can track if things are getting changed unduly over time. Karen __________________ New Hillside Website The Art of Praise

10-12-2009, 11:36 AM
cjisrowdy Newborn Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Georgia, Tennessee Posts: 2	Trimming class and military Hello, in response to trimming. I am currently transitioning from 20 years in the military and I am also currently attending Casey and son horseshoeing school here in Georgia. Ralph and link Casey are absolutely awesome when teaching their trim class. Give them a call! I will be in the Clarksville area of tn when I retire. Hope your able to attend the class.

10-19-2009, 01:44 PM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,286	cjisrowdy-I'm pretty sure that's the school that is on 136 there at exit 320 off I-75. I've heard a lot of really good things about that school. Do you have someone who is going to let you ride along and pull off and pull down when you graduate? David __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.

10-19-2009, 04:13 PM
TB's_are_my_thing Halter broke Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 172	Not sure if anyone mentioned- but i notice a few schools offer a weekend hoof care/ trimming course. Not sure of any in your area, but it would be something to look into.