Ode to the Farrier...

It's that time of the month again....no, not THAT time, Farrier time! We're having one of our two regular Farriers out tomorrow, and I thought it might be appropriate to list a few things I've learned along the way that help keep the Farrier coming back for more...after all, a happy Farrier, means a happy horse...a happy horse, mean a happy ME (or YOU)!

• Have your horse caught prior to your scheduled appointment. Although Farriers tend to run behind depending on the challenges they have faced at their earlier appointments, standing a while has never hurt any horse. It is not appropriate for a Farrier to be expected to catch your horse for you. This is a bad idea for many reasons. It is not their job, first and foremost. Additionally, not every horse is willing to be caught quickly, which could impact the Farriers schedule as well as the clients after you.
• Remove your horses blanket or fly sheet to make it easier for the Farrier to have direct access to the legs without getting caught up in straps.
• If your horse has come out of muddy lots, groom the shoulder and hindquarter area. Also, wipe or scrape the mud off the hooves rather than hosing them off. Clean dry hooves are much better for the farrier to work on.
• Spray an ample amount of fly spray on your horse prior to your appointment to reduce the amount of foot stomping and tail swishing that can interfere with the Farriers job.
• Hold your horse on the lead. Do not leave them on the cross ties. You have more control over your horses behavior and movement if you are holding them.
• Don’t let kids, dogs and other distractions under your horse or running about while the Farrier is working.
• Don’t let your horse bite the farrier on the backside.
• It is not the Farriers job to train your horse. If your horse has poor manners, alert your Farrier and do your homework. Your horses feet should be handled regularly, not just when the Farrier shows up. It is dangerous to handle an ill-mannered horse.
• Talk to your Farrier about your horses feet. Know your horses ideal angles, shoe preference, heel height, etc....discuss changed in your horses feet, abscesses, cracks, and anything else that concerns you....Taking an active role in the care and management of your horses feet with your Farrier will help build the trust and responsibility necessary for a successful long-term relationship with your Farrier.
• Offer your Farrier some water and a place to wash up. Make things nice for your farrier and chances are that he or she will respond in kind.
  

Happy Trails,

Leah

*Hat tip to Dana's Doodles for the artwork...please visit her site for lots of great artwork and gift ideas!