Respect for GOOD Farriers

[DunPainted]

Today, we had all 12 minis in the barn, hooves picked and ready for the farrier. A nice elderly gentleman who sweet talks the horses. Proud to say that our minis were pretty well behaved....as was our quarter horse. Clyde, our 20 year old adopted donkey 4 months ago, required sedation by the vet for his safety.

Our boarder, who owns a yearling stud Arabian cross colt, was out of town, thus I held the fella as a favor. The farrier is a wonderful gentleman, and I urged the owner to work with the colt's hooves or I would not allow him to be trimmed and endanger the elderly gentleman. Well, that colt whipped me around while holding onto his halter....no way was this old hag gonna let go.

Next, we went to a neighbor's who owns minis and needed my help to hold them because she's pregnant. With one exception, we're talking major cases of sassy. Finally, it was time for their 29" recently gelded stallion. That fella reared, lunged and knocked me down. Generally, I'm a physically strong woman...but came out of it with a popped neck, banged head, etc. The fella didn't get a pedicure.

This is long-winded, but it's little wonder why farriers are in short supply.

 

[Voodoo]

Yep know the feeling, except I'm the farrier. Our horses are all good and the few people I trim for now have good horses. I did some training on them the first couple times, charged them for the training, and now we're good to go. I tell them either train them yourselves, or pay me to do it, but I won't trim them acting like that. I'm not into getting hurt trying to trim feet on someones unruly horse. We are on good terms and everyone is safe to trim now. I did have on little mini that was into the rearing and striking thing. He officially got his pedicure while lying on his side

. The next time he was willing to stand quietly

.

 

[Pepipony]

I demand perfect manners from my critters at all times. Yes, I know they will have times of misbehaving, but they need to get over it, like now, and behave.

It galls me how many people let their critters just 'be' and use the old excuse that they are just being themselves.

you're right, no wonder farriers are in such short supply.

 

[MeadowRidge Farm]

Cindy, if you look around you will find farriers are NOT in short supply in our area. We have more farriers then the complete state does. However there are only a very few GOOD ones, most of them are fresh out of school, with 2 "oldies" coming back into it again. We now have about 20 farriers within less then a 45 minute drive!

 

[luvmycritters]

I agree with you Corinne - I was just thinking the same thing! I know this for a fact since I have "tried" out about ( oh lets see I am counting ) four different farriers since "96" and now am very happy with the fifth - Jo. Granted he has only been here twice, but he so graciously gave us a file, told us HOW to trim the hooves ( I had asked cuz I want to save money ) ect!! Now what farrier would be so kind as to you tell you how to trim your horses hooves AND give you a file on top of that?! He certainly wont be making any money off me - and I have five here. ( He charges 20.00 per animal no matter the size - but he IS WELL WORTH IT. ) I can call him when ever, no need to be on a scedual, and most importantly - he is exelent with my animals. I couldnt ask for more with this guy! ( By the way - THANKS Corinne!! )

Lori

 

[MeadowRidge Farm]

Lori-Joe isnt taking on any more new clients

he has his hands full with working with my vet, and doing all the large stables in the UP and Door County. BTY--he was also asked to come back to the race track! I told him what I thought about that

 

[Leeana]

Sorry to hear about all the damage done to you Dun.

Thankfully all our boys are use to getting there hooves picked daily. I have them all trained to pick up there feet and there use to many different positions. They do have there bad days though but i can take it (with bruises from time to time). The only horse i have trouble with is sammy and thats on his front feet ..he does his backfeet fine sometimes but his front feet are just horriable to do!

Leeana

 

[HJF]

There is not a demand for big horse farriers around here, but to find someone to do a mini is another story! They all say the minis are too short and make their backs sore from bending down so much...

 

[opie7441]

[SIZE=14pt]We have the best Farrier! He does the minis perfect and even fixed the bad trim that was done before! He's kind and patient and don't want to trust anyone else w/ my little boys!![/SIZE]

 

[Farmhand]

We have had a few different farriers, I have to say, the one we have now is one of the best. He is always on time, keeps his appointments and is a very knowledgable man.

Thanks Jim

 

[DunPainted]

Jim:

Sure glad you found an excellent farrier. My mini friends to the south, especially Qtr Rae with her two little dwarfs, really need a reliable, good farrier. God bless Mr. Halverson's heart, he will be making the 5 hour drive to help those two babies for Donna....and her entire herd. He'll not charge extra for the trip, as he figures it'll be a joy to meet her and help these special minis.

What I love about this gentleman farrier is how he sweet talks to our horses, big and small. We have a 15 year old mini show mare, purchased last winter, and discovered that she needed to be hog-tied to get her feet done. Mr. Halverson gently approached at her level with a sweet voice....no problem.

It's quite an event when our farrier is here....my son makes a pot of coffee and puts it in the barn. David is happy to help by holding the tools, so it's truly a family experience.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Cindy

 

[Farmhand]

Jim:Sure glad you found an excellent farrier.  My mini friends to the south, especially Qtr Rae with her two little dwarfs, really need a reliable, good farrier.  God bless Mr. Halverson's heart, he will be making the 5 hour drive to help those two babies for Donna....and her entire herd.  He'll not charge extra for the trip, as he figures it'll be a joy to meet her and help these special minis. 

What I love about this gentleman farrier is how he sweet talks to our horses, big and small.  We have a 15 year old mini show mare, purchased last winter, and discovered that she needed to be hog-tied to get her feet done.  Mr. Halverson gently approached at her level with a sweet voice....no problem. 

It's quite an event when our farrier is here....my son makes a pot of coffee and puts it in the barn.  David is happy to help by holding the tools, so it's truly a family experience.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Cindy

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I'm not Jim, that is the name of our farrier