Thinking of taking a hoof care class so i was wondering how many trim there minis thought id do a po

[rimmerpaints]

I want to take a hoof care class at the college to learn more about hoof care and possible trim my own horses or atleast my minis but either way im taking class just for my own knowledge but thought i would ask this question and see what people think about it. well tried to make poll but didnt work so just give me your thoughts on it anyway!

 

[chandab]

Taking a class sounds like a great idea, even if you never trim your own, you'll have a new found knowledge of proper hoof care.

I'd love to take a class, but none are available locally. I have a farrier, but I also trim my own. The farrier takes care of my saddle horses, as I can hardly get through their hooves; I we both work on the minis, he trims those with issues and keeps the others on track that I trim.

 

[Helicopter]

I say go for it.

I do all of my minis, have done for the last 4 years and apart from once when I sent half of them lame

I haven't had any complaints.

I've collected too many minis so trimming them myself became a necessity I guess. Either that or pay $500+ every time and I know what that would mean. It would mean 4/6 weekly trims stretching to 10/12/14 week trims.

Actually I quite enjoy doing it and it is very satisfying seeing 4 neat little feet walk out of the shed.

 

[MindyLee]

Im a mini horse and goat farrier here for my county and trim aprox 150+ minis and 100+ goats each yr. (most lame,founder, confirmation issues)

I say taking a class is a great ideal. You can never know enough when it comes to proper hoof care.

HERES A GREAT SAMPLE OF THE CLUB HOOF!

 

[wingnut]

We're too new at this to take on this task yet. I think my husband has the aptitude and the patience to learn but I'll leave it up to him to take it further if that's what he wants to do. For now, we have a great farrier who charges a reasonable price and is available when I need him.

How does one go about finding such a course like hoof care anyway?

 

[Mominis]

I gave strong consideration to this myself a few months ago. I wasn't happy with my farrier at all and I knew I could do at least as well as he could, on my own. I, then ran into the farrier who used to shoe my large show horses and asked him if he would trim Shake for me. OMG!!

:shocked

The difference in the horse is amazing! Not that he was standing obviously wrong before, but the difference that an expert trim can make is remarkable. I see it in the way he stands as well as the way he moves. I hope you do what I did and find an amazing farrier to take care of your horses.

That said, I would take the class. You can never be too educated.

 

[chandab]

We're too new at this to take on this task yet. I think my husband has the aptitude and the patience to learn but I'll leave it up to him to take it further if that's what he wants to do. For now, we have a great farrier who charges a reasonable price and is available when I need him.

How does one go about finding such a course like hoof care anyway?

It depends on where you are. Some farrier schools offer owner short courses. Some good farriers offer clinics on proper care. You'll have to ask around.

 

[jegray21]

My farrier was happy to teach me. He puts shoes on my big horse and checks my work after. You can ask a farrier in your area if they would be willing to teach you?

 

[rimmerpaints]

Our local college has hoof care classes and horse management classes. I have taken the horse management class it was GREAT helped me with vet records, feeding schedule and etc. I learned a bunch from that class Also helped me with watching for colic and went into alittle of horse anatomy and things to watch for health wise. I have taken basic photography there also. They have classes that you can take thats like continuing education not a degree classes but they are great. The class is 80 dollars for a 6 week course. It is so well worth lasses. Check your local college to see if they offer these classes. I will leave my big show horses to my ferrier and keep him looking at my minis to make sure they are ok once i learn this but its more for me(educate myself more may come in handy on day) My ferrier is wonderful! He is patient and a good man. He just loves to TALK! Then so do i so we fit well. I just thought i might could stretch them out some to help on cost if i help trim them down myself one day. NOT ANYTIME SOON TO SCARED!

Thanks MindyLee for pics very interesting!

Im signing up for class! I think it will be a good thing to learn.

 

[Katiean]

I do my own. I do however, prefer to have someone else out there doing it. My hands have never been real strong and as I have aged my horses feet are just so darn hard.