Those of you who do your own trimmings...

[MSRminis]

We would really like to learn how to do our own. Not everytime, I would like to have the farrier do theirs at least twice a year but would like to learn how to just keep them filed myself in between. How did you learn? What can you recommend or suggest?

Thanks

 

[Jill]

The majority of how we learned was from our last farrier helping us and giving us pointers. We did also buy a video about trimming miniature's feet which was helpful as well. We started alternating with us doing the horses one time, and him the next. We've been doing it all on our own for a few years now, and I've been really happy with the results. Wouldn't go back to using a farrier really because it's "easier" for us to just do them when we have time, as we have time, a few at a time, all at once -- whatever suits us and the horses.

 

[disneyhorse]

IF I did my own horses' feet... which I don't want to (first of all you can REALLY screw up your horse by trimming wrong, second of all it's HARD WORK and I have a lot of respect for my farriers)... I would by far choose to apprentice. I would ask my farrier for help/lessons and have them supervise until they feel comfortable having me trim and I would have them check up often.

You just can't learn everything from books/videos... hands-on is the BEST way to learn anything and gain experience.

Andrea

 

[Brandi*]

I took a semester of Farrier and I am still nervous to do my little guys feet. It is hard work but not nearly as hard when you are working on a mini as opposed to a full sized horse. There is a lot to it and it is VERY important to know what your doing. I never knew before I took the class but there really is a science to it. You have to observe your horse in all gates, determine if he is toed in, toed out or straight. Is he brokern back or forward? Also does he have any back soreness or limb disparities? Also what is his job? Once you look at all these variables, you can then decide how much to take off and in what areas. It is important that he has the support of his hoof where he most needs it. Anyone who says there's nothing to trimming your own horses feet is probably not looking at all of these things. Hope this helps! :bgrin

Brandi

 

[Aggravation Acres]

I started by watching the shows on this on RFD-TV.

Watching my farrier. He volunteered to show me how. (he is tall and he said they were taking a beating on his back.

: )

So at first I did a few a couple of days before he came back for the next trinnimg. He then looked them over and made a few minor adjustments.

Also I did not start with the regular hoof nippers. I used what some catalogs call nippers for the novice or nail nippers in others. That way you can not cut a lot off at one time. After he told me I was doing a good job I advanced to the regular 10 inch hoof nippers. I still have him do some of my horses ( I do not do any that have had any problems or are still scared)

I also do mine in their stalls. They are more relaxed there and I can take my time. I take my little stool in and sit. The main thing is I take my time. If I need to stop and come back a little later it is no big deal.

I still have everyone done by him at least 2 times a year. I just rotate them out each time he comes.

Hope this helps. I know it is not for everyone. But it saves a bundle when you have 15 little horses running around.

Deb

 

[REO]

My grandfather taught me 32 years ago. I've been doing them since.

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

Mark only rasps! I just didn't want any errors made on a hoof with nippers!

Now this I agree with and is something I have talked to my farrier about starting to do while you can do some damage this way if done wrong it is not as easy as making errors with nippers or a knife

 

[Jill]

For anyone who wants to learn, I can very much understand being nervous at first. Harvey and I both were, but we were lucky and our farrier wanted to help us learn to do our own horses and was a great mentor.

It took awhile before we felt confident, but like I said, we've been doing it ourselves for a few years now and on all age groups. The horses have stayed "straight" and never been lame. We each look at the foot and just take it slow every time. I really prefer that we do them ourselves at this stage because after we've finished trimming a horse, they look exactly like I want them to -- which is exactly how they should look.

Those of you "tempted" may be surprised that your farrier may be very pleased to help teach you. Our farrier was (is) very good and had plenty of clients. While he loved our horses and ours behaved well for him, they are back busters and he was not sorry to help us learn to do the job ourselves.

Another piece of advice I can give is to not go with "cheap" under $20 nippers. Go for the more expensive $80+ kind as they work MUCH better. Also, go with the smaller "mini" rasps.