A farrier/trimmer dilemma (Glasgow) help needed please!

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AlwaysClueless

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Hello! I tend to read a lot of threads on here but have never posted until now (apologies). I'm in need of a bit of help and would appreciate some thoughts and, if possible, recommendations (or warnings if required). I'm not sure where-else to turn

Here is a brief (as possible) summary of my dilemma!

My horse was injured last year (ligament damage) and I have decided to attempt barefoot rehab at home. I had previously used a farrier when the horse was shod however I felt he was of the "grass trim and that is about it" camp. He wasn't anti-barefoot, he happily trims a few barefoot horses I know of but none are in a great deal of work or have any other issues and I suppose that is fine for them but I felt that for a horse with an injury like mine I'd be better considering someone who would take a bit more time to consider what my horse needs rather than (what I felt was) a quick nip round the hoof, tidy up and forget about it, no discussion or anything further. After thinking about it and doing some reading I thought I'd contact a barefoot trimmer. Trimmer has been out 3/4 times so far and my horses hooves seem ok to my untrained eye. He is still happy in the field and when I trot him up (on occasion) sometimes he looks a little lame other times he doesn't (I gather this is sort of what I should expect with this sort of injury at this point in time). I had no reason to really question what this trimmer was doing. A friend found out I was using this trimmer and told me a bit of a horror story about them and what she has said has made me extremely concerned.

I'm now unsure about what to do as I'm running out of options.

I could go back to the farrier which is my fall back option really.

I would like to find "someone" (trimmer or farrier) who would take the time to listen to what has happened to my horse and observe him and trim accordingly but this really seems to be lacking in Glasgow (West)! If anyone has any recommendations they would be extremely welcome.

What would you do? Would you be on the quest to find someone else (even just for a second opinion) or go back to the farrier or stick with current trimmer (as I know that anyone can make a mistake and some things just aren't right for certain horses)?

(I'd like to stay out of the trimmer vs farrier debate if possible as, to be honest, I'm happy with either as long as they pay attention to what me and the horse are telling them)
 
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I think that you are likely to hear something negative about many farriers, trimmers, vets, physios etc there will nearly always be someone with a bad experience and without knowing the whole story it can be hard to make a fair judgement.
If you have real concerns about the welfare of your horse the best person to ask advice from is the vet who is treating him, most will recommend a good farrier, trimmers are not really on the radar for vets so you are less likely to get that as an option.
Posting some photos of his feet on here may get you some feedback as to how they are doing.
 
If I were you, I'd either contact J&A Ferrie Farriers who have an excellent reputation in Scotland, and ask if they have trained and would recommend any farriers that cover your area. Same goes for Sandy Beveridge who is the remedial farrier for Clyde vet and a highly respected farrier examiner. Alternatively contact the Glasgow university vet school or Clyde Vets in Lanark and ask their advice. They will have treated lots of badly shod horses and always ask which farrier the client had been using, so could perhaps tell you who to avoid!
 
Thanks very much be positive and Scatterbrain.

I know there are always bad and good in every area and I've heard bad stories about my farrier and vet but generally they've never bothered me. I take what people say seriously and look into it and consider my situation, other options and what suits my horse etc and usually I'm happy with my judgment and stick with them. I just think that if what happened to my friends horse was a common occurrence (which from what I've heard it might well be) then it could be a bit dangerous for me to continue with them. That is why I want to look into it and do some further investigation to make sure I'm doing the right thing by my horse.

Old farrier was trained by the Ferries (although they are no longer practising are they?) - like I said, I have no issue with the farrier and I would go back if I think it is best but I'm not entirely sure here. I just don't know enough about it all to really know what is right/wrong, what to look for etc. I know very basics but not enough to say yes or no unless something very obvious was wrong if you see what I mean. Luckily I've got a friend who knows much more about barefoot than me who will have a look and I phoned a trimmer who I know is not in the area but is good at what they do and they have agreed to look at some photos of his hooves so I think getting a few other people's opinions on this will either put my mind at rest or help me decide to move away from this person. If I'm still not sure then I'll definitely speak to my vet (although I got the impression they don't think much of barefoot!)
 
My farrier has been excellent with my barefoot and in work horse, recently he has came out to look at him and theres been nothing in his opinion to do as he is self trimming on the tarmac and varied terrain :)

If you would like his number feel free to PM me, hes really great :)
 
Thats good Christmas Kia. We are definitely not self trimming as he is in the field 24/7! It is just too dark when I'm there to do anything more than basic care so will have to wait until spring until we can do any sort of work (ie walks) on tarmac, he isn't and might not be in work and I'm worried that due to his injury he'll wear his hooves unevenly from compensating? I was under the impression that regular trims would stop that getting worse and affecting the leg further. Although I read Rockley's blog and they tend not to trim, unfortunately I don't have their set-up! I wish I did!

I will PM you as it is always worth having!
 
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