Barefoot trimmer or regular farrier?

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Irishbabygirl

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Hi all,

I have a fabulous farrier, and I am very happy with the way he shoes my ridden horse every 6 weeks.

My 24 year old Belgium Warmblood has been unshod since I retired him four years ago due to arthritis, and is trimmed by the farrier every other time so every 12 weeks.

Now, its not uncommon for him to become "a bit footy" shall we say after the farrier has been, and after reading the odd barefoot thread on here, it may well be that he would benefit from a barefoot trimmer instead? If that's the case, where do I find one?

Given his age, the fact that he's an ex comp horse, arthritic and on two bute a day on the vet's recommendation, I'm keeping a very close eye on him with the view that he may have to sadly be pts if his current old ageness condition deteriorates, but now I'm beginning to think what I thought may be his age and arthritis catching up with him, may just be down to bad trimming?! :eek:
 
The horse should not be after being trimmed so something is going wrong with the trim, what area are you so people can recommend you someone?
 
I use a trimmer as she is highly recommended and is very sympathetic on the trim, just a light tidy up with a rasp and not had a lame day since changing to her. You can get good and bad on both sides though, go off recommendation not title.
 
Have you ever spoken to the farrier about it? If not, have a chat with him and he may be able to trim him differently.
 
I'm in West Berkshire in between Newbury and Hungerford.
Agree he shouldn't be sore but you can defiantly see a difference when the farrier has been.
I tried leaving it a bit longer between trims but then his hoof split slightly resulting in a case of pus in the foot :-(
Won't be doing that again!
 
TwoStroke said:
Have you ever spoken to the farrier about it? If not, have a chat with him and he may be able to trim him differently.
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Yes I have quite a few times - but his response is always along the lines of "well, yes, he will be on the yard...if it worries you, you can always stick a set of fronts on him" (:rolleyes:)

I have considered this, but he's retired and after educating myself to barefootness on here, I'm not convinced its the way forward for him.
 
My farrier is fab and does a great trimming job on the two ponies as well as shoeing Cam. As you know Raff was shod all round when I first got him, but goes over any terrain now without shoes. They are trimmed every 6 weeks when Cam is shod, my farrier says it's better little and often than leaving them. Yes the cynic in me could say it's better for his business, but actually he's not like that and really takes his profession and reputation seriously. Mills' feet used to be done every 2-3 months where we were before, and his feet are now in far better shape than then. My farrier is Luke Silcock and actually comes from nearer your way than mine. He does a lot of vet referred work, although is of the opinion that there is no such thing as remedial farriery - just doing a proper job. I can text you his number if you are interested. x
 
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You might find that he neds to be trimmed more regularly than every 12 weeks. If the farrier has to take off too much wall, or correct the balance too much in one go, this can make a horse footy.

Trimming more regularly, then the changes are less.

At the same time you can check to make sure that the farrier isn't removing any sole or frog, which could also cause sensitivity.
 
Irishbabygirl said:
Yes I have quite a few times - but his response is always along the lines of "well, yes, he will be on the yard...if it worries you, you can always stick a set of fronts on him" (:rolleyes:)

I have considered this, but he's retired and after educating myself to barefootness on here, I'm not convinced its the way forward for him.
Click to expand...

Ah, in that case show him the door ;). I can't get over professionals just shrugging off the fact that they're making horses sore - baffling and infuriating!

Farrier or trimmer, the important thing is whether or not they're willing to listen to the horse and adjust their work to suit the individual. Hopefully someone can give you a good recommendation from someone.
 
My horse sees a trimmer every 6 weeks and I couldn't leave it any longer than that for him. I have been happily using UKNHCP trimmers for years now, after the local farrier butchered my horse.

Why not ask the farrier to lay off touching the sole or frog but just a gentle rasp around the walls? Seems easier than having to find someone else?

All an established BF horse should need is a simple smooth round the wall - nothing more invasive than that on a routine trim.....
 
Hi all - thank you so much for all the replies (only just had time to check my thread!)
Sounds like little and often and a soft rasp around the toe every six weeks is the way to go then! Makes so much sense rather than me leaving it twelve thinking that would be best!
I've been keritex-ing too hoping that will help.
Is there any supplements that people could recommend other than the obvious biotin that may help?
 
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