EPs Vs Farriers

[Beanie13]

I would just like to know if any of you have heard about the challenge that has been set by a group of farriers? The challenge is basically to see what EPs can offer that farriers can't and vice versa. There should be four farriers and four EPs, a group of horses and an equine magazine, ready to capture the action. Obviuosly from a barefoot point of view. The group of farriers are ready to go ahead and do this. Mine certainly is, but so far only one EP has said yes. My question to you all is this... If the EPs are so good and so confident in their abilities, why aren't they coming forward seeing as the farriers are ready to lay their reputation on the line??

 

[loominus]

I have actually heard of this Beanie, It is a very good point, I use a farrier who trims my horses barefoot and they are the soundest they have ever been. My farrier is one of them taking part, that is if some EPs willing to lay their reputations on the line if they aren't worried about the potential consequences, I would certainly be interested to see what an EP can do that my farrier cannot?

Is anyone else aware of this challenge, is anyone here an EP prepared to take part? Does anyone know of one?

It is my understanding that one EP has already come forward, that leaves three to go...

Anyone...?

Loomi x

 

[_daisy_]

Is this the same thing that Sallyf is trying to arrange? I know Sallyf is trying to arrange a discussion with 3 farriers and 3 EPs to discuss the shoeing vs barefoot. Maybe if it was well publiscised the EPs would be willing to come forward but if they havent heard about it then they wont join in.

 

[Tinypony]

I don't know the answer to that question, but I'll tell you one thing. I have horses working on all terrain barefoot and sound. I have been helped with this by both good farriers and trimmers (just had to change trimmer/farrier sometimes due to moving yards). I've never had a horse footsore after an EP trim, but I have several times after a farrier.
My observation has been that sometimes the farriers just tend to get a bit too casual, either in a hurry and don't pay enough attention to the trim, or by correcting the shape too quickly and cutting back too short. The KC trimmers never did that, but erred on the side of caution, keeping the horse sound while trimming to allow the hoof to develop a good shape.
I would like to see EP's and farriers side by side comparing trims in a spirit of co-operation. But if it comes over as some sort of macho challenge then I don't see it being a very constructive exercise.
I am buying my farrier the KC DVD's and have told him I will want him to have a look and see what is different - because his last trim has left me unable to ride my horse out. I know EP's trim more frequently (but not stupidly like Strasser trimmers!). I'm perfectly happy to pay my lovely farrier to come more often, I'm happy to pay him more per trim - I just want barefoot and sound horses.
Maybe farriers need to work out what it is that the EP's do differently and start doing it? After all, people are happy to pay more, have more frequent visits, and they could hang up their anvils and have an easier life.

p.s. I'm happy to pay more if I get sound horses with strong feet. That's as valuable as having shoes on to me.

 

[Tinypony]

Is SallyF the lady organising something in West Kent? If so she may be getting in touch with me because I have said once there is a date and venue in mind, I am sure I can get a couple of KC trained people along. They need to know when and where before committing though as they, like farriers, are quite busy.

 

[alfirules]

my pony was barefoot for a while, but i decided to put shoes back on as he just did too much roadwork for his feet to cope barefoot.

whilst he was barefoot i used a few EP's, and i must say they all did a fantastic job of his feet.
they do put in alot more time and effort as well when trimming the feet. my EP always watched my horse trot up before they trimmed him, and then trotted him up after the trim. i have never known a farrier to do this.

they also talked the whole time about the structure of my pony's feet and they told me what they were aiming to improve with his feet.

 

[lillie07]

Its Sally2008 organising a lecture/ demo but not the one being discussed here I don't think. This has come from the farrier conference at Stoneleigh?!

 

[Beanie13]

I have had my farrier trim my horses feet for years now, and have never had an issue. My farrier has always taken the time to to do my horse, and never rushes the work. My horses have been sound, balanced and happy since I have taken them to my farrier. My farrier is anything but casual and always makes sure the job done is the best possible for the horse.

 

[Doublethyme]

The farrier conference at Stoneleigh involved the AANHCP/UKANHCP, not either of the UK EP associations, so I doubt very much if an EP/Farrier type event was planned from that. I understand the AANHCP UK based trimmers are planning some open day type events for farriers to show them their trim.

As for the other event, I know my EP is extremely busy all the time - has a full book and often a waiting list, so I would imagine would find it difficult to take time out. At least one of the NB farriers I think involved in the meeting, trims a horse on our yard, so they can swap notes any time, as we have 3 EP trimmed horses, one NB trimmed horse and three traditional farrier trimmed horses in the same place! Umm....the only one to ever come up really sore after a trim.....the NB trimmed one, although have to add this only happened once and hasn't since.

Also, I don't think many of the EP's come on this board - people might get more response by contacting the two UK EP associations direct.

The web addresses are :

http://www.appliedequinepodiatry.org.uk/

http://www.aepauk.org/


End of the day its up to owners to choose what suits them - if you have a farrier that can keep your barefoot horse working and sound, fantastic, hang on to them! If not, at least now we have somewhere else to go. Market forces have led to more choice and that can only be good for us owners and horses.