farrier problems

trendybraincell

trendybraincell

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This is a bit dated now as my problem has past, but I'd just like to find out peoples opinions please.

My last farrier had been shoeing my horse for about a year with no major problems. But about 3 weeks before a big show he went lame, and I mean hopping lame wouldn't even bear weight on the leg. After a visit from the vet, he went for scan of the tendons and ligaments, and xrays. After this the vet stated to me that it root cause of the problem was how he'd been shod (like a TB, not like the Welsh he is). He had overly long toes and insufficient heel support which lead to the pedal bone sitting horizontal, not at an angle. Now its going to get confussing, but a different horse (also Welsh) shod by the same farrier had similar problems, in both cases vet told us problems were the result of insufficient heel support and overly long toes.

I had him reshod asap after his return by different farrier with the xrays as guide. When I next spoke to farrier in question, showed him the xrays to which he replied, "well if we all had xrays, we could all do a perfect job"

Now I'm a first time horse owner, so I'm happy to admit some things I'm learning along the way, but I pay a professional expecting them to do a professional job. After his slightly funny reaction I decided to stick with new farrier. I told no one off my yard about what had happened (only 3 people at yard), as its between me and my farrier, no one elses business.

A week or two later I had a very mean text message from him say "If I continued to slag off his work that I'd be hearing from his lawyer" Well that was the clean version!

Anyway, am I daft for thinking his comments regarding the xrays are riddiculous, surely a trained & registered proffessional (which he is) should be able to do the job for which he is being paid to a reasonable standard? I understand that conformational problems or the natural shape of the foot can affect these things, but isn't that where he should have been cutting toe right back to encourage heel growth. And his text message, more than a little aggressive and uncalled for?

What do you think?
 
you are not in the wrong dont worry about it. He obviously knows he was in the wrong for doing such a shoddy job and is taking it out on you! You are right, you pay someone to do a job and it should be done properly.......we have all had or known of dodgy farriers in the past
 
Good and bad in all professions, I would always try and get a recomendation from some-one I know and trust for vets, farriers etc. His reaction seems to confirm that he knew he was srong. Mind you trying to get a farrier and a vet to agree, unless they often work together is like trying to herd cats IMHO
 
Thanks, personally I thought he was being rude. Like I said I discussed this with no one off the yard until recently, but even now I wouldn't bad mouth his name, because it is just my experience!

Its just nice to get that reassurance from people you don't know, I mean my friends all said the same, but they are friends (its like their job!)
 
some farriers can be really difficult, most I have had are great but friends ones are terrible. One drove off the yard because it was raining and he didnt want to get wet, one threw a massive strop when she told him not to dig her horse in the ribs with the rasp.
 
I know what you mean, the one in question used to whine and bitch about all his clients, my friends, people at his yard. I'm happy to have a good chin wag, but I don't want any part of the bitching!

Definately have to agree with the vet vs farrier thing. Its a conspiracy to just get more ££ out of us!!
 
No no it is just a clash of too many male ego's in a confined space
smile.gif
 
I have found with many farriers that they are all capable of shoeing well - however unless you stand over some they just do a slap dash job, as quickly as possible so they can get on to the next thereby getting more horses in every day and more money. I had a fantastic farrier in glos, then I moved down here and the first farrier I used seemed good at first - three shoeings later I was getting concerned as toes were getting long and heels were starting to contract - I moved farriers. the new one started out well - then about 3 shoeings in I was again starting to see long toes. When I commented he did something about it - he set the shoes on further back and dumped the toes to fit!!!! I finally found my current farrier - ex kings troop, and he is fantastic. He tells me how my horse should be shod, he is happy to discuss why and how. He will work with the vets. All my livery customers now use him and are delighted with how he shoes. But I did discover one of my other farriers badmouthing him basically because he had lost my whole yard. I have found some farriers have a really bad attitude, but in the end they are the ones who's clients leave.
 
Well, you've been 'used' badly by two professionals I'd say.

No. 1 The farrier, in whom you put your trust.
No. 2 The vet for expensive diagnostic treatment that was probably totally uncessary - any good vet will be able to see immediately if the horse has been shod properly, and advise accordingly.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Well, you've been 'used' badly by two professionals I'd say.

No. 1 The farrier, in whom you put your trust.
No. 2 The vet for expensive diagnostic treatment that was probably totally uncessary - any good vet will be able to see immediately if the horse has been shod properly, and advise accordingly.

[/ QUOTE ]
Agree with Amy May on the first but sorry not the second I have been through the very same as the op my horse was also crippled through winter (only just been given the all clear) 2 vets looked at her and didnt know what was exactly wrong her toes did look a little longer than i was used to but not too bad it has taken many xrays and a decent farrier to put her right
 
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