Farrier problems....

madhector

madhector

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www.darlingdressage.co.uk
I have a bit of a dilemma about my farrier. He is great, friend of the family and takes his time. My only worry is he does seem to like to leave the toes quite long and I am worried this probably contributed to J's problems in front
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He isnt the sort of farrier you question if you know what I mean...

There is another farrier who is very local to me, he is very easy going, doesnt take so long though to shoe but seems to have no problems, takes the toes much shorter.

So do I change farriers and upset the friendship or say something to my current farrier (maybe show him the vet report!) and see what he says...
 
Maybe you could "discuss" the vet report with your farrier and approach it that way. Make it seem as if you are looking for advice rather than just saying that you think he should do this, that or the other. Have the vets actually said that this was a contributing factor? TBH my horses wellbeing is probably more important to me than a friend. I fairly sure you feel that way also! If he still refuses to consider changing the way HE shoes YOUR horse then go with the new guy.
 
If your farrier is not one who is likely to listen to what you have to say and therefore does not respect you as the client, and your wishes, then I would find someone else who will.
In my opinion farriers should respect their customers.
They need us as much as we need them.
Sadly some farriers don't see things like that and think they are above everyone else, including their most loyal of customers.
I am not saying your farrier is one of those people but if you feel you cannot discuss a problem with him that may be related to his techniques causing an issue with your horse then I would look elsewhere.
 
We had the exact same thing with our farrier. Had used him since he was training and was happy until we got my TB who has TB feet!! He didnt take toes back enough, horse ended up lame and bruised heels. We were very tactful and perserverd for 8 months, having feet done every 4 weeks! IN the end bit the bullet and changed. Been done twice by new farrier and the dif is amazing!! At the end of the day got to do best by your horse!
 
Oh wow I could have written that post myself apart from family friend bit.Two weeks ago vet took xrays and has insisted that tbs toes are reduced.He is in eggbar shoes with gel pads all the problems in the hoof with soft tissue injury and long toes have caused tendon injury as well.
Can you ask farrier to ring the vet this is what we have done.My boy has shorter toes only time will tell if his other problems heal.
My vet asked me to get farrier to ring him he was a bit defensive but we have what we need now.
 
I have just edited my post .You are close by perhaps I should pm.
Like you mine might be a right off too.I have another tb so Im a bit worried with new horse.
 
i had a real problem with my farrier leaving my horses feet like flippers i tried and tried to tell him nicley.even the vet tried . again he was one of those who thaught he was un questionable . untill it finaly caused the horse major problems, i promply changed and felt awful! telling him as i regarded them as friends now i dont get spoken to, but finaly realised had to put my horses health first instead of being nice , the new farrier is slowly trying to get them back to good condition but has gel pads in at the mo and now going for xrays on monday to the vets
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