Farrier Rant and feeling bad

S

southdowns

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My horse has just been shod for the third time since i've owned him (nearly 4 months). The first time he was quite good but did pull the farrier around a couple of times, as most baby horses do.

Then last time YO was there for shoeing and said he pulled back a couple of times and that the farrier asked me to call him. Called the farrier who said that he was a bit silly and asked if i could be there next time - YO is brilliant with him but he wanted me to see 'what he's like'

So farrier comes today and decided to start with his hinds for a change. My horse was standing fine but as soon as he wobbled a bit the farrier got cross with him. Although he didn't smack him, he was growling at him and holding him tight making my horse panic and pull away from him.

Farrier went on about how he was taking the p*ss. This horse is so sweet and kind, he's never naughty and would never take the p*ss out of anyone. Poor horse was quite upset and tense (was shaking). He clearly does not have a problem being shod but is just nervous of the farrier. My horse has never had to have anyone get agressive with him and was obviously scared.

I wish i'd had the balls to tell him to leave but i didn't. I'm never going to have him shoe my horse again but just feel so bad sitting here now. I should have asked him to stop and leave.

Feel Bad.
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Yep, I foolishly persevered with a farrier when my horse ws young. He ended up having to be sedated by the vet and it was costing me £100+ everytime he was shod.

I eventually moved yards, partly so I would never have to see this farrier again and the new farrier was fantastic. He didn't even have to work that hard with him to be ok, he was just a different breed of farrier, calm and matter of fact about the job, not prone to histrionics if the horse dared to move a muscle.

It poops me off when I think how much money I wasted because of that little man and I kick myself further that I didn't have the guts to stand up to him ... well I did eventually, hence my leaving the yard ... but that's another story!
 
I had the same thing happen to me, only worse. I only had my mare for less than a week, she was unsettled and a little moody anyway. She pulled her hind away from him, she didn't kick or anything, just pulled away. Farrier lost his balance, tumbled backwards, fell over his tools and ended up on his arse. He got up and came running at my horse, grabbed the rope off me and twitched her and yanked on her so hard she freaked out. It all happened so quickly, and I was so upset, but trying not to let him see me crying that I couldn't tell him to stop and leave. I still kick myself about it now.

Hope you find a nice replacement farrier... **hugs**
 
I'm glad other people have had the smae feeling - my OH is like 'you should have just told him you didn't like it' - it never is that easy, and yes thanks OH i feel bad enough!!!
 
dont feel bad about it, I put up with this from a trimmer for months until she nearly blinded my youngster, she started treating them all roughly and they all started misbehaving every single time. I think most of us have something in us that tells us these people are experts and we shouldnt argue with them. I changed back to a farrier and every one of them is as good as gold now. I talked to the farrier before he started with them and explained how they were, he is brilliant with them and was very patient the first couple of times when he needed to be. They are all absolute stars now because of his treatment of them. Please find yourself a new farrier, explain the situation but without 'slagging' your current one, I asked for recommendation on the forums so do that if you dont know of any other local good ones. Please dont worry,dont feel bad, you have decided to deal with this rather than continue as I did!
 
Please don't feel bad, its very easy for your other half to say that you should have said this or that but in reality its very difficult to do.

Definately time to change farriers tho.
 
i know what you mean iv seem some things like that in the past but we hav a great farrier hugs hope u find a nice one
 
The large bar of galaxy hiding in my car is about to get it!! Thanks for your support everyone. I'll be phoning a new farrier next week (had one recommended by YO who has shod some difficult horses at our yard)
 
[ QUOTE ]
The large bar of galaxy hiding in my car is about to get it!! Thanks for your support everyone. I'll be phoning a new farrier next week (had one recommended by YO who has shot some difficult horses at our yard)

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope you mean shod.....
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[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The large bar of galaxy hiding in my car is about to get it!! Thanks for your support everyone. I'll be phoning a new farrier next week (had one recommended by YO who has shot some difficult horses at our yard)

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope you mean shod.....
tongue.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

pmsl
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