Managing massive feathers for farrier

[Polos Mum]

I have a new very hairy traditional cob for a little while. I've not managed feathers before !

The farrier is due soon, how best to keep them out of his way so he can see the feet? I tried bandaging them up but it makes the legs a bit clumpy to handle so I wondered if you clever people had any ingenious ideas?
Tubigrip bandage / tight sock crossed my mind.

 

[ihatework]

Clippers.
Sorry.
I’ll go now ??

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would ask the farrier what he prefers. Some like the feather to be wrapped up, others prefer them left alone. Whatever you do, do not wash them immediately prior to the farrier visit, as it leaves the legs too slippery to hold properly. A friend used to bring her horse to our yard for a shared farrier visit and on one occasion, she hosed his legs off when she arrived, before anyone could stop her. Farrier was not impressed!

 

[cauda equina]

Popsocks

 

[meleeka]

I use these. One does two legs.
https://www.chemist.co.uk/tubigrip-...G4RqnJBg50As-i6SwsgE-sWBaxdA7v8YaAsdyEALw_wcB

 

[Follysmum]

My farrier used and old leg support that he had cut and pops it over the hoof and slides it up so he can see the whole hoof. Works a treat

 

[Polos Mum]

Clippers.
Sorry.
I’ll go now ??

I would totally agree with you - not my pony though so I don't think I'd be that popular - ha ha

 

[dogatemysalad]

Tubigrip. Farriers have been very appreciative. Enables them to see the whole hoof and protects them from getting wet and muddy.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Vet wrap

 

[milliepops]

i'd go tubigrip I think. i've vetwrapped my welsh's feather before but you can reuse tubigrip

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Found a few suggestions through google:
Ponytail holders.
Tubigrip.
Leg warmers.

Tried to find a photo of any of those options being used on a horse to keep feathers away from the hoof, and found an old HHO thread posted 2012, where Diamondrockharvey posted this picture of their cob with tubigrip on to keep feathers away for the farrier visit:

Please, if anyone decide to use ponytail holders on your horse's feathers, could you post pictures?

 

[Polos Mum]

Thanks all, sounds like tubigrip is a popular option and that I need to get him in a good couple of hours before hand to let them dry - it's still raining in Yorkshire !!

 

[Fransurrey]

That tubigrib picture above looks amazing! I trim my own cob's hooves and find that if I use the hoof cradle, I can let the feathers dangle (he never gets much flare), but now I'm thinking of getting the above just to help me through winter!!! Another idea would be old compression socks, so if you know of any runners, ask them if they're chucking any. Would be a great upcycling idea!

 

[meleeka]

Thanks all, sounds like tubigrip is a popular option and that I need to get him in a good couple of hours before hand to let them dry - it's still raining in Yorkshire !!

That the beauty of tubigrip, you just need to towel dry the legs and they are good to go, since you are covering most of it anyway.

 

[Ownedby4horses]

I use knee high pop socks, cut the toe off and then just pull them over the hoof and up. My girl currently has fishnet ones ?

 

[Feral]

Pony tail bobbles/elastic or plaiting bands. Grab a section of the feather and put it in a bobble.
Usually 3/4 sections on each leg.

Just keeps feather out of the way

 

[Carrottom]

Another idea would be old compression socks, so if you know of any runners, ask them if they're chucking any. Would be a great upcycling idea!

That's a good idea, I have some from a stay in hospital and was wondering whether to chuck them out, I might keep them incase I get a horse with feathers.

 

[McFluff]

Hair scrunchie - pull over the hoof and onto the feathers. Needs to be right size and quite strong, but works and is quick to do.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I use knee high pop socks, cut the toe off and then just pull them over the hoof and up. My girl currently has fishnet ones ?

Classy

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Tubigrip. Farriers have been very appreciative. Enables them to see the whole hoof and protects them from getting wet and muddy.

This is what mine does as protects the feathers from singeing.

I keep mine in overnight if forecast wet for farrier day, I'm always 1st call do he has dry clean fuzzies to deal with