Trimmer or farrier?

[Jim bob]

I am aware there have been quite a number of threads recently and previously about whether to use a farrier or barefoot trimmer to trim a barefoot horse.

My issue is I have appeared to have burnt a few bridges with a few farriers in my area. All the farriers I have used have said my horse won't be able to go barefoot and do work. As he is a typical tb with crap feet! But if I was to go with a farrier I know they have the quals etc . Where as with a trimmer ( I guess wont) also if for whatever reason bf doesn't help or work with my horse then I would have to go back to shoes and of course would need a farrier to do this. I like my current farrier and of course I am reluctant to leave ... of a better word. But he is in the opinion aswell that my boy won't be able to go barefoot if he is work. Or more his feet won't cope.

My farrier has said about going two sets with my horse barefoot which is around 3 months as it will be winter and I 'wont' be doing work. But part of me thinks should I try and see if he can go barefoot? Or just give him the 3 months without shoes and give his feet a break? (he has been in shoes since around. .2 years old and he is now 9)

I know everyone has there own opinions but just wondering what everyone else would do? And if they would use a farrier or bf trimmer?

 

[Mooseontheloose]

Have you thought of having shoes in front and bare foot behind? We do it with our ponies but if your horse has flat feet it's unlikely it will be comfortable shoeless walking on rough ground or stony paths. I'm sure I will be shot down in flames saying that but the only time I can let one or two of mine go shoeless is when turned out on our marshy ground. This does them the world of good, allowing the feet to harden up, but there is no way they can compete or hack on the stony paths round here without front shoes on.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

You need to use the best pro barefoot hoofcare professional in your area. Both Equine Podiatrists and UKNHCP trimmers are worth looking into, plus any Pro BF farriers. I went for a Pro BF farrier, simply because they were the best that covered my area, however there are some shocking farriers here and the local EP trimmer would be my second choice if my farrier moved away.

I have three BF horses including one who is half TB and had been declared 'unable to go BF' by the previous (sacked) farrier. She is sound on all surfaces bar big stones, but the other two go over those happily. If I needed to take her over big stones, I would look into boots, but it's not been an issue as it's only one hacking route that has these big fist sized stones, so I don't do it with her.

My key points would be first to not rush. I did lots of in-hand walking on tarmac with my mare and this really transformed her hooves. We started off on short routes and built up slowly. Secondly, if your horse needs boots to start with, get some. Needing boots isn't a failure, you need the horse to be comfortable so that it stops landing toe first (if that's how your horse walks). Do check for thrush, as even low level thrush can cause a lot of discomfort. Remember, the shoes can always go back on if it doesn't work out and the break should have helped (but don't just chuck the horse out in the field for the break). Go through the horse's diet, it really can make a huge difference to horn quality.

 

[Jim bob]

Thanks for the great advice Farcet. I have managed to send some photos of my boys feet to Michen on here bit I can't seem to upload them. Diet wise I was thinking linseed, speedi beet,salt and pro earth balnacer. Boots I am going to get and pads. I am quite happy to do walking with him. Even if it's only a short break I would rather give his feet the best chance. I have a year round problem with thrush, cracks in his frogs etc. Just spent the last hour flushing then out wth a syringe and cleaning them as best as I could. He has been in 24hrs due to worming so it was hard to see the cracks like you can when his feet are dry. Attacked them with stock Holm tar aswrll. I don't really want to sack my farrier though.