upate on the farrier dilemma

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harrihjc

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well, It's been a week since my horse lost shoe number 2, my farrier (who I wasn't happy with anyway) wouldn't come out for 3 weeks and my horse is very footsore and his feet are horribly long
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I asked farrier if there was anyone he could get to put the shoe on as he wouldn't come himself, he wouldn't ask anyone. I have tried 12 different farriers in the area and none of them will take anyone on, have tried asking people to just put the shoe on if I take him to where they are shoeing anyway, one is literally 10 yards from my stables this morning, and despite us calling him twice last week and the woman he is coming for requesting it, he still won't even look at my horse.

I'm absolutely despairing, what more can I do?!
 
Blimey, sounds like you are doing everything possible but the farriers in your area are not very friendly at all are they
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just keep trying, thats all you can do. Good luck
 
I could if need be, but both me and my dad would need to take time off work if it wasn't hacking distance and was during the week
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but as it is, nobody will even do that anyway
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I am so sorry to hear that you are still having trouble here. Farriers are very wary about taking on other people's horses to be honest.

You know the situation I was in? Well, my horse was so bad last summer (all shoes removed). He was getting progressively worse - not better. Kept calling farrier. He didn't return my calls, & when he did answer he point blank refused to come & look at him until his next scheduled appointment. I tried loads of times to get him to come out as I was getting worried about white line disease.

In the end, I called the vet out. She came out, got me a referral, the referral farrier came out within 48 hours & put a set of shoes on straight away. Horse completely sound by the end of that day, & much happier too!! I asked the farrier if he would consider taking myself & Mum's horse on, & he said he did have a bit of room on his books at that time. Haven't looked back since!!

I don't know how bad yours is, but is this worth a go?
 
Can't you arrange to travel to a yard where your farrier is shoeing if he's not going to be in your area for a while?
 
My farrier has moved to france, another reason why I need to change really, and just point blank refuses to come out until next scheduled appointment, meaning I have to miss 3 competitions, cross country schooling and 2 lessons, but this isn't the main problem, I just don't like seeing my horses feet in such a state, they are so long and his heels look like they're copllapsing, and he's tripping all the time
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well, have just tried the last number for a farrier that I can find and left a message, so fingers crossed he will get back to me!!
 
A registered farrier has a duty of care to attend to a horses feet, particularly if the horse is lame. Can you not contact the Society of farriers and explain the problem? Perhaps they could help or put you in touch with a farrier that will?

It is very upsetting to see your horses feet in a state and the horse unsound. I wish you lots of luck and hope you get sorted soon.
 
oh dear this is awful and not only that i totally know what your going through.
I have struggled with farriers for as long as i have had horses - they really do think there gods gift!

couple of things to try, call your vet they might have a farrier that will come out to you.
also http://www.farrier-reg.gov.uk/

best of luck
 
Agree with Mogsy that you should consider contacting the FRC as he does have a duty of care towards your horse's welfare. I find it odd that other farriers won't do it even if you take him to a yard where they are shoeing - I know my OH usually helps out in those sort of cases. Perhaps they are worried about upsetting your farrier if he is a bit 'odd'
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Also the FRC might be able to direct you towards a newly qualified farrier in your area, as they are usually looking for new business and keen to take on new customers.
 
thank you for that, I'm quite glad I'm not the only one that has had problems, feels like I've been blacklisted or something!
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When I was stabled near Alkham I struggled deperately to get a farrier to come out and shoe my horse (Didn't help I only had one horse). In the end partly because I wanted to try out a different shoeing technique, and also because I desperately needed a farrier, I ended up using someone from the London area. It cost me a fortune, but boy was I relieved to have got SOMEONE.

I wonder if this is a problem countrywide, or if our area is particularly bad?

Just a thought, I think I have seen some farriers advertising recently in local horsemart/pegasuss type mags - Farriers new to the area. Maybe take a look at these.

Also maybe try Ashford Farriers? I don't know what they are like but I think it is a group of farriers.

And I agree, ask the vets, explain your situation. They may carry some influence with farriers....They do work closely with some. Explain that if you don't get a farrier you are going to be running into veterinary and welfare issues???

Keeping everything crossed for you. It must be so upsetting.
 
*Harri dances round like complete nutter* guess what everyone!? I have a farrier coming out on Thursday
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:D:D God bless Richard Swift, I love the man already! Thank you so much everyone for all your help and words of support!
 
It is a dreadful situation to be in isn't it? I had dreadful trouble getting a farrier for nearly three weeks and poor Ellie's feet were in a dreadful state by the time I got one.
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I was furious too after spending a fortune on feeds and supplements to get her feet in good condition.
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My farrier now is an absolute diamond
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