Would you be happy with this?

[spotty_pony]

So my spotty boy had the Farrier on Tuesday, he had new pads this time (he has the reusable ones that last about 6 months in his front feet, they have made a HUGE difference to his overall way of going) Anyway I rode him yesterday for the first time since he had been shod and he didn’t feel his usual self. He was tripping quite a bit and honestly felt like he did a year ago before we started using the pads. I messaged the farrier to ask if the fact he had had a new pair of pads in would have made a difference and he said no but he had changed his front shoes back to toe clips this time (from side clips). Quite honestly I hadn’t noticed - I was there when he was shod but was mucking out and he didn’t say anything to me about changing them. I’m annoyed with myself that I didn’t notice the clips were different when I picked his feet out but I have had a lot on these past few days and I do trust my farrier usually so I didn’t give it a second thought tbh. He has had side clips since about 2016 when I asked previous farrier to roll his toes and shoe him like this due to him catching his toes sometimes and to help to speed up the break over. My understanding is that side clips allow the hoof to move around more as the horse likes and puts less strain on the tendons and ligaments so I am a bit miffed to see he’s put him in toe clips. His hooves have changed shape but this horse is almost 24 now and I sometimes think they try to make the feet perfect rather than let them be comfortable the way they are. He was fine as he was and I am very much of the opinion ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’.

Hes coming back out tomorrow to have a look but am I wrong to say I’d prefer him to stay in side clips? I’m no farrier but I would say changing him back would be the test as to whether it’s the shoes that’s altered his way of going or something else but a bit coincidental if it’s not the shoes considering he’s just been shod!

please no comments about trying barefoot - he has thin soles and quite flat feet and at his age I just want him to be comfortable.

I also expect him to discuss any changes he is making with me before he does it, is that reasonable?

 

[Fjord]

I think you are being perfectly reasonable, I would definitely expect my farrier to discuss any changes with me first. It would be a good test to get the farrier to change him back to side clips and see if it makes any difference, I suspect it will.

 

[dottylottie]

i’d absolutely expect the farrier to talk me through the change! i wouldn’t just want to be informed, i’d want to be told why exactly the farrier is changing something that’s worked fine for so long!

i can understand how the farrier maybe hasn’t though much of what seems a minor change, but i don’t think you’re being unreasonable whatsoever. just because they’re a professional in their field doesn’t mean they should make decisions regarding your horse’s management without saying something.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Definitely reasonable! I would be annoyed if he changed his shoes without discussing it, im sure he can remedy it for you

 

[spotty_pony]

I think you are being perfectly reasonable, I would definitely expect my farrier to discuss any changes with me first. It would be a good test to get the farrier to change him back to side clips and see if it makes any difference, I suspect it will.

Thank you - this set was £174 too so yes I do expect perfection I’m afraid for that kind of money! I imagine he’s got arthritis potentially somewhere in his front legs and the different clips are restricting him. Even walking to the field today he was forward and wanting to move forward but still tripped once. I just know some farriers can be funny if you question their work so I’m a bit anxious about it but I have to be honest if it’s not working for him.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I dont like side clips on BB i felt he was very trippy, every horsey is different

 

[spotty_pony]

dottylottie - he has said after in a text it was because his hooves have changed shape and no longer require the side clips (not front what we can see from the outside, no I strongly suspect there’s some arthritis somewhere in his front feet (fetlocks) and the change is just niggling it a bit - a bit like when we wear shoes we aren’t completely comfortable in. I am very very particular with what I do with him but he’s my horse of a lifetime and I know him inside out and back to front so although I’m not a qualified farrier but I feel my opinion needs to be heard. He is usually pretty reasonable so we will see.

 

[SEL]

My current farrier is great if you say something hasn't worked but the last one needed his ego managing a bit. I'd say something like "can we go back to the side clips because he seems to find them easier" rather than being rightfully p'd off that he changed without discussing with you.

 

[Fieldlife]

I used to have a farrier who HATED single front toe clips.

He’d refuse to use them even if requested to do so by vets etc.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

When I bought my tb he was shod with toe clips. My farrier shod him with toe clips for a while but commented his feet weren't great and he occasionally list a shoe. He started with side clips and his feet are now great and no thrown shoes. He has been shod with side clips now nearly 5 years. New Farrier also likes to shoe with side clips.

 

[ycbm]

No i wouldn't be happy with a change of toe clip back to a single without telling me why. I much prefer two toes clips, I've never understood why standard front shoes only have one.

 

[Peglo]

I also would want to be told why he was wanting to change at the time of shoeing. My TB got side clips and my farrier explained why he wanted to do it and talked me through any changes in her feet at every visit. And I wasn’t paying anywhere near the amount you are.

I would talk to the farrier and say he’s been struggling a bit with the change in shoes and see how quickly the farriers prepared to come and change them before showing your annoyed about the change.

 

[dottylottie]

dottylottie - he has said after in a text it was because his hooves have changed shape and no longer require the side clips (not front what we can see from the outside, no I strongly suspect there’s some arthritis somewhere in his front feet (fetlocks) and the change is just niggling it a bit - a bit like when we wear shoes we aren’t completely comfortable in. I am very very particular with what I do with him but he’s my horse of a lifetime and I know him inside out and back to front so although I’m not a qualified farrier but I feel my opinion needs to be heard. He is usually pretty reasonable so we will see.

that’s all well and good, but he should’ve still discussed it with you! i can see his point of view, but i’d just explain you’d like to be involved if he’s otherwise been good and of course he knows your horses requirements (even if he does change them on his own?!)

 

[ycbm]

he has said after in a text it was because his hooves have changed shape

Don't fix what ain't broke?
.