Trimming is not as easy as I thought.

[Petra]

My farrier is teaching me how to trim my horses. Lol, I didn't realize how hard is it on legs and back. I'm all sore :D! I was very proud of all my horses, they had so much patience with me and so did my farrier! I was so scared to do something wrong I took forever and ever. I was very grateful for his patience though; he didn't get irritated with me at all. Didn't mind showing me the same thing over and over again. Every time I was unsure about something, I put the hoof down and asked him to explain one more time just to make sure I don't mess something up. He went to such details, even explained how and where I need to put my toolbox and how to take care of all the tools.
I didn't get to ride today, however I enjoyed this very much.

[Steelhorserider]

I agree with you 100%. For anyone that thinks a farrier doesn't earn his pay, I think you should try trimming a few horses and see how sore you are.

[FatSpottedAppy]

I would love to learn, but I'm always always having back pains(Not sure why) and I'd probably die doing all that bending over for extended periods of times. I definitely have respect for good farriers!

[elevenelevenxo]

I used to bathe dogs and it killed my back. There's no way I could be a farrier. And after working with the Belgian my trainer has, I KNOW there's no way I could be a farrier. Just CLEANING his feet is strenuous for me....I can't imagine doing that repeatedly all day long every day of the week.

Kudos to all our resident farriers on the board! :cheers:

[Equine_Woman]

Oh man!!! I would love to learn how to trim for myself but I know I'd be sore!!! And I want no part of my youngest mare. . .Much rather a professional do it. lol.

But my new farrier has a BAD back and he groans the entire time he is under my horse. I felt like I was forcing him to torture himself on each foot!!!! It was the longest trimming appointment I've ever had!!! We couldn't talk about anything cause he was just trying to breathe through the pain!!!!

[Palogal]

It's hard on those thigh and hamstring muscles, that's for sure! I was taught and trimmed my own for a while but I much prefer to pay my farrier to do it!

[ImaBronsonBear]

Yup, i know!:D I trim Bronson myself, and the next day i can always feel it.;)

[westmanfarrier]

Is he explaining anatomy, locomotion, and mechanics to you? The physical strain is one thing, but anybody can get into shape. Start doing good squats with proper form, you'll get strong for the work.

The important stuff is what you are doing to the equine digit. I tell my clients over and over, you are paying a professional for is 90% knowledge and experience, 10% physical labor.

[HoustonFarrier]

....you are paying a professional for is 90% knowledge and experience, 10% physical labor....

Come on down to Texas a spend a day working on drafts with me.......you'll be sucking wind in no time :p LOL

Steve

[WashingtonBay]

Well, Petra, I'm not sure trimming my horses myself is something I'd have recommended you take on, in the first year of horse ownership.... Unlike trimming dog nails, it's a very important part of keeping a horse sound.

In fact, I am sure... I've had horses more than 20 years, and I don't trim my own horse feet. I know some here do, but it's a task I consider fairly varsity, and best for those who have a high level of understanding and experience about feet and movement and soundness.

[Joey A]

Come on down to Texas a spend a day working on drafts with me.......you'll be sucking wind in no time :p LOL

Steve

I'll be there tomorrow. ;) BTW, I've been meaning to get some directions from you, and a start time.

[elevenelevenxo]

Well, Petra, I'm not sure trimming my horses myself is something I'd have recommended you take on, in the first year of horse ownership.... Unlike trimming dog nails, it's a very important part of keeping a horse sound.

In fact, I am sure... I've had horses more than 20 years, and I don't trim my own horse feet. I know some here do, but it's a task I consider fairly varsity, and best for those who have a high level of understanding and experience about feet and movement and soundness.

Everyone's gotta start somewhere...and if her farrier is there teaching her and helping her (assuming he's a reputable, knowledgeable guy), I don't see the harm in it. That's how you learn.

That said, trimming is something I never plan to learn to do for the reasons WB said. I think that job is best left to a professional and I would hate myself if I ruined a horse's feet out of innocent naivety. BUT if someone wants to learn how to do it, provided they go about that the correct way and take the time necessary to learn how to do it correctly, I see no harm in it.

[Joey A]

My farrier is teaching me how to trim my horses. Lol, I didn't realize how hard is it on legs and back. I'm all sore :D! I was very proud of all my horses, they had so much patience with me and so did my farrier! I was so scared to do something wrong I took forever and ever. I was very grateful for his patience though; he didn't get irritated with me at all. Didn't mind showing me the same thing over and over again. Every time I was unsure about something, I put the hoof down and asked him to explain one more time just to make sure I don't mess something up. He went to such details, even explained how and where I need to put my toolbox and how to take care of all the tools.
I didn't get to ride today, however I enjoyed this very much.

It took me about 6 months working full time before I wasn't completely wiped at the end of the day, and I was really fit to begin with. Paying attention to your posture helps a lot. I know it sounds odd, but I've started suggesting people take Kung-fu classes. You learn how to carry yourself low and balanced without straining yourself. I never took "kung-fu" but you'd have trouble finding a taijutsu instructor, and the postures I use the most are very similar to kung-fu.

[westmanfarrier]

Come on down to Texas a spend a day working on drafts with me.......you'll be sucking wind in no time :p LOL

Steve

I would love to visit you in Texas, although sucking wind would not be my first choice in experiences. This is why I leave the big guys to you big guys.

[Country Girl 43]

LOL...I know what you mean about the back pains! I had someone show me how to trim..but only with a rasp. Ladybirds hooves would grow faster than any of my other horses, so I would rasp her down a bit in between my shoers visit. My shoer said I did a great job....but I couldn't handle bending over that long.

She was extremely patient with me....of course. :) But after doing this 2 times, I told my shoer I will just have to pay him to make that extra visit. I usually get a discount if he does all the horses at the same time.

I think the shoers earn every penny they charge! Even if it's just trimming.:cowboy:

[Miracle Whip]

I have no issues with folks trimming their own horses. We did it for years and Dad never had any formal training. My current farrier has discussed his techniques with me. I sometimes do touchups between trims. If I HAD to I could trim them myself and I would feel ok doing that.

BUT, I do agree with the farrier that said 90% of what we pay for is their knowledge. So far my horses have not had any issues. They are in a pasture most of the day. They both have good feet. At first I wanted the farrier to work with Ginger because she has so many issues with people in general, it was good for him to work with her.

Now, I have him out 2 or 3 times a year because I can pick his brain, he can check them over, he can rasp their hooves up really nice before a show.... I am an amateur at rasping and I haven't practiced it like I should.

I do wish more folks WOULD talk to their farriers and learn how to do hooves in emergencies or whatever. Its part of horse care. The farrier could break his leg and where would you be? Up a creek without a farrier.

[HoustonFarrier]

I'll be there tomorrow. ;) BTW, I've been meaning to get some directions from you, and a start time.

Sent to you !!!! 8:00 AM start time

Steve

[Equine_Woman]

Sent to you !!!! 8:00 AM start time

Steve

Ahem. . .ya'll need a photographer for the day.

[HoustonFarrier]

Ahem. . .ya'll need a photographer for the day.

We've got 2 BIG Clydesdales to shoe....if you want pictures, you're gonna have to come and take them :p

Steve

[mare]

I started trimming my own when a couple of our horseshoers went to work in the mines and stopped trimming. At takes me a long time, but my biggest problem is lack of good grip strength with the nippers. My horse's definitely develop some patience, but I try to be considerate of what they can take from me. I take them once a year to a guy to get his input and direction. He's so busy he's glad some of us do our own trimming.

[Petra]

Lol a lot of replies!
He he, I am still sore but it's worth it. I know a lot of you think I'm nuts, but I honestly enjoyed it.

I really want to learn to do it right and I'm grateful to have someone who is willing to give me his time and patience. He does know what he is doing; he is an older guy and has been doing this most of his life.
Yes, he did go in to details explaining the anatomy. I could see what he is talking about once he explained what to look at. It was a lot of information to take in at once. I'm going to buy a book too; there is a lot to learn.
I got to trim few hoofs by myself, but he had to stand right there telling me what to look for, where to take more, where to leave some to make the horse stand nice and straight.
If the hoof is nice and healthy I could do the simplest trim, but I still need him to stand there, watch me and correct me if needed to.
I am aware it will take a long time to learn it right. But I do have all the time in the world...as I said I enjoyed it...the soreness is worth it. :D

I can understand your concerns WB. However I think I'd be stupid not to grab the chance to learn if it's offered to me for free. In a couple of years I may not have the opportunity. Why not take it.
I will never ride horses professionally. I have no ambitions in showing.
I enjoy the animals; I even have fun cleaning the stalls as long as I can be around them. I love learning everything I can.
I may be a beginner with horses. But it really doesn't mean all that much. I think some people are good with animals and some are not. I have been lucky enough to be an animal person.

[WashingtonBay]

Fair enough :)

[Petra]

:)

[menagerie]

OOOOohhh boy! We tried doing them ourselves once. I'll tell ya, it was either pay the farrier to come back out or file for divorce! lol

[All4Grace]

My sister and I both know how to trim...she has been trimming for YEARS has attended more clinics then I can count, private lessons, studies all time, she knows more about the anatmoy of the hoof then some of the "farriers" I knew back east that one went to two or three lessons and are suddenly "Professionals".

She has taught me and I feel comfortable enough to do maintaince trims but I leave the full trims up to her. We do still use a farrier, in fact he is coming in an hour or so but that only because with her working full time she can'y keep up with all 5 horses.


I very very rarely trim do to back and wrist issues... my wrist can't handle the constant rasping and I don't have the hand strength for the nippers if the need to use them is there.
I personally think EVERY horse owner should study hooves and know the basic anatomy and what a proper trim looks like so they know what to look for if a problem accures and can better inform their vet or farrier if the need be.

[Petra]

OOOOohhh boy! We tried doing them ourselves once. I'll tell ya, it was either pay the farrier to come back out or file for divorce! lol

Lol, how funny.
I'm affraid I would be in the same situation if one of us decided to do it without knowing how. I think I'd be the first one to freak out. :D

[HoustonFarrier]

...she knows more about the anatmoy of the hoof then some of the "farriers" I knew back east that one went to two or three lessons and are suddenly "Professionals". ...

Why do some folks always seem to have the need to talk down "some" farriers........it really gets old:mad:

Why can't you just say she's trimming and knows allot, or is there a visceral need to hack on farriers?

Steve

[Joey A]

Sent to you !!!! 8:00 AM start time

Steve

I'll see you then.

[WashingtonBay]

All of you raise some good points about owner knowledge and experience and it's never bad if we're learning more. I know I've learned a lot about what to look for in a good horse foot, and while I don't picture myself ever doing it myself, it would be valuable to know how in a pinch.

Of course, I wouldn't be without a farrier anyway, as long as Bay is shod. So he might as well do the barefoots as well.

[All4Grace]

Why do some folks always seem to have the need to talk down "some" farriers........it really gets old:mad:

Why can't you just say she's trimming and knows allot, or is there a visceral need to hack on farriers?

Steve


I don't talk down "some farriers" just the few that I have met in my days back east that literally took two lessons attended one clinic and started trimming horses as a professional and charging an arm and a leg but they we're not trimming correctly. As in leaving horses unbalanced and lame.

I'm sorry if you felt I was talking down about "some farriers" but honestly If you had met either of the "farriers" I am refering too you'd have a field day with them.

[westmanfarrier]

She has taught me and I feel comfortable enough to do maintaince trims but I leave the full trims up to her. We do still use a farrier, in fact he is coming in an hour or so but that only because with her working full time she can'y keep up with all 5 horses.

I always wonder what the difference is between a 'maintenance' trim and 'full' trim is. One stroke of the rasp can balance or unbalance a hoof. Here is an experiment. Place a small wedge in place of your insole in your shoe and wear it for the day, week, or month. This would simulate a misplaced rasping, such as only working it left to right like so many right handers do.


I personally think EVERY horse owner should study hooves and know the basic anatomy and what a proper trim looks like so they know what to look for if a problem accures and can better inform their vet or farrier if the need be.

Great statement, I agree 100% and always enjoy educating horse owners. I had two presentations this month for owners and kids!

[cloedoll]

My bill for the farrier is only $30, I'd pay that and then some any day then me attempting to trim (even with him right by me, telling me exactly what to do, explaining things, etc.) because I'm just so scared of screwing something up and making Cloe lame, lol. I mean I was watering plants yesterday and thought I was drowning them. :rolleyes: I could only imagine me working on Cloe's hooves.

Anyways, Petra, keep us updated! :)

[IrisGreen]

I'm with Cloe! I would be a nervous wreck if I HAD to learn to trim Muffins hooves. I pay good money to my farrier to trim his hooves and put a $15 tip on top of that and Christmas gifts (got him the 7 pc Oster grooming set with case, He loved it for his show horses).

I applaud any horse owner that takes on there own horses hoof care as long as they are doing it for the right reasons and wanting to learn the proper way (not the owners that are cheap and just think they can do it themselves with out any training). I know I wouldn't want to do it.

I think the only way I would ever want to learn to trim is if Nate said he was moving back east. Then I would ask him to teach me because I have been through 3-4 other farriers before him and I'm about out of options around here for a good farrier that knows how to work on draft feet. Other then me being forced to learn I don't have the guts to tackle balancing a hoof correctly if I have Nate to do it for me. I like learning about it but you won't see me out there with a set of nippers anytime soon :).

[All4Grace]

I always wonder what the difference is between a 'maintenance' trim and 'full' trim is. One stroke of the rasp can balance or unbalance a hoof. Here is an experiment. Place a small wedge in place of your insole in your shoe and wear it for the day, week, or month. This would simulate a misplaced rasping, such as only working it left to right like so many right handers do.



Great statement, I agree 100% and always enjoy educating horse owners. I had two presentations this month for owners and kids!

By maintaince trim I mean if, like with Vicor his heel grows on his right foot higher then his left so if I notice him getting off balance on that hoof or any other hoof I am comfortable enough in my skills and training to balance him out again. But I don't have the physical capability to be a full out farrier doing 4 plus horses everyday!

Watching our farrier yesterday do all five of our ponies and deal with my brats embrassingly bad behavior yesterday (let's just say Vicor and Grace are going BACK to "farrier behavior 101!)" He is a very calm man and only when Vicor got rude and tried to kick him did I see a flash of anger in his eyes, but he took a deep breath and after my sister beat the crap out of Vic finshed him up. A calm patient Farrier like our guy is worth his weight in gold.

It is the owners responsablity to work with their horses and train them to behave and I'll tell ya yesterday I was so embrassed and P'O'ed that it was my two that gave him a hard time. Vicor isn't allowed to use the "but I'm just a baby excuse" and Grace...well she's just a *BEEEEEP* sometimes. She thankfully doesn't try to kick but she just jerks her hindlegs away constantly. :mad:

[SuperSTB]

All4 wasn't talking down about farriers... but some people take a few lessons and feel they can call themselves professional and hang out their shingle for business.

I don't do much farrier work any more- not because I can't but because I make a heck of a lot more money doing my day job :) plus all the benefits help too. Instead of wearing jeans, apron, and nicking my hands- I get to wear biz suits and lug a laptop all for twice the money.

Hated doing the drafts and draft crosses though- you keep those Steve! Minis were always entertaining :)

I think all horseowners should clinic on hoof anatomy and know what's a good trim/shoe and what's poor. They should be confindent in discussing hoof care and maintenance with their farrier.

[Petra]

My bill for the farrier is only $30, I'd pay that and then some any day then me attempting to trim (even with him right by me, telling me exactly what to do, explaining things, etc.) because I'm just so scared of screwing something up and making Cloe lame, lol. I mean I was watering plants yesterday and thought I was drowning them. :rolleyes: I could only imagine me working on Cloe's hooves.

Anyways, Petra, keep us updated! :)

I can understand being worried to mess the horse up. I'm worried too. But I believe I can learn to do it right. This is not a money thing. I enjoy doing it. Even though I get sore. I would love to be good in it one day. My farrier is very good, but he will not be around forever.
I'm lucky that I can use my left hand just as good as my right. (Lol I can write with both.)
He made me switch hands and turn the rasp around do it from all sides and angles. I was really impressed with him. He cut the hair off right above the hoof so I can see the angle properly. He explained how to look and check after it's done to make sure it's right.
He paid attention to the way I was holding the hoof, picking it up, puting it down.
Making me try over and over again until I got it right. I was so grateful my horses put up with me.
He was correcting the way I was standing, where I put my legs, even how to rest my back when needed to safely. He made sure that I keep in mind the safety too, even though my horses were very forgiving and never attempted to kick. He corected me even if I put the tool box in a wrong place.
He made me do it with stand and without. I don't have a hoof stand yet but he explained how my husband can make one for me.
We trimmed 4 horses and it took us the whole afternoon.

[cloedoll]

Sorry, I didn't mean to make it seem like a money thing. I think it's great you are learning about this and how to do it, it's just a plus it can save you money. :) Are you ambidextrous? Both my parents are, but I'm a plain 'ole righty, hehe.