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Part of a farrier's job is to help their clients learn. To that end,
below are some frequently asked questions about my work, horseshoeing
in general, and hoof and foot care.
What is the difference between hot shoeing and cold shoeing?
The difference is largely in how precisely the shoe and hoof fit together.
A shoe can be perfectly well applied cold, whether it is hot- or cold-shaped,
and in some cases this is necessary - some horses do not handle the sound
and/or smell of hot shoeing well. Many farriers, however, prefer to shape
the shoe and then 'burn it on' to check the fit. This process does not
hurt the horse, as the horn of the hoof is a very poor conductor of heat.
Hot shoeing allows the farrier to see exactly where the shoe is fitted
on the hoof and to identify and remove any high or low spots to create
a perfect fit all the way around the hoof. Additionally, hot shoeing cauterizes
the horn, killing any bacteria that may be on the the surface between
the hoof and the shoe.
I live in a very dry area. Should I moisturize my horse's hooves?
Unless directed to do so by your vet or farrier, no. A horse's hooves
are designed 1) to be relatively dry and hard and 2) to have their moisture
regulated by the horse - by its activity, environment, metabolism and
diet. In some cases this will need to be acutely modified, but in general,
in the absence of illness or other conditions, the horse's body will maintain
the correct moisture level in the hoof without human assistance.
My horse has bowed legs / a club foot / pain from a hip injury
/ etc. Can you fix that?
It is rare that a farrier can ‘fix’ a conformational issue.
We can, however, provide treatment (in conjunction with your veterinarian
if necessary) and a program of foot management to keep your horse as sound
and comfortable as possible, for as long as possible.
Do you work on donkeys and/or miniature horses?
Yes.
Do you provide show services?
Yes. On-call show services are available for a day rate within
my usual service area. Please contact
me for information on pricing and scheduling.
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