(Please note: This article is in no terms supposed to cause any harm. All statements are written in a both a humorous and good-will way.)
When thinking of products to recommend I suddenly had a thought that there are lots more to owning a horse than products. What about our farriers, vets, dentists and riding instructors?
So, today, I want to recommend the importance of finding a good farrier!
I've been through more farriers than anyone I know. When it comes to my horses feet I am ridiculously picky and I am definitely not afraid to admit it.
The thing with the horse world is, you will always get bitchy horse-mad people that say "Oh don't go there...don't use that person...they made my horse lame..". When really, it should be up to the individual to try something our for themselves and find whether or not they like it. If they don't, they can do something about it. However, unfortunately, too many nosey people try to interfere and do things 'their way' because it suits them. Well, it may not suit everyone.
Different farriers work differently. I've come across ones that have given a pony a short, sharp smack across its neck if it wont stand still and I've come across some that have said "Oh pony please behave" in a softly voice, whereas it probably needed telling who was boss.
It all depends on what you like and what methods you want using on your equine.
Again, I have known a farrier shoe a horse one way and had another farrier say "well, that's not right". Do we all cook dinner in the same way? The simple answer to that one is: No.
However, as a little change from what I have been previously doing in my christmas feature, I thought I would put together a little guide to finding the perfect farrier.Firstly, all farriers seem to drink tea like its going out of fashion. I've not met one yet that has refused a cup of tea and biscuit. If you haven't got a kettle on your yard, I suggest you invest in one if you want to keep your farrier happy.
Lighting and hard standing. Even if you only own a field, at least make sure your farrier has somewhere to trim and shoe your horses feet in the dry and out of the mud. No farrier wants to go home up to his eye balls in mud - his wife wont be happy neither!
Prepare to be ripped to be pieces. I have a farrier now that enjoys a good giggle. Most seem to have a funny sense of humour - maybe its from spending all day, every day with horsey women? Don't be offended if he suddenly tells you your horse looks like a cart pony; he 'probably' doesn't mean it.
Pick your horses feet out in preparation for your farrier coming, don't expect him to have to do it. Although farriers love "tending to horses feet", they don't enjoy digging stones and mud out of your horses hooves.
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| I wont add a photo of my farriers face - instead I'll post a photo of how lovely he transformed Ceaser's feet! |
If your farrier suddenly can't do a certain day then try and work with him, not against him. Sometimes it just is impossible to get to you, so try and be nice. I know, its frustrating when want to ride but the trusty steed has a lose shoe.
Your farrier should and probably will be prepared to listen. Don't wait for him to go before grumbling about him and saying what a bad job he's done. Tell him you think your horse needs a different type of shoeing or you weren't happy last time. He wont bite (If he does, set your horse on him!)
Don't moan his prices are too high if they really aren't. I'm always badgering my farrier to "throw the shetland in for free". One of these days he wont come back!
In all seriousness..
A good farrier is worth their weight in gold. Once you've found one you like don't be afraid to do all you can to hold on to them. Offer endless cups of teas, pay on time, grovel if you have to... Having your horse sound and conformation correct is one of the most important things to ensure.
The farriers registration council have put together a list of responsibilities that both farrier and horse owner owe one another.
Farriers responsibilities to horses:
Farriers must:
- treat all horses humanely, with respect, and with welfare as the primary consideration
- make proper arrangements for the provision of relief (for example holiday leave or extended periods of absence) and emergency cover
- maintain proper standards in all equipment, including mobile forges and business premises
Farriers must not cause any horse to suffer by:
- carrying out any unnecessary action
- employing excessive restraint or discipline
- failing to advise the need to call a veterinary surgeon when appropriate
- neglect
Farriers responsibilities to clients:
The provision of farriery services creates a legal relationship with the client under which farriers should:
- ensure that clear information is provided about practice details, contact arrangements, terms and conditions, services, prices, insurance cover and complaints procedures
- respond to clients’ enquiries as quickly as possible. A time scale is not set but factors to consider include:
- The means and ease by which the client can be contacted
- The urgency, nature and complexity of the enquiry
- The availability of either party
- Whether information is needed from a third party
- take all reasonable care in using their professional skills
- keep their skills and knowledge up to date by undertaking regular Continued Professional Development (CPD)
- not attend (shoe or trim) any animal in the absence of the client, or a person who takes responsibility for the horse in the client’s absence, without prior arrangement
- keep within their own areas of competence save for the requirement to provide emergency first aid
- advise clients when a second opinion or further professional advice is required
- work in conjunction with a veterinary surgeon’s advice where appropriate
- ensure that all their staff are properly trained and supervised where appropriate
- recognise that the client has freedom of choice
The farrier/client relationship is one of mutual trust and respect, under which a farrier must:
- maintain client confidentiality providing it does not conflict with the horse’s welfare
- treat the client with respect, and observe professional business courtesies, for example strive to arrive for appointments at the agreed time and keep clients informed of any delays that may occur
- give due consideration to the client’s concerns and wishes where these do not conflict with the horse’s, or your own, welfare or health and safety
- provide fully itemised invoices and bills if requested
- provide an adequate period of notice if he/she does not wish to continue to work for a client for whatever reason
Clients responsibilities to farriers:
It is the client’s responsibility to provide:
- a clean, dry standing with good light and a non-slip surface
- a secure, safe ring to which the horse can be tied
- protection from rain, wind and bad weather
- a properly fitted, sound head collar/halter with a good rope of adequate length
- competent assistance available should the farrier require it
The client should:
- ensure that the shoeing area is safe for horse and farrier
- ensure that the horse is used to being handled and, if appropriate, has a companion animal close by. In the event of a horse being unruly the client or their agent, should agree with the farrier, on the management of the horse
- understand that certain methods of control may be required to preserve life, health and safety and that a farrier has the right to decline to shoe a horse, or to discontinue shoeing, if it is felt that to proceed would compromise his or her own health and safety, that of others, or that of the horse.Before deciding which farrier to go with, read the above and check out the registered farriers list. If you're still undecided then give one a call and discuss your requirements - any nice farrier will take the time to talk to you.
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