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Kirsty5278
Platinum Member
 England
2682 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Mar 2008 : 10:52:41 PM
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Both the boy and the pony are barefoot...
They both have very good healthy feet...
I have always used a farrier to trim every 8 weeks but I have been thinking about a new farrier as the one I use never seems to trim them to a nice smooth shape....
I was also thinking about the option of going to a barefoot trimmer. I've done a bit of research and trimmers seem to be more about keeping the hoof healthy and preventing problems (looking at feed etc..) not just trimming - which is all my farrier does... he will answer any questions i have but thats about it....
I know barefoot trimmers are quite a bit more expensive than farriers... BF Trimmer £45 vs Farrier £15
I was just wondering what your opinions are...
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Deboniks
Platinum Member
England
3776 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2008 : 11:08:01 PM
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I used a KC La Pierre trained trimmer, It's a whole package,you pay for what you get I used to have a farrier trim at first but the more I learnt about hooves, the more I noticed what my farrier missed. I can't help but look at horses feet now,and it's not always a pretty sight.What is sad is that a lot of owners are really ignorant to what is a good hoof. Not many can recognise seedy toe,white line or balance. Things are improving though, a lot more people are starting to take an interest in hooves. |
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Amanda Teale
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
129 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2008 : 11:50:23 PM
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| I use the same K C la Pierre trimmer as Deboniks and agree you get what you pay for, in my experience a normal Farrier barefoot/ grass trim is simply nipping of the toe and a bit of rasping. And very mechanical, and not a holistic approach atall, get the job done and go. You will learn and should learn a lot more about your horses feet if you go this road, a good barefoot trimmer will take time to explain and work with you to get your horses feet conditioned to the best they can be. |
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Baikala
Gold Member
571 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 02:55:53 AM
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I use a farrier and I am sticking with him, even just for barefoot horses. It took me almost 9 months to find him after a couple of "Barefoot trimmers" (two day course and there you go, off to cripple horses at $40 a throw) These were Butchers, put me right off trimmers, one horse took weeks to come sound after he'd hacked away. There are no regulations for Farriers in Canada, they don't even have to qualify to practise.
If you can find a decent one then you are lucky, and is it normal for a trimmer to spend an hour per horse? With five horses I couldn't spare the time anyway. |
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Honeyb060674
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4301 Posts |
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jaybird
Gold Member
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 08:08:38 AM
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Hi
I belong to a other forum over here Total France, there is a thread on there re this subject and the say it's a HOT SUBJECT is an understatement, a good read for all of you about to make the swap.
Beryl |
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ginger horse
Gold Member
United Kingdom
1215 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 09:00:30 AM
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| Always used a farrier with no problems. A couple of girls on the yard used a Barefoot Trimmer and poor horses remained unsound for weeks. |
    
..........JARVIS.................HARRY.............................CERIS...........Keyser soze.....
I can resist anything except temptation !! |
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Zan
Platinum Member
Scotland
3213 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 09:05:20 AM
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You get good farriers and bad farriers so you know doubt also get good bare foot trimmers and bad ones. I have a great farrier and would never ever use anyone else, but I know I am lucky and think a lot of people who move to barefoot trimmers have had bad farriers. I would always suggest if you aren't happy with your farrier try to find a good farrier rather than going for a trimmer, because although I concede there are probably good and bad in both, I have heard some real horror stories about bad barefoot trimmers---as Baikala says---a short course and off you go to butcher horses. I think the bad ones are definitely the majority. Farriers---even the worst of them---have a long regulated training and have a strict governing body that oversees them all, so there is no chance of malpractice. |
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SEZ
Gold Member
England
1101 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 09:22:04 AM
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I pulled Obi shoes off four years ago - he had been shod for 13 years. We used the farrier for trimming with no problems.
After a year I decided to go for a barefoot trimmer because I wanted to be able to ride on the roads as much as a shod horse. After researching who had a good reputation I got Sarah Proctor, a UKNHCP trimmer. She did a full assesment of both my horses and commented on the deep sulcus thrush that Obi had and how sore it was for him. She advised me on how to treat it.
For the 13 years I had had him at that point he had flinched if I went anywhere near his frog grooves. As he had always been that way I had believed it was one of his quirks. It was because his contracted heels had allowed an environment to breed bacteria and he was sore! For 13 years and no-one had advised me but her!
After a few weeks his thrush was clear and his feet began to magically change shape! It was amazing to see his heels and frogs spread out. He is completely fine now and has lovely feet.
After a year Sarah handed me over to her proteges who lived nearer to me - Mel and Ross Barker who are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about my horse's feet. They are wonderful.
The Tank did 180 miles competitive endurance in his first season last year with no problems at all. Ross and Mel are so proud, my horses are on their website!
If you wished to use a trimmer, I would go for an UKNHCP (United Kingdom Natural Hoofcare Certified Practitioner) trimmer with a good reputation. I can advise you on some contacts if you wished - PM me anytime. |
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jillandlomond
Platinum Member
Scotland
3586 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 09:42:43 AM
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| I know a few folk who have been "brain washed" into thinking a barefoot trimmer does a better job than a farrier. Their horses are lame more often than not but they point blank refuse to use a registered farrier??? They seem happy to pay a whopping £40 per trim even though their horses are lame as a result??? Farriers have to train for many years to aquire their skills, and yes, some are far better than others. But at least they have all undergone YEARS of training to qualify to trim horses feet! |
    
Borders, Scotland |
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Karon
Gold Member
England
1411 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 10:06:41 AM
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Would never let a farrier near my horses again without seeing many, many examples of his work - barefoot and shod - in hard work. My last farrier managed to cripple one of my horses and scare a foal, a previous farrier made my endurance horse lame on and off with such bad foot balance. A lot of a farrier's training is in how to make and fit a shoe, and I'm afraid that most of the ones I've seen havent got a clue about how to manage a barefoot horse. I was told it's normal for a horse to be footy for a few days after having its feet trimmed!!
My trimmer goes out of her way to help me - even coming out late at night/early hours of the morning (5am!) to trim and just give moral support when Khafif was going through laminitis. And she was there with me when Khafif was PTS, and gave me huge amounts of support. That's not something many farriers would give - not that it's something I want to go through again to find out.
I know there are good farriers out there - I did have one but after a while he stopped coming out and sent his employees out instead. One of them managed to get my horse's straight front feet turning in, then the next one of them to shoe her got her turning out. Both of them lamed her.... That's in addition to crippling another one. So you can see why I'm rather bitter about them! |
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arabic
Platinum Member
England
4562 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 12:04:49 PM
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Oh if only I could take the plunge and inlist Freddie with the barefoot brigade but I'm concerned about the footsore period. He has to come up a gravel drive to the yard everyday and I do mostly roadwork. Much as I would love to be there, the interim period really puts me off.
I would probably keep my farrier if I did, - better the devil you know. Probably consider changing to a barefoot trimmer through recommendation.
Sandie |
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sazzlepants71
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3536 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 2:48:45 PM
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ramak & dennis are barefootramak has never worn shoes and neither has den, i hope to keep it that way, i have been using a very nice lady who was recommended to me by another AL member caro23 , i can honestly say we havent looked back
his feet dont crack or have 'bits' flaking off them , when we ride on the roads his feet 'sound' like they have shoes , that lovely clip. clop noise as they are so strong!
i will post some piccies tomorrow so you can see , i am embarresed to say i cant remember kate#'s official title! 
but i can highly reccommend barefoot with the right person its fine..in actual fact having no shoes really makes you take more care and attention to your horses feet and legs which isnt a bad thing!
i will get details and let you know |
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Qui Gon Jinn
Platinum Member
Scotland
1627 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 3:03:59 PM
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| I had a barefoot trimmer to my last horse and she ruined his feet! He ended up with his feet a very strange shape and I found £40 every 4 weeks a bit hard to swollow I'm afraid. I'd always stick with the farrier now. 4 years of training can't possibly compare to a few months!! As Zan says, there are bound to be good and bad trimmers, I guess I was just unlucky. |
The Soul would have no Rainbow....If the Eyes had shed no Tears. |
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Gemma
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1802 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 3:07:17 PM
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As someone has said, you get good and bad in both 'camps'. I am very, very lucky as my farrier is also extremely good as a barefoot trimmer as well. So, should I chose to go down the barefoot route at a point in the future, I don't have to go down the route of trying to find someone new.
Marigold's feet have been examined by the farrier working with the EGB senior development squad, and he was VERY happy with them which makes me pleased.
Best advice? Do a bit of research. Find out what a good, balanced, healthy foot SHOULD look like, shod or not. Then you've got an idea of whether your horse's manicurist is doing a good job or not. |
 
Photo 2: West End Photography |
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Honey Monster
Silver Member
England
318 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 3:23:05 PM
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Kirsty
My girl is barefoot. As SEZ said - would recommend a UK Natural Hoofcare practioner.
You will also see on their website that they have a fully comprehensive training programme (and insurance). They do also train farriers to do the barefoot trim.
Barefoot is not just about taking the shoes off. As others have said, it is all about looking at the horse in total - in particular feeding. Do have to be careful with grass as a barefoot horse will let you know sooner than a shod horse if they have any inflammation (symptoms show quicker - in a shod horse the symptoms are masked)
Sandie - Transition to barefoot does depend on the horse, but my girlie had shoes off and went straight out on the road and gravel. she was a little careful over large gravel and stones for a while. you can use boots during this transition.
Karon - quote "I was told it's normal for a horse to be footy for a few days after having its feet trimmed!! " Think that this is a different branch of trimmers - I have heard of some who do think this normal, even for the hoof to bleed ! I don't think this is correct and it is not the UKNHCP way.
Kirsty, hope this helps
Paula
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Kazzy
Platinum Member
England
3335 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 3:34:02 PM
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Farrier for me everytime.
Farriers do look after your horse in total as well you know, well mine does. Its not just aout the hoof its about the whole of the body especially legs which they are fully trained for, EP's arent.
Too many horror stories regarding EP's. And yes I know of some.
One person I know is a trained EP, (well a few months anyway) she
does other peoples horses whilst her own is crippled in the field
thanks to the work she has done on it. My vet has now washed their
hands of the horse and her aswell.
Janet |
     
Sunny Cheshire |
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moatside
Platinum Member
England
3224 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 3:43:15 PM
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I have a very good farrier who has shod my shod girls and trimmed my unshod girls for many years - he is fab He has been ill recently and I had to have "someone" else to trim my Sec B - he was very highly reccommended. My B was left crippled - he actualy drew blood Six weeks later she is still too footsore to do much - this was a Farrier Trim and not a Barefoot Trim
There are good & bad farriers & barefoot trimmers - if you have a good one of either - stick with them! |
www.spanglefish.com/kasanarhythmbeads/ |
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jaybird
Gold Member
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 8:54:57 PM
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Hi all
I don't like the way this stuff is going, years ago all you had to do was place an advert in a mag as an equine dentist and off you went, well we all know that is not the case, but is it??? do these people only have to do a course to become an expert, well there are a few moving to France now, and given that alot of horses are unshod here it's a bloody worry that people are going to gravitate towards English people with this so called expertise!!! I would say that there's good and bad in every field of every skill known, sorry not for me, I was asked today by a vet student if I wanted to be shown how to do Pandy's feet, she's got laminitis!!! all I say is be very very careful, have you ever had you feet done by a bad chiropodist? I have and it hurt's.
Beryl
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Kirsty5278
Platinum Member
England
2682 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 9:15:59 PM
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oooooo..... I'm no closer to making a decision... I am going to have a good look at that website... thank you all so much for your really valued opinions!!! Its difficult when you are on your own in the horsey world with nobody to bounce opinions off!! Oh the wonderful world of AL!!
I have booked my farrier again for next week - I think i did it as a security blanket type thing! I've been a little scared off by the horror stories.... My boy has ALWAYS been barefoot and never had any problems, he has lovely strong healthy feet - I would feel so guilty if I allowed someone to hurt him or damage his feet in anyway... at least i know that my farrier has never caused any damage to him!
Definately worth looking into more though.... and I guess I would only ever use a highly recomended BFtrimmer...
...but saying that, i used a "chiropractitionor" that was hihly recommended - he turned out to be a COMPLETE charleton and I may has well have given him money to stroke my horse!! |
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jaj
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4324 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 9:34:03 PM
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Kirsty, as Honey said 'If it ain't broke don't fix it'. If you have a good chap, you're happy with his work, your horses' feet are great then I would stick to him like glue !
Jen
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Kuraishiya (Maleik el Kheil/Kazra el Saghira) and Sahara Bey (Kuraishiya/WSA Charismma) |
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sammyd0380
Gold Member
England
1169 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 9:39:49 PM
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| I'll stick with my farrier! Years of training and experience of barefoot trimming and shoeing - and I use both on different horses in the yard. I think if you find someone you like - keep em!! |
www.samadracing.co.uk |
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rosyw
Platinum Member
England
3756 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 10:13:07 PM
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I'll also stick with my farrier! some of mine are shod, some not, but he takes the greatest of care to make sure their feet are properly tended - one of the oldies has sunken soles, so he is very careful not to trim too much, especially when the ground is hard, but just enough to keep the foot balanced, I had to use a different farrier once when he was away and he crippled the poor pony I'll never let anyone else near them now. If you are happy with your farrier, who has done years of training, not a few months, then stick with him |
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Lori
Platinum Member
England
1829 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 11:03:10 PM
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Don't know what i'd do without my farrier even though all mine are barefoot. He's patient but firm and has a wealth of knowledge. I once asked him what the main difference was in a barefoot trimmer and a farrier and he said "the training". His son has been his apprentice for a few years now and before he can call himself a farrier he will have also had a wealth of experience. My farrier has had the experience of shoeing competition horses such as Red Rum but gives the same expertise and professionalism when trimming our shettie. He's worth his weight in gold
On saying this though there are farriers who i would not let loose on my horses so it's probably not fair to generalise and there will be excellent barefoot trimmers out there. |
     
Lancashire |
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Vera
Membership Moderator
United Kingdom
8652 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2008 : 11:14:14 PM
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I am lucky enough to have an excellent farrier. He's an approved training farrier as well and was one of the first to become an approved Natural Balance farrier. Quite a few farriers fit NBs without ever having been on the course!!!
Anyway he goes to talks and lectures etc to keep himself up to date with all the latest info. I don't like the idea that someone can do a weekend course and then advertise themselves as a qualified barefoot trimmer. |
    
Hampshire |
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Honeyb060674
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4301 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2008 : 07:06:02 AM
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Kirsty why pay the extra money if your farrier is doing a great job? Treat yourself to some new shoes instead!
Dread to considering having to find a new farrier as our is so good. Honey was booked in for her trim on Monday, farrier was there when I arrived having shod/trim god knows how many horses. He'd already done Honey, got her out done the feet put her back..if anyone knew my mare..she doesn't like men & doesn't like people in her stable. So if my mare trusts him THAT much so do I (I think it's the singing that does it ) |
      
Claire & Sunny x
http://sunnyandclaire.blogspot.com/ |
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