by Kristi Rensby

Be interested but don't ask a million questions unless the farrier encourages it. He may be concentrating and your distractions may make it difficult to work or even cause him to make an error. On the other hand, some farriers seem to enjoy explaining their work to their clients, as they understand the owner’s desire to be better informed.

Be prepared to do what the farrier advises as it's in your horse's best interests. For instance, you may wish to only pay for front shoes, but the farrier may notice excessive wear on the hind feet and suggest shoes there as well. Or perhaps they will suggest a special shoe to offset a lameness issue. Chances are, most farriers are more concerned about your horse's well being than padding their pockets.

Ensure no other horses are loose in the area, causing a potential safety hazard to you, your horse, and the shoer. If you and your farrier both prefer your horse tied, discuss whether to tie to one place or to cross tie (again, make sure your horse is trained to tie or cross tie).

Lastly, in all of your effort to keep your farrier now that you have them, put yourself in their situation a little. Before you complain about the steadily increasing prices (in 1984 when I got my first horse, a set of four shoes including the trim was $35; now I pay around $100 for a trim and four shoes), do the math.

That horseshoer has a lot of costs to pay for:
- schooling
- pickup truck and associated expenses
- mileage to your place (and time to drive there)
- time it actually takes to make and fit shoes correctly
- materials used in making those shoes (including bar stock and propane)
- tools and equipment costs
- fact that they will not be able to do this job forever and they have to make some ahead for the future (look at ball players, they are supposed to make their life's salary in the few years they can play well)

And above all, don’t forget that your horseshoer is another human being and prone to the same problems we have - sore backs, cuts and bruises, long and tiring days, getting cranky, and so on. Sometimes they really just appreciate being left alone, or the offer of something cold to drink on a hot day; the better you know your farrier the better relationship you can develop with him or her!

I hope this series on how to Choose and KEEP a farrier has been helpful to you! Be sure to tune in for the column on training your horse for the farrier.

Post offers and requests for trailer rides in the Free Classified Ads

by Kristi Rensby

If your horse is well trained for the farrier, chances are your farrier will always be happy and willing to take the time to shoe or trim your horse.

It is your job as the owner to ensure that your horse is trained to have its feet handled, schooled to stand quietly (tied or held), and accustomed to the various positions that the farrier will require during a job. These include picking up the feet, pulling the leg forward and setting it on a stand (ask your farrier if he has an old stand that he doesn't use anymore), holding the foot between your legs the same way the farrier does, holding the feet up for a sufficient amount of time (which is much longer than how long it takes us to pick out the hoof!), and of course, used to the banging required to nail on a shoe.

If you are not able to teach your horse these things, then please consider sending your horse to a trainer, even for just a week or two, of ground work. Be sure to specify that you want the horse's feet handled in preparation for the farrier.

Most farriers are willing to be patient with an inexperienced horse if you explain that ahead of time. However, you do need to do the leg work (literally!) - and to keep up on the training time in between scheduled visits. The farrier is not a horse trainer, nor does he wish to be one. The better your horse behaves, the better job he can do for you and your horse.

Northern BC Horse is sponsored by local businesses who support equine sports in our area including:

• Hoskins Ford
• Reimer Ranch

Do you have a horse or equipment to sell? Want to buy a horse or equipment? Check the Free Classified Ads.