Horse hoof timing/question?!?!?

Question

I have a colt and in May he will be 1 when do i start to get a farrier to clip his feet?Any tips on getting a good farrier?Or what to look into for a good farrier?

Answer 1

I've had two foals now on our small farm, and we've always had the farrier at least pick up and trim up any uneven wear around the hoof. He may not take off much or nothing at all, but we have our foals done every 7-8 weeks like the rest of our horses.
This latest foal had some chipping during the fall, so it was nice that he was able to round that off.
Also, great training. So, I say, the sooner the better!

As to how to find a farrier....I would ask your local feed stores, and ask other horse owners. Try to find someone from a school for farriers, though that's not always the foolproof way to find a good one.
A good farrier will work with you. My farrier understands that my horses are not the perfect horses, and they will tend to not work with the farrier at all times. He's patient, and waits for me to correct the horse, not to do it himself.
I have seen many horses afraid of farriers because they hit the horse, or disapplined the horse when the owner should be doing it. Because we work together, my horses have become better for him over the years, not worse.
A good farrier will also provide whatever kinds of different shoes you need, but not try to sell you the more expensive ones if you don't need it.
It's tough, but ask around.

Answer 2

I know someone who had a filly and they started upkeep with her feet at 4 months, so your colt is definitely ready.

One way you could find a farrier is by going to some stables that offer lesson programs. If there are horses in the arena being ridden, you can take a look at their feet from their or talk with an instructor or director to ask to see an example of their horses feet. Do a lot of asking and looking around. Things tend to spread best in the horse world by word of mouth.

A good farrier knows how to trim a horse's feet in order to help the horse perform at its best, which includes the use of corrective shoeing if necessary. If the horses are being ridden western, a typical hoof is slightly more upright than that of a horse that is meant for hunt seat. A more upright hoof allows a western horse to get its feet under its body more and to take smaller steps, which is desirous of a western horse. For a hunter or english horse, you would look for a very natural angle. A frequent problem that many farriers have is cutting the hoof too low and flat, so that the toe sticks out rather far in front (typical of farriers that trim TBs) This may allow a horse to take bigger steps but can also put undue strain on joints and can also cause problems with the hind foot stepping on the front heel when the horse begins to track up, or over track.

It also helps to find a farrier who is friendly and easy to talk with, since you will be dealing with that person on a regular basis (usually every 6-8 weeks). Good communication is important.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Go ahead and get his hooves trimmed the next time your farrier is out. Even if not much is done, your colt will be used to it and won't give you so many problems. We started doing this with my now 21 month old appendix gelding when he was a 6month old non-gelded colt, and even then he didn't behave very badly because he was used to it. just have the hooves trimmed with the schedule of your other horses if you have any, every 6-8 weeks. we do 6 weeks because we don't shoe ours. ask horse people around, and maybe try a few out. you will find one you like, and thats just how it usually works. our farrier is an older man that has horses, and has been doing it for a long time. he charges 20$ a horse, and we have him out when he is already over our way. good luck finding a farrier, and if you don't like one guy, don't invite him back!

Answer 4

Your horse is old enough to have his feet trimmed. We normally do our foals about 3 days after foaling. This is only with a few that their hooves grew exceptionally long in the womb or the hoof wall started to curl under which is common in most horses at a young age when they aren't carrying a lot of weight.
Other than that it's really up to how fast your horses hooves grow. Most people go with a time line of 6-8 weeks. Depending on how fast your horses hooves grow it may be sooner or longer than that.

Most farriers will leave business cards at feed and tack stores by the cash register or pinned to a cork board. Start asking around to your feed and hay dealer and also trusted friends. Chances are they know a lot of great prospects for you and if they are your trusted friends or family then you know if they are good enough to trim their horses, then they are good enough to do yours.

I have the most perfect farrier- it took me a long time to find him....but I did. He was recommended to me by my daughters science teacher who shows in Reining events.

I have 80 head of horses and need one that was dependable and trustworthy.

Here are a few things to look for-
Look for one that is willing to give you references and guarantees his work- meaning if he screws up your horse- he pays.
Find one that gives you a set time that he will be there to work on your horses and also one that asks what times- not one that says well between this time and this time and just show up either earlier or later. You want to make sure that your equines are ready and that trimming isn't disturbing their feed time which can make any horse hard to handle
Look for a farrier that does not discipline your horse and is patient and knows how to handle younger, greener horses. Although training your horse is not up to the farrier- neither is disciplining. Always make sure you prepare your horse so he is easier to handle and that way your farrier can do a quicker and safer trim.
Go with a farrier that values your's and your horses business- he'll be more forgiving and likely to respond in emergencies.
Have a farrier that will recommend other cheaper hoof treatments before the most expensive- this way you'll know whether he's just after a fat paycheck or actually trying to help you find affordable options before the last resort.

Most importantly- get to know your farrier and go with one you trust. Find a farrier you would trust to trim your equine even if you were not present-chances are if you can then you've found the right farrier for you. Most people know off the bat if they'll get along with their farrier and will trust him- and the strange thing is....so do most horses. My horses picked my farrier, I did not. Chances are your horse will too.

Answer 5

Hi. You should start right away. I board with a show barn and our horse's all start with feet handling at birth. The first trim is usually around 6 months old...around weaning time. Our ferrier is great. You want to look for one who does top notch work, but also is patient with babies. It can be traumatic for a first trimming....make sure they know that you expect kindness for your horse. Also make sure they are using a hoof gauge to balance out the hoof. You want to start the hoof growing balanced right away...it'll make them more sound in life. Make sure you are getting someone license/schooled. You don't want just any Joe Schmoe messing around with your animal. Don't be afraid to ask questions....education/experience.