Things to think about before you call your Farrier
1. Make
appointments one or two weeks in advance and keep them.
2. Have the horse
caught and held in a dry, accessible area
3. Provide a good place to
work, - level and dry, plenty of light, shade if hot, safe and no "spooks"
(small children, pets, machinery, ect.) or wire traps.
4. Be available
to hold the horse. If this is not possible, provide someone who is familiar with
the horse. A horse will generally stand better for someone it is familiar
with
5. Handle the
horse's feet regularly. Keep them free of disease. Tie the horse for long
periods to teach it to stand quietly for shoeing.
6. Inform the farrier of any
behavioral or foot problems the horse may have.
7. Have the
horse's feet clean before the farrier comes. Do not apply hoof dressing for at
least 24 hours before the farrier comes. (It makes a greasy mess!)
8. Take care of the horse. Schedule a re-shoeing before the hoofs
become overgrown and the shoes lost. Realize shoeing is a regular
event.
9. Pay the farrier when he or she does the work.
10. Be loyal to your
farrier! Remember the best farrier available is the cheapest in the long
run.
11. Ask your farrier questions, remember that the only stupid question is
the one you don't ask.