05/07/2025
Frustrated horse owner? Horse losing shoes? Want to switch farriers? Take a deep breath.
Weather conditions in central Virginia seem to have reached the trifecta of lost shoes/damaged hooves. Equilox is flying off the shelves for glue on shoes and hoof repairs. It's not just your farrier.
It's also the start grumpy farrier season. The workload is up, the temperature is up, and flies are atrocious. Your farrier is fighting dehydration and overheating everyday. They have been je**ed on by horses who are intolerant of flies. They are receiving texts and calls at impolite hours. They are getting sticker shock when they purchase supplies. They are physically and mentally exhausted, and their bodies are sore.
What can you do? Try to set your horse and your farrier up for success. Is your horse spending lots of time in the pond to get away from bugs and heat? Not so good for hoof quality. Fly spray is expensive, so you're using as little as possible, except when you're riding? Soggy hooves stomping on hard ground isn't a good combination. Trying to push the appointment a little longer? Not a good idea in the summer.
Do you have a fan for your farrier? Shade and breeze go a long way in keeping your farrier functional, and a strong fan has the added benefit of chasing away flies.
Do you have to lead the horses through a mud puddle to get through the gate? Bring them in early. Hosing mud off your horse as the farrier arrives isn't appreciated. Most would rather deal with dry mud than wet legs.
Apply a fly spray early. Another application may be needed during shoeing, but your farrier does not need to hold onto wet, fly spray drenched legs all day. Be mindful if your fly spray is oil based. It can make legs, hands, and tools slippery. Ask your farrier their preference. It often helps to spray a leg again once the hoof is done. The fly spray stays on the leg, not on the farrier, and the horse may stand quieter for next hoof.
Cold beverages, ice, cold water soaked towels, and dry "sweat towels" are nice.
What are your suggestions to help your horse and farrier?
