Farrier help! Advice on hooves & shoeing

[Laxydaisy]

Hi, I'm after some help from horsey folk in the know about shoeing?

I've had the same farrier for over 6 years, however in recent months the standard has slipped. He let's the apprentices do most of the work, which I have allowed, however the current lad, I'm just not happy with the shoes, they look too long and heels too low..

I tried speaking with him about this, but he got very defensive and said nothing wrong. My horse was shod 2 weeks ago and I'm not happy again. I'm concerned if I approach my farrier again, if it doesn't go well, he won't be shoeing for us anymore! He's always been very reliable and very good, lost shoes replaced within 12 hours usually. I'm just really struggling on whether to make an issue out of this shoeing or not! Please help if you can.

Your horse can end up permanently crippled eg with arthritis, laminitis or tendon damage etc with bad feet. You probably need a new farrier. May as well try telling the old one you want him to do the trim/shoes not the apprentice but realistically it's probably a no-go. He's basically passed you onto someone else, you're effectively the apprentice's client now. It's a common scenario. Either it's issues with apprentices providing a substandard service or something changes in the professional person's life and work/customer satisfaction is no longer the priority it once was, so standards slip. Seen it time and time again, including with farriers, yard owners and saddlers.

Start asking around for a replacement, my farrier has only had one apprentice in the decade I have had him who was really good. For some having the apprentices is a business model and labour for them. If the heels start to go it is very hard to get them back. I have mentioned flat heels before to a farrier and they don't like it but did recognise it was an issue. You have tried and now I would ask around to move on. I have seen many well know farriers over use apprentices and it is a pet hate of mine as are low hoofs. Don't worry about the farrier's feelings prioritise your horse the things you are noticing are an issue. Ask knowledgeable horse people and people with well shod horses, people who pay attention to their horses who they use. Don't be passed on to someone's mate unless they are a good farrier. But look for another farrier, if you need another set in the meantime ask the initial farrier to put them on and keep heel, do it by text if you want. Farriers can be very proud so don't do it in front of the trainee.

But if you don't say something, and the bad practice keeps on happening, do you want to keep him anyway? Has he explained why the toes look long or he has started shoeing him differently?

I'd start asking around. Please keep in mind it is not all about cost, so don't let that be the first question you ask!

I absolutely understand the stress around good service from your farrier. I suspect the relationship with this one has ran its course. However do you want to send up low down side photos of your horses feet?