Getting ready for Farrier and Vet Visits

Veterinarians and farriers are some of the busiest people I’ve ever met in my whole life.  That’s why it is so important for you to do everything in your power to be ready for their farm visit.  Being ready will help to make the time they spend on your farm as quick as possible.

Of course, you can’t control someone else being late because of emergency calls, but you can make sure that you are ready.  When you know someone is coming to examine your horse, make sure to get him in the barn early.  Half an hour early normally gives you enough time to get settled in case issues come up.  Your horse should have its halter on its head and the lead line ready and close at hand to attach it too.  Getting your horse in the barn may take the longest time, so once that is done, you can move on to getting other things ready.  If you are struggling to get them in there, you may want to drop a little feed in their bucket and then shut the door on the stall after they go in.  A vet or farrier should never have to wait while you struggle to catch your horses.  Keeping them running free in the pasture until they arrive is unacceptable!  Even worse, your vet or farrier should never have to catch your horse for you.  They are professionals and need to focus on the job they are called out there for.  They may not ever return to your farm, if it is a struggle to catch horses every time. 

You want to make sure that your farm is ready.  Unlock your gate and open it if that is possible.  Make sure you have enough space for the vet or farrier to turn around or pull-through with their large truck.  You may need to move other vehicles or objects, so they can get in and out quickly.  Is your annoying dog that continually jumps on people or gets in the way penned up?  A lot of times horses are scared of dogs and your dog running around them while they are being examined may create undue stress.  Dogs like to eat hooves that the farrier cuts off and will get under your horse or between their legs to get it.

You may need to brush your horse before the visit, if your horse is covered in hair or dirt.  This will allow your vet to be able to see your horse easier and help to keep their clothes clean.  It’s good to go ahead and spray fly spray on any horses getting examined or worked on if there are numerous flies or gnats flying around.  Flying and biting insects only serve to distract your horse.  It’s also good to make sure there are bright lights in the barn and a place where they can get out of driving rain if needed.

Make sure all your horses have good manners, even young ones.  Your horses should be able to receive injections, medications, and oral exams.  You and other people should be able to pick up and touch feet and legs, as well as ears and head.  Horses need to learn at a young age how to walk on a lead line.  You should never let your horse eat grass or be given treats while being worked on.  This is distracting to the horse and teaches bad manners.  Giving them treats after the visit is always the best option, so they remember the visit as a positive experience.

It’s good to be able to tell your vet any changes in your horse’s condition.  Knowing the temperature, pulse, and respiration rate can help them diagnose problems.  It’s really important not to wait until a small problem becomes a big one.  If you are not sure about a problem, with most vets and farriers, you can take a picture of it and text it to them for advice.  If they need to come out, they will have a good idea about what equipment and meds they need to bring along.  Many vets get complaints when an animal dies and the client still has to pay a bill, however, if the vet had been called earlier when it was a small problem, they might have been able to save the animal.  A vet must still bill for his expenses and travel whether the animal recovers or not.  So, the sooner you get help, the better!

Planning ahead for your vet and farrier visits will make for a positive experience for you, your horse, and your professional.

Finding the Right Farrier

Finding the right farrier for you and your horse can sometimes be difficult.  It is my hope that this post will help you understand more about what you should be looking for in a farrier during the decision-making process.

One of the best ways to find a good farrier is by word of mouth. However, if you have just moved to an area or do not know many horse owners to ask, the best resources are your veterinarian and other industry professionals such as your county extension agent.  Additional resources for locating a farrier include the North Carolina Horseshoers Association and the Horse Section of NCDA&CS to name a few.  Here are a few points to consider when searching for the right farrier:

Education. Some farriers enter the profession through formal education, some through apprenticeship, and some through a combination of the two. Regardless, a farrier should be knowledgeable about their field. Anyone can trim and shoe horses in the U.S. because no licensing or certification is required. Farriers should be well-versed in equine anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics and should be able to read a radiograph of the foot. Many good farriers will continue their education through reading and or attending clinics, seminars, and conferences. Ask if the farrier belongs to any organizations, for example the North Carolina Horseshoers Association.

Experience. A farrier's experience is also important. Be sure to ask how long they have been trimming or shoeing horses, whether they have been doing it regularly, and if they have any areas of specialization. It is important to match the farrier's education and background to your needs. A normal, sound horse, used for occasional trail rides does not need the same level of expertise as an upper level show horse or a horse with lameness problems. Keep in mind that some farriers specialize in a particular breed or riding discipline.

Horsemanship. Observe how the farrier interacts with horses. Does the farrier spend time watching how the horse moves and lands on his feet; do they carefully look at and assess the foot; and does the farrier work quietly and calmly around the horse? These considerations not only affect the quality of the farrier's work, they can impact the safety of all involved. Equally important is ensuring your horse stands well for the farrier and is well behaved.

Attitude. Make sure a prospective farrier enjoys their work, does not rush, pays attention to detail, and seems to care about the welfare of the horse and owner. Ensure the farrier is punctual and reliable with appointments, and calls when running late. Finally, make sure they are willing to work in cooperation with a veterinarian, if necessary.

Communication. Choose someone who is easy to communicate and get-along with. This should include conversations regarding the owners goals, the horses' needs, and the owners financial situation. Your farrier should be willing to discuss and or explain the trimming or shoeing process. Make sure they are easy to reach during an emergency situation. Farriers and horse owners should work together cooperatively and share mutual respect.

Cost. Cost will vary by region and the horse's needs. Ask other horse owners in your area or discipline what they are paying for similar services. Never choose a farrier based on cost alone. The important issue is not the cost, but the quality of service received. A more experienced farrier can be expected to charge more than someone new to the profession.

Sources: Krishona Martinson, PhD, University of Minnesota and Kim Otterson, County Line Farm

Link to Original Article: http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/care/finding-a-farrier/