tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post8578879812929914239..comments2024-03-27T08:06:53.882-07:00Comments on Raincoast Rider: You're FiredThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-12872738266284041272018-05-19T09:13:56.275-07:002018-05-19T09:13:56.275-07:00I have almost always had excellent relationships w...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have almost always had excellent relationships with farriers, though on occasion it has meant politely opting out of the farrier the rest of the barn uses. (Like, I strongly declined to use the farrier that flew in from halfway across the country and required a full set of rads before he would shoe, WTF, but he wasn't required and I maintained polite but firm resolve.) I'm sorry you that that happen to you with your farrier, that's really frustrating and difficult.<br /><br />That said, I have on occasion worked on Tristan's feet in between farrier visits when he was at a tough point with his feet, or when I wanted them to be doing other things. It's definitely do-able. The biggest pitfall, for me, was the level of obsessiveness it can incubate. I'm the kind of person who can fret about detail unto oblivion, and trimming definitely encouraged those tendencies in me. So while it was good to feel more knowledgeable and in-charge, and it's a skill I'm glad I feel somewhat confident in should I need it, I'm also intensely grateful to have a farrier that I both like and respect.Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16071037752920853786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-80597219649628895362018-05-17T14:23:37.908-07:002018-05-17T14:23:37.908-07:00I was giving myself a mental pep talk in the momen...I was giving myself a mental pep talk in the moment "Be firm, but reasonable. Project confidence. Stand tall. Oh, and I'm pretty sure you can kick his ass if necessary" <br />It worked, without me needing to resort to the last step, lol :)Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-80181015818405004282018-05-17T14:19:38.868-07:002018-05-17T14:19:38.868-07:00We started with him not wanting to discuss things:...We started with him not wanting to discuss things: "her feet are fine, I am in a rush and too busy to answer questions", then after I questioned anyway, coming up with a ton of excuses: "OK, yes, her feet are not fine...but...here are some random reasons I shouldn't have to fix them today". Which almost made it worse :(Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-54128317322869117132018-05-17T14:08:38.910-07:002018-05-17T14:08:38.910-07:00Yes, SUCH an introvert. Yesterday, a coworker was ...Yes, SUCH an introvert. Yesterday, a coworker was making fun of people who order takeout online rather than pick up the phone and I was like "SOMETIMES I AM ONE OF THEM, DON"T JUDGE!" :)<br />It's funny, the odd time I do get pushed out of my comfort zone and have to have a talk (like with the farrier) I get all irrationally angry about it (Why did they make me have to be mean!?) and usually refuse to deal with the person after. I'm just not that great at adulting :)Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-86547156620864689422018-05-17T14:02:57.999-07:002018-05-17T14:02:57.999-07:00It's been 4 days now and I'm still just as...It's been 4 days now and I'm still just as angry as before. And I don't get mad easily at all. So yeah, I'd better learn to trim :)Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-49079667352506817262018-05-17T14:00:52.686-07:002018-05-17T14:00:52.686-07:00Arguing and being pushy doesn't come easy to m...Arguing and being pushy doesn't come easy to me, so I'm going to try to do them myself and see how it goes. The relationship you have with your farrier is what I'm used to - not that I ever had a lot of questions/concerns, but the rare time I did it was nice to be provided with answers.Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-81765126079961220022018-05-17T13:53:30.993-07:002018-05-17T13:53:30.993-07:00Thank you so much for the link! And love the idea ...Thank you so much for the link! And love the idea of photos to track changes! I don't think I'll be brave enough to post them here, but I like the idea of having a timeline should I run into problems and need to reach out to my old farrier via email. Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-52234782242864199802018-05-17T13:51:50.960-07:002018-05-17T13:51:50.960-07:00This is kind of embarrassing, but I've been us...This is kind of embarrassing, but I've been using an automotive jack stand because the farm owner's husband is a mechanic and had extras. They come in sets of 2 for about $60, so if anyone else is interested...they do work in a pinch and are cheap and easy to find (or borrow, lol). I think I'm going to upgrade, tho :)Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-5881304829026650282018-05-17T13:43:38.470-07:002018-05-17T13:43:38.470-07:00Thanks for the links! So cool, I took a barefoot t...Thanks for the links! So cool, I took a barefoot trimming clinic with someone who works with Jaime Jackson, so I will look for the book, and you've reminded me to dig out the notes I took (And highly recommend the clinic, it was fantastic!)Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-47639271409700121602018-05-17T13:33:33.012-07:002018-05-17T13:33:33.012-07:00I bought nippers because both of mine are LONG rig...I bought nippers because both of mine are LONG right now, but I'm hoping to get it under control, then just use a rasp regularly like you do.Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-76958192444687418212018-05-17T13:31:30.283-07:002018-05-17T13:31:30.283-07:00I feel like some of them get so tired/burnt out th...I feel like some of them get so tired/burnt out they get a little too impatient/untrusting with the horses, and then of course the good horses get offended by that. I'm glad you found someone great!Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-81879060687178959392018-05-17T13:28:53.384-07:002018-05-17T13:28:53.384-07:00Thats been a bit of the problem - long term farrie...Thats been a bit of the problem - long term farrier is retired, new one did ok work the first time, but gradually things are going the wrong way. As is his attitude, lol. And yeah, the ponies don't love him either. Fingers crossed it will all improve with him, but for now at least, I'm out :(Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-49326128453003141112018-05-17T13:12:12.748-07:002018-05-17T13:12:12.748-07:00I just bought some good nippers this morning! As a...I just bought some good nippers this morning! As a funny side note, when my husband was like "whoa, $140 for those!" I told him Wendy recommended the good ones (said in the tone of voice implying that of course he knows you, maybe has even met you multiple times) and he agreed Wendy obviously knows best :)Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-49082545341489054262018-05-17T12:59:57.344-07:002018-05-17T12:59:57.344-07:00You did the right thing. We have to advocate for ...You did the right thing. We have to advocate for our ponies, even when it involves surly farriers ;)Erikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-47443760359787243012018-05-17T10:57:42.271-07:002018-05-17T10:57:42.271-07:00oh man, nothing stresses me out worse than not fee...oh man, nothing stresses me out worse than not feeling like i can have good, open lines of communication with my horse's care providers. like, even just being able to get answers to odd questions. or having someone be willing to explain clearly how or why they made certain choices for my horses... it makes a big difference! exciting tho to be thinking of doing your own horses' feet! i know a lot of folks who happily do their own trims so it seems like a reasonable goal!emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05686949099663199382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-57325391292665857742018-05-17T10:33:07.864-07:002018-05-17T10:33:07.864-07:00Being an introvert (I'm assuming you are too b...Being an introvert (I'm assuming you are too because I feel like personality wise we align on so many things and I'm an introvert) can make those kinds of conversations the most awkward. Gut feelings are usually correct so good for you with going with it!L.Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05052638724440787772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-77889072838429608502018-05-17T08:07:24.304-07:002018-05-17T08:07:24.304-07:00I learned to trim myself because I fired two farri...I learned to trim myself because I fired two farriers in a row for being bossy dicks and not listening to my concerns whatsoever. Finding a good farrier is seriously worth its weight in gold!Carlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17308477892024999793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-82485743939481680312018-05-17T07:23:24.760-07:002018-05-17T07:23:24.760-07:00A friend of mine trims her own horses. They've...A friend of mine trims her own horses. They've always had a lot of problems just because their feet are wonky, so she took a crash course and now her horses are sound and healthy and happy. I do ask questions of my farrier, just because I want to know, and he's really good about answering my questions, showing me real-time why he's been doing things a certain way with Amber. It's usually the RF I'm concerned about because of her knee, but Amber has always been sound with him. There was a small miscommunication at one point (I usually work when he comes so I either talk to him over the phone or don't talk to him beyond 'thank you; here's my money' lol) and Amber developed a weird bubble in her RF. I presented it to him, and once he realized what I was trying to get across, he was super apologetic about the mix-up, and Amber hasn't had another issue. I agree with you that FB wasn't really the way to go, but especially if you're having to really push to keep your horses sound then doing them yourself would be a pretty good option I think. I think having to fight that hard every time he comes would be pretty exhausting. I think you can absolutely do them yourself!Mandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14485570296592298816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-1851380509698399732018-05-17T04:12:36.372-07:002018-05-17T04:12:36.372-07:00Yes! It is totally doable :) I agree with Liz abou...Yes! It is totally doable :) I agree with Liz about a Hoof stand: it pays for itself in a few trims. I also found this book to be extremely informative: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Hoof-Book-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/1570767327/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1526555266&sr=1-1 I try to take pics regularly, it is sometimes easier to look at the angles more objectively in a photo than in real life. arteriolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14257564748066704707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-44195885079665809682018-05-17T03:49:56.796-07:002018-05-17T03:49:56.796-07:00The last bad experience I had with a trimmer I beg...The last bad experience I had with a trimmer I began trimming myself. That was in 2012. Griffin and Q have been trimmed by me almost exclusively that whole time. Stan has come into rotation, too, since joining us in 2016 and his feet look better than they ever did when he was with his previous owner. <br /><br />Using the rasp a little every week or every two weeks keeps them super manageable and the work to a reasonable level. If you're only using the rasp and doing a bit at a time, you really can't go wrong. Doing it that way and having check ins (photo/video or in-person) with your mentors should keep you feeling confident! <br /><br />My biggest recommendation beyond doing a little at a time frequently is to Get A Hoofstand. Doesn't have to be the fanciest thing in the world (those Hoofjacks are nice but $$$$), but having something to hold the foot up so you can stabilize and trim is HUGE. It'll save your legs and back a lot. I scored one somewhere years ago online for ~$50. Definitely money well-spent!Liz Stouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18267806576736655184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-59374375002840811612018-05-16T18:19:50.668-07:002018-05-16T18:19:50.668-07:00I've been trimming Lily's feet for the las...I've been trimming Lily's feet for the last 6 years and Gracie's for the past 4 (the entire time I've owned her). I had similar experiences to yours, and then it became a necessity when I was booting for endurance. For endurance, hooves need to be maintained more frequently than on a regular farrier schedule if you want the same pair of boots to fit from one ride to another. Like Piccolopony, I just use a rasp every couple of weeks. It's easier to maintain every few weeks than to have to do a big trim every two months. :) <br /><br />I learned from two farriers that taught me, and through lots and lots of reading. This website was my literal bible for a long time: http://www.barefoothorse.com/ I also own and love The Horse Owner's Guide to Natural Hoof Care by Jaime Jackson https://www.amazon.com/Horse-Owners-Guide-Natural-Hoof/dp/0965800768Nicole Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09817619834026667737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-52728592308643100082018-05-16T17:48:40.912-07:002018-05-16T17:48:40.912-07:00Also, I don’t even use nippers, just a rasp and I ...Also, I don’t even use nippers, just a rasp and I do a little every week or every other week or so.Piccoloponyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08275679567725425281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-3494158425275233962018-05-16T17:47:18.516-07:002018-05-16T17:47:18.516-07:00I’m actually doing Katai’s feet now myself after v...I’m actually doing Katai’s feet now myself after very similar experiences. I also had an expert work with me to show me how to do it and she’s still available for help as needed remotely. I have to say that I’m not sure why I waited so long. Katai’s feet look better than they have in years.Piccoloponyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08275679567725425281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-77282084336770558542018-05-16T16:06:10.052-07:002018-05-16T16:06:10.052-07:00When I first got my horse, and her being my first ...When I first got my horse, and her being my first horse. I didn't have a farrier. So I just managed to get in with a random farrier that had time for me... and he was pretty aggressive about how he handled her. I wasn't very comfortable but I also didn't know any better - all the lesson or lease situations I had been in I wasn't around for farrier day. So I let him do his thing, paid him and went home a bit concerned but not overly upset. In the next week or so, I talked to a few other people and learned that considering she's good with feet that he should've been able to work on her without being THAT assertive. So, I just never called him back for my mare and now use another guy who is AMAZING! That being said, not every farrier will work well for every horse/owner.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02891671183800321713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359915651309786241.post-5199430592981192852018-05-16T15:38:38.262-07:002018-05-16T15:38:38.262-07:00Side note: Emi was poorly behaved for the fill in ...Side note: Emi was poorly behaved for the fill in farrier and has been great ever since our regular farrier came back....I've concluded there was something she didn't like about the other guy. <br /><br />Good job standing up for you and your horses although I totally get that's its uncomfortable, especially when they are supposed to be the knowledgeable one. Alanna Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12891497900025873342noreply@blogger.com