New Topic - Hooves

["Jan Mutchler" <jmutchler@h2net.net>]

Hi Ridecampers:  Some of my friends and I have been doing a lot of brainstorming about our horses' hooves and our relationship(s) with our farriers.  We were wondering what opinions other endurance riders might have about some of the things we discussed.  I know this is long (you can delete now), but hopefully, thought-provoking.  Maggie - go get Nelson - I bet he'll have fun with this. :>)

 

1.  Do you know the difference between Natural Balance Shoeing (NBS) and the "older more traditional" style of shoeing?

2.  Do you discuss with your farrier if he/she is going to use NBS methods, or more traditional methods?  (using the term "traditional" for lack of a better word)

3.  Do you know how to evaluate the quality of job your farrier does?

4.  How do you evaluate the quality of job your farrier does?  Do you watch your horse move after each reshoeing?

5.  What type of shoes do you like to have on your horse?  Do you know?  Do you have a preference?

6.  Have you had lameness problems that you thought were due to trimming/shoeing?

7.  How do you know the lameness was caused by the trimming/shoeing?

8.  What mileages do you compete in?

9.  Do you work with your farrier to get the type of trim/balance you want?  i.e.  do you tell your farrier horse is toeing out behind - need to do such-n-such.

10.  How do you tell your farrier what you want - do you feel as though you have to "tread lightly"?

11.  Is your farrier responsive to your needs?  Does your farrier listen to your concerns and take time to explain why he/she may disagree with you.

12.  Have you ever evaluated your horses hooves via radiograph with your vet AND farrier?

13.  What have you learned from using radiographs?

14.  What have you learned from the radiographs that you can use for a visual inspection of the hooves?  How do you do it?

15.  What, in your opinion, is the best way to learn about your horse's hooves/needs.?

16.  What publication, video, seminar, or person is the best way you learned about hooves?

17.  Does your farrier use NBS methods on your horse?  Why or why not?

18.  How much training has your farrier had in NBS methods?  Has she/he gone to clinics/workshops, learned from other farriers?

19.  How long has the farrier been using the NBS method on your horse?

20.  How many competitive miles has your horse done with the NBS method?

21.  Do you feel the NBS method is appropriate to use on domestic horses - why or why not?

22.  If you use NBS on your horse, are you comfortable with the methods considering that this is a relatively new concept?

23.  If you don't use NBS methods, does your farrier still recess the shoes somewhat for an earlier breakover.

24.  If you use NBS methods, did your horse's hooves ever get to the point of just looking "strange" to you?

 

O.k. guys - I'm anxiously awaiting intellectual, complex responses - have at it. :>)

Jan Mutchler

Colorado