Re: Shoeing etc.

Reynolds, Nikki (jakar@aiinc.com)
Sun, 26 Jan 1997 17:14:50 -0800

ROBERT J MORRIS wrote:
>
> -- [ From: ROBERT J MORRIS * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
> I think that your words:
> <<O.K -- all that just to get the discussion going! Am I a farrier? Heck
> no, but I've spent enough in the last thirty years to know what is needed
> and, usually, when to stop telling the farrier what I want BEFORE he hands
> me the hammer! >>
> Echo my feelings somewhat. However there was a time or two that I did take
> the hammer in hand to demonstrate what I wanted. Still good relationship
> with the farrier!!!
>
> I feel that the whole thing with the foot problems that we have, in this
> case with the endurance horse, is that there are few farriers who really
> understand the competition horse, the competition horse conformation or the
> competition horse way of going. I have had several deep discussions with
> nationally known farriers regarding endurance horse shoeing. Then found out
> they were very knowledgeable about show horse shoeing but had never seen an
> endurance horse travel.
>
> There is much tradition in the farrier trade as there is in any horse
> related activity. And most of it is just plain bull s**t. If the average
> endurance competitor was observant and really cared, there is a world of
> knowledge to be gained by just watching other's horses travel while riding
> with them. In one season the average rider, being observant, will then
> understand how, why and what horses feet do. Sorry but this knowledge will
> blow out most of what is considered "correct"
>
> <<I finally solved an interfering problem by letting the mare go barefoot
> until she wore her own toes down.>>
>
> Most farriers do not like this idea as the foot then does not conform to
> "the book" If you do this(and we have for years done this every spring) you
> find out the foot does not land "flat" and the foot does not "look" balanced
> but the horse sure likes it better. In my not so humble opinion, we would do
> better to listen to the horse than to what someone thinks should be. as I
> have said many times EACH HORSE IS AN INDIVIDUAL.
>
> <<There have been so many comments about heredity and navicular that I
> wonder if its' not time to start a new discussion on the relationship of
> devastating foot problems, inherited PROPENSITIES toward those foot problems
> and prevention through correct (NOTE I DID NOT SAY CORRECTIVE) foot care AND
> the correct training and riding (in balance) of the horse?>>
>
> I agree, Inherited problems = breeding sensible rather than emotional.
> Correct foot care = the natural way of going and maintenance i.e. dry hard
> ground when possible not irrigated swamps we see for pastures. Correct
> training and riding = riding WITH the horse not on the horse.
>
> I find most horse problems are NOT horse problems but PERSON problems. Mary
> Twelveponies quote "THERE ARE NO PROBLEM HORSES JUST PROBLEM RIDERS" is more
> true than people want to admit.
>
> If you want to get into shoeing details, all is well with me. I am very
> willing to address this subject from the practical side, hammer, nippers,
> tongs and forge -- the conformation side, toe in toe out, balance, club foot
> -- or the mechanical side, how the foot travels, what changes do to the
> horse etc.
>
> Let's get some others in on this and make it worth while
>
> Bob Morris
> Morris Endurance Enterprises
> Boise, ID

Hi Again Bob,
It's me, the web-surfing shark, hungry for horse sites! There's a very
interesting "pony toes" site at http://www.horseshoes.com. It's got a
farriers' forum and archives as well as some other info I haven't had
time to devour yet! ~Nikki~