Dave the Farrier Speaks

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Our farrier, Dave Jacobsen, has a lot of personality. In fact, he's hilarious. Who knew? Your comments/questions from Dave's last article got Dave talking. Let's keep this going by posting additional comments below. And thank you members for being just so darn smart! Here you go.

Christi Asks:
I wonder why you don't see more chicks as farriers? It's physically demanding work, but so is training and there are plenty of chick trainers. Hmm.
Women are smarter than that; they've figured out they can do something else that doesn't hurt so much. Honestly, this work is just so physically demanding that it's the rare woman are able to do it. You have to be able to take a good solid blow and keep working through it. There are times when it gets to where you're under the horse and you're asking yourself if it's worth it. It is, but I've asked the question more than a few times.

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Telby69 Asks:
I am still in the process of designing the inside of my barn. Any suggestions for a "farrier" area? More than just a grooming area? Thanks!
Lights. Lights are huge and a solid floor to work on is nice. Even if it's dirt, if it's solid that's great. It's also nice to have a place to sit or rest for a minute or two. A radio is also a plus. I like to be out of everybody's way so I'm not inconveniencing anyone, but also it allows me to work more quickly. I'm not saying I'm a loner, but when I'm at a boarding barn with lots of people milling around, it's good to be out of the way! Easy access to the truck is big – that's the most important thing! Don't make the farrier walk half a mile to get what he needs. It takes time and we're already tired.

Telby69 Asks:
I have learned to trim my own horses. If you study the foot, it isn't too hard. Add a Hoof Jack to hold the foot, expensive tools (as opposed to the cheap imitations), and a calm horse... And the learning process has been great!
There's nothing wrong with this if you're a sharp owner and the horse's feet are good. I'll show people how to trim feet. I do get a little nervous when they grab a nipper. If someone wants to keep their horses rasped, that's okay. It really depends on the horse. When people get too aggressive that's when the problems arise. Everybody wants to save a buck – and I'm good with that. At the same time, it's important a farrier takes a peak now and again to make sure you're doing it right.

Packzilla asks:
Does it cause a horse any pain if thrush goes untreated?
It does cause pain if it goes untreated and especially if it goes up to the live tissue. That's why you have to treat it so it doesn't get to that point. It's a quick fix – it's really about consistency in treatment. If you hit it 10 times a day it will be gone in a week. If you only do it once a day – it's going to take longer. Be aggressive, especially if it's in deep. I don't care what the bottle or anybody else says, it will look different if you do it 10 times a day. Before you ride, after your ride, when you feed, when you clean, whenever … Go in the stall and squirt!

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Pifee asks:
Great tips. Could you tell me what a sheared heel is?
It's when the bulb of the heal cracks or break through the hoof. When a horse's weight isn't balanced or evenly distributed over the whole hoof when the hoof hits the ground one part of the foot – usually the heel – gets more of the impact which leads to the sheared heel. Eggbars, pads and packing are the best remedies for that. Treat it with topical stuff like a Thrushbuster® because you want to toughen up the tissue that's rubbing together and you want to relieve that pain. It's really a quick fix and not that big a deal if dealt with properly. It usually takes about a week to heal up if you ‘re doing things properly.
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Comments  

Posted On

May 16, 2008

Posted By

packzilla

Thanks for all the info! It's very nice to be able to ask questions and learn a little something!!

Posted On

May 16, 2008

Posted By

packzilla

Also, I was wondering how often when working with horses do you correct a problem, I sure majority of horses don't have perfect feet, so most of the time are you making at least small corrections?

Posted On

May 16, 2008

Posted By

tattooed reiner

Great article - love the member question and answer format!!

Posted On

May 16, 2008

Posted By

pifee

I'm not sure if this question is going to make sense,but here you go. What causes a frog to come off? If you have a horse with a sheared heel and you treat it will you be able to put a regular shoe back on?

Posted On

May 20, 2008

Posted By

Brenda

Good job Dave and I thought you were a man a few words??

Posted On

May 28, 2008

Posted By

Christi

Is it true that certain kinds of shavings can dry out a horse's hooves?

Posted On

May 28, 2008

Posted By

tattooed reiner

Hey Dave -- What’s the difference between hot and cold shoeing?

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