Hock spur

[atr]

My farrier came 3 weeks ago. I stood and watched and chatted with him while he worked. There was barely a shaving to take off, even after 6 weeks, and he looked pretty good when done.

We’ve had really funky weather this winter and he’s gone in the last 3 weeks from “I’m not wasting calories growing feet” to “Look how long my feet can get!”

It’s a struggle at this time of year to get things consistently looking correct. My horse generally has the best shoeing job in the barn. I’m sure my farrier is going to have a cow when he comes back in two weeks.

[Warmblood1]

Have you looked on AFA’s website and searched by location to find CJFs near you? They provide email and phone number so you can reach out and see if they will service your area. I agree with JB, I really think this farrier should have seen what was happening externally to know internal issues. Finding a good and reliable farrier is like finding a unicorn. It’s tough.

[endlessclimb]

Oh i know all the cjfs around here. I’ve been in this area for 20+ years. I think there’s one left I haven’t tried, but I’ve seen his work and it’s a no.

Most of the good farriers are the flakes, where they will no call no show for a week or better, or want to shoe a horse a 10pm.

They are like unicorns. Even the really good one down south is notorious for running 3 hours late.

[lenapesadie]

There is a highly acclaimed farrier in my area that is notorious for ghosting, being hours late, rescheduling multiple times, being hard to get a hold of etc. That’s a big nope from me. My horses are done on a tight 4 week schedule and many times I’ve needed the farrier more often. Bi weekly, weekly, at same time as vet, and on one occasion I had the farrier out DAILY for a week. Not to mention I have to schedule off work to meet the farrier. Like you, I simply cannot deal with a farrier that can’t make and keep appointments within reason.

[endlessclimb]

Plus, if I cut the current farrier out, who would reset a shoe if she pulls or springs it? I’d have to hope far-away-farrier has an opening, and then take off yet another day of work to go see him.

Nothing is simple, lol.

[lenapesadie]

Yup. And what if I try a new shoe / pad set up and it turns out it is a bad idea? Now gotta get it off and redone right away? Need a farrier I can get back out quickly!