Fuming! need a BIG rant!

[BeachRiding]

Gitcha is dead lame! The farrier's have the right front and right back hooves 1/4-1/2 inch longer than the other side,and he can't even trot right. To say I'm mad is an understatement! I noticed the farrier rushed this time and I thought one side was longer,but I generally wasn't looking as they are supposed to be very good so I trusted them, I won't make that mistake again.

Can he really be so lame from this? If the farrier's refuse to come out within a few days I am dumping them, it's a hard stretch to find a good farrier here, but they did such a horrible job! I am about ready to go to farrier school and do my own horses.

Am I over-reacting?

Gitcha seems like he is in slight pain, wasn't up to working at all this evening, thought he was slightly off, but started trotting on the left and man is he off! Got off him and started ranting and raving to my friend, we were going to go riding.So, now I have a lame horse...

Should I pull the shoes off in the meantime, that would make it about even, or should I leave them?

 

[Kalypso]

I wouldn't try to pull the shoes yourself, not when they've just been put on...you don't want to accidentally pull some of the hoof off and make things worse. I would just not ride him or work him until the farrier comes back out...that would be my choice, anyway. I'm sure others may have better advice though

Sorry your farrier did a bad job He should definitely be willing to get out there and fix the problem (at no cost) and if not, then definitely find a new one. that's not on!

 

[michie]

Ugh... I'm so sorry. That is annoying. My trainer and I share the same farrier, and he's pretty decent. However, he trimmed one of my trainers horses the morning she was supposed to be vetted by potential buyers and she came up dead lame. I would definately talk to your farrier or switch.

 

[Scarlett 001]

Hmmm. I've had some farrier woes this month too. And where I live it is difficult to find a good farrier who is taking new clients, which makes things trickier.

Okay, does he resist lifting any feet if you hold them as if to pick the hooves? Could the farrier have messed up and put the nails into the sensitive structure or do you feel more sure it is the different heights? The different heights could make his gaits difficult, and also could lead to him pulling some muscles here and there, or make his muscles sore. Sudden changes in hoof heights can do that I am sure.

Again, talk to your farrier or switch as others have said. If your farrier won't stand behind his work, then it is time to get a new one.

 

[CMR]

I've read your other posts about bad farriers, can you ask around with other horse people to see who they use? There has to be at least one good one.

Here are a few websites that you can look at to see what a good barefoot hoof is supposed to look like. Even though Gitcha does have shoes, they should still look about the same.

http://www.barefoothorse.com/

http://barefoothorses.co.uk/

http://www.hoofrehab.com/

http://www.ironfreehoof.com/



Here is a list of barefoot farriers in California. I don't know if any of them are close to you though. I guess a barefoot trimmer would be better than an unreliable farrier.
http://www.aanhcp.org/page42.html

 

[BeachRiding]

Thanks guys.Farrier says he might come tonight, but assures me that they have been doing this for 30 years and they were even. In other words they think I am lying and causing a fit.

Scarlett- he is not resistant to them being held just lame going to the left.
I think the different heights is the problem.

cvr- thanks will take a look!