Thursday, January 7, 2010

Farrier knows best?

I recently adopted a 4 year old TB from the track and have found that he will not suit what I adopted him for. I intended to use him for lower level Eventing, but my farrier, after shoeing him a few times, has told me that he is better suited to a trail/companion horse. The soles of his front feet are too soft to hold up to the rigors of Eventing and showing. He has never offered me a buck or rear while I've been on his back and is extremely willing to learn. Once he learns something he tries his best to continue to do it. He does have a bowed tendon, and while he has not been lame on it, I feel he still thinks that he will feel pain once pressure is put on it. I currently ride him with a crop and spurs, he collects at the walk and trot, has trouble with the left lead (front leg has bowed tendon) and will collect going to the right at a canter if asked. I have jumped over a few cross rails with him and he has gorgeous knees for his size (17 hands and BIG bodied). I do feel like jumping is not something that he should do on a regular basis, maybe just jumping over logs on the trails. I have trail ridden him alone and he has been great. He does look and snorts but has never done anything mean. If someone is willing to put a month or so into him to get him more used to w/t/c I feel he could make a great husband horse. I'm 5'10" and I feel small on him! A contract will have to be signed and I will want the right to come see him. If he for some reason doesn't work out for the person who adopts him, I will take him back immediately. Please contact me with any questions and I also have pictures and a video of him available.


Has your farrier tried other options like pads? Better yet, have you talked to a licensed veterinarian? A farrier does not need any formal training to call himself a farrier. A vet, on the other hand, has to successfully complete 8 years of formal education to earn their title. The key to managing a horse like this is to consult with both, make a plan, and try different options until you find one that works.

I have a feeling this lady is either not educated well enough to manage a horse or isn't quite telling the whole story about this fella. Either way, he'll probably be better off with someone else, unless the meat man comes with his trailer and she doesn't bother to check references. Good luck, boy!