Yep, This pretty much says it all for me right now! For some reason, (exhaustion mayhap?) I found this hilarious. Like- S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y hilarious. What the heck- it might tickle someone else too!
Above is the Super Sweet Lovely Donkey we played with on Sunday. I am happy to report that mild sedation did the trick, and Dear Husband - who did the trimming while I held the donkey- was happy to report that her feet, while pretty bad, were not as bad as we feared. Afterwards, he was able to spend some real quality time with her as her happy juice wore off. He is hopeful that we will be able to win her over, and not have to resort to sedation again to trim. Y'all, I just want to bring her home and love on her! Look at those eyes, and those EARS!Now, I am going to deviate from looking at feet for a moment today, and instead take a look at what OnTheBit is right in the midst of going through. Apparently her farrier- who has been with her and her Thoroughbred for years- has had a massive "life change" out of the blue, and pretty much dropped off the face of the Earth.
She began a search for a new hoof care provider, and wanted to search out a barefoot trimmer. We exchanged a couple of emails about this, and vetted a few trimmers. During that process, it dawned on me that there sure are a lot of "new" initials after people's names who trim. If those initials confuse me, what must they be doing to others?
We are all pretty familiar with these:
AFA
BWFA
GPFA
AFA = American Farriers Association. You have Journeymen, and Master Farriers.
BWFA= Brotherhood of Working Farriers. Same levels I believe as the AFA... but skills are.... well, let's just say VASTLY different. Vastly. Different.GPFA/ or "Guild" = Guild of Professional Farriers.
Of all those, were I looking to have a horse shod, I would seek out a Guild member. The testing is more stringent, and the farriers there are highly skilled. My next choice would be an AFA Master Farrier.
BWFA... yeah... umm.. Not so much. No thanks. I'll pass.
What about barefoot trimmers?
AANHCP
Strasser
DAEP
Those are the three big ones (and maybe the only ones- I am not 100% sure there.) But what the heck do they MEAN? Well, for one, it shows that the trimmer attended and did their best at a course taught by professionals. Two is it gives you background on WHO they studied with, and what their trim style will be like.
AANHCP = American Association of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners
Strasser = Student studied with and completed a course with Dr. Hiltrud Strasser
DAEP = Degreed Applied Equine Podiatrist
AANHCP members studied the style promoted by Jamie Jackson, and at one point in time, Pete Ramey. Overall, the trims are good. If I needed someone, I would hire someone who worked with Pete Ramey to trim my horses. I'd take a look at a Jamie student, and ask to see their work, but chances are they would do quite well, and be hired.
Strasser- Dear Husband and I call them "Strasserites". Why the derision? The trim method is EXTREMELY INVASIVE and in poorly trained hands has lamed numerous horses and caused the death of a few as well. It promotes a mindset that does not allow for moderation, instead choosing to FORCE the hoof into correct shape through invasive trimming. Would I hire a Strasser Certified Trimmer? Oh. Hell. No.
DAEP members... well.... Some of them have produced good work. I have not seen enough of the new grads to say much about the quality of the work being done. What I do know is they are encouraged to charge a hefty fee for trimming. HEFTY fee for trimming. Would I hire one? Tough question, actually as in total honesty, I knew the person behind this school a long, LONG time ago. This person is a good trimmer, in fact he was a good farrier. But the students.... I'd have to see. And from what I hear, I would most likely have a coronary on the spot over the price.
But what if there are no initials after their names?
Seriously, how many of you have a farrier who has "Guild Member, Master Farrier" on their cards? Or even "AFA Member, Journeyman Farrier"? Most of what you see are "Graduate of the OK School of Horseshoeing". (I wouldn't hire one of those, either by the way- not unless he/ she had put in some SERIOUS continuing education.)
What do I look for in a hoof care provider?
- Who did they study with?
- Do they keep up on continuing education?
- Have they read any of the studies by Dr. Robert Bowker? Dr. Hilary Clayton? Dr. Ric Redden? Dr. Chris Pollit?
- How long have they been trimming, and may I see some photographs of before and after work?
- References, and follow up on them.
Finding someone to provide high quality care for your horse in a lot of areas is a CHALLENGE. When it comes to hoof care though, if owners educate themselves, and enough of us ASK these questions, those shoe hangers out there are either going to have to buck up and STUDY some, or they will go out of business. We want the best care for our horses, and demanding education from service providers will ensure that it happens. (Oh- that continuing ed? Most of it is available online, and for free. Seminars are available. All it takes is making the effort.)
On another note, not too long ago, another much read horse blog said that owners should never under NO circumstances learn to trim their own horses hooves. My response? Why The Hell NOT? If you seek out a professional, and work on YOUR HORSE one on one with the professional, I don't see why an owner can not learn to either trim the horse themselves, or at least provide touch ups in between trims. The only time I would not advise this is in extreme pathological cases.
Owners knowing about hoof care is NOT a bad thing. Owners who can pick up a rasp and help maintain a healthy hoof is NOT a bad thing. Is it going to put hoof care providers out of business? Lord above NO! There are not enough of us out there for the number of horses in the United States! If you are interested, start learning!
*cough cough* Off my soap box for the day here folks. Now y'all have an awesome day out there, and be sure to hug your horses today!
23 comments:
After reading this post, I got out my farrier's business card to see what his initials were. All he as written is "Certified Professional". I asked him about barefoot trims once, and his response suggested he had heard of it, but didn't know much about it. I'm happy with his services, though, because he's healed some pretty bad cracks over the years, and he's reliable. When he says he's coming at a certain time, he shows up. That's actually a pretty amazing trick, considering that most of the farriers in my parts don't take their jobs seriously. Some choose to have a meeting with Jim Beam over showing up for an appointment. It's the same way with horse trainers. When you find a good one, you've got to hang on to him/her.
Woohoo! Thank you so much for this post. You answered the exact question I wanted to ask after reading over at OnTheBit.
I don't know that I'd want to try trimming or touching up my horse's hooves myself, but I sure do like hanging over my trimmers shoulder and making him tell me everything he's doing and why. I think all owners should at least have a basic understanding of hoof anatomy and how a hoof should be trimmed. What it should like, where it should bear weight, what is abnormal. I don't trust myself to mess with his feet, but I do need to at least know. It's also a great way to find out if your trimmer or farrier really knows what they're doing.
If there's an owner who wants to learn to do it, then learn to do it right and more power to them.
I'm back, woo hoo! Computer for the moment is working!
Great post as always!
What a cutie potie! Rub the ears, they LOVE it! pedro will snuggle right up to me, and put his ears in my face!
Trimming a normal healthy horse is a simple easy to do task if you are in the physical shape to do it. I actually recommend that owners learn the basics so they can monitor their hoof care providers work. Therapeutic work should be left to the professionals. I do NOT believe however that a book or video is sufficient learning to take a knife to a horses foot. Work one on one with a professional and trimming can be a breeze.
And I speak from experience..23 years this year (my god I am getting old) and having trained countless owners and apprentices to do the basics and few of those apprentices followed in my steps to become first rate therapeutic trimmers.
MRMOM. hehe couldn't resist.
Good post, adorable donk!! Lovesit!
People, don't be afraid to do work on your horses feet! Just go slow, if you're unsure, then sit back and wait, or call your farrier to ask what you should do. I personally have encouraged owners to round edges with a rasp, I think that's a great job for owners. Keeps those feet looking nice and helps train the horse for me. I've been known to build a hoofstand for clients and give them an old rasp and say "Just touch it up in between visits"
I have also offered $10 off the overall bill if the client pulls shoes for me. That's mostly for my own amusement, I like to watch people struggle, lol.
I think it's a good thing. And who knows just who might become real interested and learn to be a farrier.
Excellent explanation of the AFA, BWFA, etc.
Always good Mrs (and Mr) Mom!!
I am so glad you did this post for all those shy people who don't know you and couldn't bug you themselves like I do. My original farrier is guilded. This new one even mentioned Jamie Jackson when I talked to her so I am taking that as a good sign.
As for learning to do Genny myself...I think I will pass on that. I swear I nearly pass out watching a frog be trimmed. I would give myself a coronary if I ever hurt my baby trying to do his toes myself. I am much too neurotic. I don't give him shots though either even though I know how and feel okay doing IM's with other people's horses. He is my baby and I wouldn't want to do something to hurt him because I was learning.
that fish pee in there poster is HILARIOUS! gotta print that out!
thanks!
lytha
I was wondering what you opinion was about that.
I too was torn, but I'm sure she was thinking that if she just says "Don't do it yourself ever" she is trying to prevent the 70% of horse people who have neither the tools or the correct knowledge from trying it. Achieving that may be worth discouraging the 30% of regular horse people who could probable trim their own horses feet eventually just fine. Not saying its right - but that's what I got out of the post.
I had no idea what those letters meant - see I am learning so dang much! I can foresee a day when i can have a knowledgeable conversation with my farrier and know what I am talking about...
I love my farrier, the "new" one (meaning the one I've used for about 2 years now as opposed to the one I used for close to 10).
That said, I've often wondered about doing some maintanence in between. This post gives me the 'courage' to ask him about it and see what his opinion is.
Love the "pee in the water" pic. It always freaks me out when the horses drink on a ride with lots of folks. Especially when I see "sh** in the creek" I always scream that....everyone cracks up, but I almost puke. I always jerk that head up....eeeeekkkkk! LOL
Bear is BWFA, even though you are not a fan. He stayed at school an extra 6 weeks, after the 6 weeks course to do some more "time", and also learn some corrective stuff from a couple of really really good farrier trainers there. He also does as much continued ed as possible, actually with the AFA.
Plus rode with a Master Farrier of the AFA for a while also.
He also loves the barefoot way, and encourages clients who can to at least try it. I am proud of him, he has learned a lot and is still wanting more.
(Just had to defend....LOL)
Love the fish pea pic---very funny, I think W.C. Fields used to say the same thing. Thanks for the laugh! And thanks for clearing up the letters thing - always wondered what those letters meant.
OK here I am again...as one who has taken the road less traveled!! When I made the change. I called as many Trimmers as I could, about 50% of them got dumped about 5 minutes into the call. The other 45% got dumped when they could/would not give references. The last 5% had to come an interview with me!! After the interview I called their clients, discussed responses with Mrs.Mom, went and looked at the clients horses and then i chose trimmer Rob, who incidntally has no fancy intials behind his name. but what he did have was about 20+ years of experience and the first thing he said was " I havent met too many horses that cant be barefoot and and most of them do better with it than the ones with shoes long term." He is always on time if not early, gave me a rasp to use between visits and showed me how to use it. has me move the horses at all 3 gaits before during and after the trim. Calls a few days after the trim if we did something new. Has been known to take horse from pasture and check onhis hooves and leave me a note that he has done so. Explains everything he is doing and why.
You just had to pick on the OK Horseshoeing school didn't ya? Sorry, I couldn't help but chuckle...that is where my brother went. He turned out fabulous...BUT, he had tons of experience before he went to school and went with specifics in mind. I think good farriers have to have talent too.
I saw the comment about people not trimming their own horse's feet too and thought-WTF?? I say YAYYYYY for every single horseowner who has taken the time to even think of or trying to trim or rasp their horse's feet at some point. Yes, it is a learned technique. Yes, it takes practice. But the benefits of the knowledge open a horseman's eyes and can really help a person to spot "issues" or poor trimming/shoeing techniques. After all, isn't it our responsibility to make sure our horses have the best care possible? How do we do that if we leave something as important as correct trimming/shoeing to a so called expert that ends up wrecking them for life?
NuzMuz- I wonder what the "Professional Certification" actually is? You are lucky- it sounds like you have a great person who has good business sense as well as Horse Sense ;)
Jackie- Glad I beat ya to the punch here ... THAT does not happen that often ;)!
KDW- MISSED YOU GIRL!!!!! Glad you are back, baby! Kisses to Pedro from me, and give him some extra ear rubs too please ;)
Mikey.... ahhh Mikey, our very own Wonder Woman!! I will have to remember the "let the owner work" some angle too when it comes to shoe pulling.. hehehe..
OTB- I sure hope that whatever happened in your old farrier's life straightens out for him. Loosing someone with his training, and his previous dedication to business is hard- there are not enough people like that to go around.
Lytha- Dear Husband found that and I just KNEW we needed it on here... hehehehe... Glad ya like it! ;)
Stephanie- This is what I love about blogging. We can all read the same post on a blog, and so many of us get more out of it. The exchange of views is fantastic, and seeing things from others perspective is just awesome IMO. THanks for sharing your view!!
CDN- Nothing ventured, nothing gained girl! It can not hurt to ask him about it. He has been with you a while now, so I am hoping he is willing to share knowledge with you!! Good luck, and let us know how it goes!!
Jamie- Well, like I always like to say (and need to remind myself at times,) There Are No Absolutes. If the person doing the work is willing to go the extra mile, and continue their education, then the letters- or even lack thereof- at the end of their name may not mean a thing. In all honesty, I have seen some CRAP AFA Journeymen farriers as well. ;)
Spots- Always happy to help! Never would have guessed that WC Feilds said that too...hehehe
20M, Dahhhling- Trimmer Rob is a GEM. Keep him!! ;) And CLONE HIM!!! LOL
BECG- Yep, I did. I picked on OK School... lol... Meanie head huh? ;) Again- like with Jamie's Bear, if the student is willing to go that extra mile, then there will be no stopping them. Seriously. Bro there went into things with a great start- MUCH more of a start than so many do, and he FOLLOWED UP. That is what it takes to be the best that you can be, in ANY field- exert the effort, keep up with continuing ed, and Do Your Job. ;)
The first thing, yeah, cracked me up too! And what a cute Donkey! Great post and advice as usual!
Nuzzling Muzzles, I did the same thing - and had a repeat giggle over the fact that his card spells farrier "ferrier". But although I know he went to school (Oklahoma?) for trimming, not sure which school it was. Am I a bad horse mommy? I sometimes wonder. But, so far my horses are sound.... They don't get shoes, so I haven't had to worry about that yet.
I have to raise a hand for word of mouth, too. Living in an area where there are four or five trimmers, (several of the rough & ready, OK variety), it helps to talk to other horse owners and see who they're happy with. Knowing something about their expectations, combined with their satisfaction level, can tell you a lot.
I agree with all the above posts - love the picture!! fish pee, funny!
OK, love the post. Here in this state I am pressed to find a decent farrier or vet. One reason I cannot wait to get to KY. I have had mine for 8 years now and he does OK, luckily I know enough to tell him exactly what works on old Tank man and he listens. The donk is cute but maybe not as cute as my Jane! I am going to send you pics of Jane's feet, never having had a donk she looks very upright to me. The farrier did say they were to be trimmed this way? She seems to walk timidly and not sure if this is her way or if she is sore? Keep up the great posts.
Forgot to mention that I love the "fish pee" poster. That and Mikey's "high five'd your face" will bring a smile anytime!
That fish pee business is hilarious.
And couldn't agree more on the owners to trim. I grew up on the prairie where it was normal for you to learn how to trim as you grew up around the barn.
Am I GREAT at it? No, but pull shoes off and do a simple maintenance trim when in a pinch. I think it's the bare necessities that a horse owner should know how to do when you absolutely have to. But then I grew up in the boonie.
Personally, I'm lazy - that's hard work and my back hates it. So I gladly shell out the dough to get an expert in.
Interesting info on the initials. My lovely trimmer is AANHCP studied under Ramey. I love love love her.
Excellent post!!!!!
I trim my own horse because I got tired of other people making him sore. I DON't offer to trim other people's horses, nor give "advice" about trimming. I know I am not an expert or hoof care professional. I do try to do what's best for my horse though, and because I am able to keep him comfortable and sound with what I have learned and am doing, I am happy with that.
I sometimes resent someone thinking I am a bad owner because I do my own horse. If I have questions, I do turn to other hoof care professionals and continue to learn as much as I possibly can. I certainly don't see myself putting anyone out of business -LOL
I love Pete Ramey's book, BTW. I got a lot of great info from there. I would jump at the chance to go and learn from him!
Thank You for posting the descriptions of the initials after the names too. I knew what a few of them were, but didn't know all of them. It's so great to learn new things!
Before i say anything else, i need to tell you how much i love the wallpaper on your blog. It reminds me of the scrapbook paper that i love. Then i need to tell you that that is the cutest burro picture! What a sweet face! And finally, thanks for the info on the hoof. You have given us a lot of useful info.
I am not sure what our farrier has on his card, or if he even has a card. The one we have is one of the best in our area, and he is almost impossible to get on his "list". I know he didn't go to school in OK. We do have a lot of those down here. My alomost husdand went to the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School. I am not sure what that one is?? I will have to look at it.
I will also have to google some of those "letters" to see if I have any of those farriers in my area. I am guessing not. We have a lot of OSHS folks here.
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