Sunday, March 27, 2016

New Farrier, visit two!

Okay he is not a New Farrier.  Let me rephrase that, he is a Certified Journeyman Farrier.
This means he holds the highest certification by the American Farriers Association. I only know that because I looked it up.

I know that titles don't always mean everything, but I've watched a few farriers in my life and know the difference between those who just do the job and those who Do The Job with knowledge.

This fellow Dan, does it with care and knowledge and he doesn't do a rush job. He points out any health issues that he sees concerning the hoof and if he has a concern with an animal's overall health he will mention it also.
Some folks would probably prefer that a farrier not point these things out, but I don't mind.  
We are just getting to know each other.  
He may see something we have overlooked or he may see something that we are already addressing. 

Siera's frogs are recovering very rapidly.  Exercise is her best medicine right now Dan says.  Well that is fine with me!  
I can see it now.  

Me: "Honey, I am going riding."
Hubby: "Jeeze again?"
Me: "Well Dan said Siera needs exercise to recover!"
Hubby: "Darn that Dan!"


Here is Dan in action.  Sorry Dan, I was not trying for a rear end shot, but wanted to get a shot of the two of you guys talking.


Dan trims Sunshine, the older red molly mule.  The lighting for photos was terrible, but I was more interested watching Dan work than taking photos. However one day I'd like to see him make a shoe!

Sunshine and Sundance were in the round pen with two of our donkeys.  The red heads were sort of being naughty so I thought I'd step in and give them something to do.


Sunshine trots past the Mule Monster while Sundance decides to halt and give it the evil mule eye.

Sundance finally decides that she should smell it and then walk on it.  After that, it was something to jump, step on, tromp, and take a bite out of...just in case it decided to turn back into a Mule Monster.

I didn't get a shot of it, but the donkeys were rather unimpressed with the whole thing.  Emma gave it a stare and willed it to lay there and be submissive while she walked by it.  Princess walked over it without a care.

So the day really was a good one for us.  I got to make the red heads work, and the donkeys too.
Plus we had excellent trim jobs.

I am looking forward to doing some more work with the red mules.  And of course...I have to exercise Siera.

Happy Easter.







4 comments:

  1. Love that last shot ... the whole dark/light, black/white thing! I love reading about your life around the farm.

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  2. For over 25 years I had 6 horses of my own (at the same time) and multiplying everything by 6 was very pricey. I can't imagine what it's like for you with all your critters. How many do you have altogether? Do you breed to sell? For me to have just two now, seems like a piece of cake.

    It's 64 degrees and sunny at the moment, I hope you are getting some nice weather too.

    I agree with you about farriers. There is a difference.

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  3. We used to breed to sell, but not any more. We have plenty of critters and I am always willing to downsize the herd of equine and the herd of cattle. Basically the old ones are living out their lives and Sundance and Eddie are the two young ones up for training next.

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  4. I am sure all that riding that Siera needs will be a terrible burden for you. You'll just have to suck it up and tell hubby that you are doing for Siera's sake:) I'm glad you found a good farrier to work with, they can be so rare.

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