Given your current level of medical knowledge, you should find it simple to pick up this skill. I'm lucky enough to have a really excellent farrier science program at my local J.C.; I took the class and came out able to trim competently, and to shoe if I'd wanted that. (I don't have the equipment or the desire, and I wouldn't attempt to shoe a horse now). Once you have a good grasp of the anatomy involved and the shape you're trying to help the horse maintain, maintaining a healthy hoof barefoot is far from brain surgery and I think many horse owners, if they were willing to invest the time to learn, could do it. It's been a deeper blessing than just saving money, but with three horses it does save me quite a lot.
Working on problem feet can be much harder, and I wouldn't take on, for instance, a laminitic horse unless (may it never happen) one of my own foundered. Then I'd probably hire my master farrier to come out a few times to show me how he'd maintain that particular horse after the initial crisis was handled.
It's a lot of strain on your back and shoulders. Two horses spaced widely throughout the day, and I can feel it. I was thinking of doing this professionally for awhile, and it would be a useful emergency measure if necessary, but I'm glad I'm just doing mine. A well behaved horse makes it a zillion times easier.
Very much about the owl...it was such a beautiful thing not only to see it, but while there was still enough light to make out details.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2009-11-16 07:31 am (UTC)Working on problem feet can be much harder, and I wouldn't take on, for instance, a laminitic horse unless (may it never happen) one of my own foundered. Then I'd probably hire my master farrier to come out a few times to show me how he'd maintain that particular horse after the initial crisis was handled.
It's a lot of strain on your back and shoulders. Two horses spaced widely throughout the day, and I can feel it. I was thinking of doing this professionally for awhile, and it would be a useful emergency measure if necessary, but I'm glad I'm just doing mine. A well behaved horse makes it a zillion times easier.
Very much about the owl...it was such a beautiful thing not only to see it, but while there was still enough light to make out details.