When it comes to horse care, there are a lot of things to keep in mind – feeding, grooming, veterinary check-ups, and more. But one aspect of horse care that is often overlooked is hoof care. As horse owners, it’s important to understand the significance of regular farrier visits and how neglecting them can have detrimental effects on our equine friends.

First things first, let’s talk about what a farrier actually does. A farrier is a highly trained professional who specializes in the care of a horse’s hooves. This includes trimming and shaping the hooves, as well as fitting and maintaining horse shoes.

Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, my horse is barefoot, why do they need a farrier?” Even if your horse doesn’t wear shoes, their hooves still need regular trimming and maintenance. Just like our own nails, a horse’s hooves continue to grow and need to be trimmed to maintain their proper shape and function. Neglecting regular farrier visits can lead to issues such as overgrown hooves, cracked hooves, and even lameness.

In addition, regular farrier visits help to ensure that your horse is balanced and properly aligned. This is important for their overall comfort, as well as their ability to perform certain activities, such as jumping or dressage.

Now, we know that the thought of having to schedule regular farrier visits can be overwhelming and costly, but trust us, it’s worth it in the long run. Not only will your horse be happier and healthier, but it can also save you money in the long run by avoiding costly lameness treatments.

So, the next time you’re tempted to skip a farrier visit, remember this: “A horse’s hoof is their foundation, and a healthy foundation leads to a happy horse.” And isn’t that what we all want for our equine companions?

And for a little humor, you can even say “Don’t be a horse’s hindfoot, make sure to schedule regular farrier visits!”

If you need any recommendations for some great farriers in your area reach out and we will send you the ones closest to you!