I Still Have the World's Greatest Farrier

12/27/2013

I may only get to see Jaime Osbrink once or twice a year, but when I do, I am reminded of how fantastic he really is.

Jaime's mobile unit is a lot like an Inspector Gadget tool - it flips open to reveal a farrier's paradise of supplies!

Jaime recently finished all of his testing and is now a Certified Journeyman Farrier, the highest certification offered by the American Farrier Association.

He's the real deal.

Both of my boys adore Jaime and nuzzle him while he works. When he's not dispensing treats, they happily fall asleep. Sydney was so sleepy while having his toes done that his ears drooped almost completely downward, his eyelids hung lazily, and even his lips sagged. Maybe I need Jaime to coach me during shows because he sure knows how to relax that OTTB!

Trying to get his butt in the sun.

Jaime hot shoes my boys, which is a process that never ceases to amaze me. Neither boy even flicks an ear while the shoe is pressed to their feet. How Jaime isn't covered in burns is beyond me. Not all horses are as quiet as mine.

A master at work … And he's a pretty good golfer, too. Must be that steady grip!

Jaime shared with me that both boys had very light wear on their front feet, but much more wear on their hinds. This prompted me to ask if it was a case of my boys carrying more weight on their hind ends. Jaime confirmed that this could very likely be the reason for the extra wear on the hind shoes. So yah for us!

Beautiful hooves!

I also asked Jaime if Speedy showed any marks (bruises, holes, etc.) on his hoof from the mysterious lameness we had in October. Jaime did notice that it looked as though Speedy had blown a teeny tiny abscess through the front of his hoof at the coronet band - see photo below. He picked the scab off before I got there, but I could clearly see the spot.

Speedy was lame to sound over a two week period, and I suspected an abscess. I never saw it blow out though, so I wasn't sure. It seems as though I missed the tell-tale sign.

I love http://www.picmonkey.com

Speedy's feet looked just as handsome as Sydney's when Jaime was finished.

Looking good!

Before Jaime left, he gave me a bag of super delicious treats that his wife had made and this totally awesome coffee mug. It's my new favorite. It's filled with my morning tea right now. Thanks, Jaime, WGF!

World's Greatest Farrier strikes again!

Tracy link

12/26/2013 11:44:24 pm

Good farriers are worth twice their weight in gold, IMO!

Amanda link

12/26/2013 11:45:32 pm

Sounds like a really great farrier!

Angela

12/27/2013 12:24:07 am

He certainly is! Only my little Mediterranean Donkey, Johnny, gives Jaime a hard time. I always apologize and promise to work with him more, but Jaime just smiles and says, "it's alright; he's just being Johnny." Trim day could not be more pleasant, even with a little stinker in our barn. :0)
Three Cheers for the WGF!!!

Sandra

12/27/2013 09:42:10 am

It took me 3 different tries to find "MY" World's Greatest Farrier! They are AWESOME~

Jennifer

12/27/2013 02:51:13 pm

I am very jealous of his rig!!!!

Bakersfield Dressage link

12/27/2013 10:48:52 pm

It would be fun if everyone across the country could send me a photo of their farrier's rig. I imagine they look similar, but who knows? :0)

12/27/2013 11:58:03 pm

Whoa, those feet are gorgeous. And his rig is very cool!

My farrier's rig is quite different - not nearly as customized - but I've seen some similar ones to that at shows.

12/28/2013 01:50:32 am

It looks as though you've had some experience with feet and farriers. I am glad it seems to be working out!

I really would love to do a photo essay about farriers around the country. If I had photos of farriers and their rigs, I think people might be interested in seeing the variety that exists across the country!

12/28/2013 03:00:04 am

For a tough as nails little mustang who went barefoot without batting an eye the first 17 years of his life, the last 12 months have been quite the learning experience for both of us as far as feet & farriers are concerned.

I'll try to get photos next time I see his rig out and about, which may not be for a little while yet, as I don't often see him around the barn. And actually, we've just switched farriers - the old farrier is in Florida for the season, new farrier stays in Vermont year-round, and I haven't seen his rig yet.

Farriers at work would make a really gorgeous b&w arty photo book, actually.

Liz

12/29/2013 09:00:16 pm

Great looking feet!!

12/29/2013 10:10:12 pm

Thanks - we try! :0)

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