Pony Pedis

The farrier was out a few days ago, which is always interesting. I don't get to see my farrier very often as I am usually at work when he comes. This was the last time I'll get to see him until Christmas at the earliest.

The first thing Paul wanted to know was how Speedy was doing. Going barefoot is a new strategy for us that is turning out to be far more successful, not to mention cheaper, than we expected. We have very dry footing here that is either rock hard or sandy. We weren't sure that Speedy's hooves could hold up to those kind of abrasive conditions.

Paul was really pleased with how Speedy's feet looked. Not only was there no new bruising, but Speedy had actually managed to grow a fair amount of hoof that Paul could trim and shape. Our worry had been that he would wear off more hoof than he could grow. It seems we worried over nothing.

Izzy getting his feet trimmed.

Paul's assistant, Walker, pulled old shoes and trimmed Izzy's feet while we were busy with Speedy. I didn't ask how his feet looked. I was more concerned with how he behaved. He wasn't naughty, but he did do some wiggling. Rather than get upset, Walker just stood at his head distracting him while Paul finished shoeing the front feet.

Paul's method is kind and gentle which the horses seem to really appreciate. Both men work quietly and confidently with the horses' happiness in mind. They realize that happy horses will ultimately make their jobs a lot easier.

Having been able to watch them work for the last three visits has left me feeling quite confident in their ability to do their jobs with my horses' best interests at heart. Next time they come, my only job will be to leave a check. How nice that a horse related expense is actually getting lower!