A lesson from a retired farrier at the county fair last summer

I was shoeing a big draft cross at the fairgrounds in Springfield when an older guy, must have been in his 70s, stopped to watch. After I finished, he came over and said, 'I saw you check that foot three times before you drove the first nail. I did that for 40 years and never had a horse come up lame from a bad seat.' He told me he used to keep a tally on his truck's visor, and by the time he retired, that simple check had saved him from over 30 potential mistakes. It wasn't some fancy trick, just taking that extra second. Made me think about the small habits that really matter in this job. Do you guys have any simple checks you always do that have paid off big?

3 comments

3 Comments

david_mason5714d ago

Remember to always check the clinch block for wear before you start clinching. It sounds dumb, but a worn block can leave a clinch too proud or sharp, and the horse will rub its leg raw. I caught mine being rounded off years ago and now it's the first thing I touch in my apron. That one look saves a callback for a rubbed ankle every few months.

shaneb1614d ago

Honestly @david_mason57 that's a solid tip I read about in an old farrier book. It said a rounded block can make the clinch point the wrong way, which is exactly what causes those rubs. Makes total sense to check it first thing.

the_kevin1d ago

Man, I used to be so focused on getting the shoe on quick and tight that I'd skip checking the nail holes. I thought if the shoe fit, the holes would line up. Then I had a nail come out at a weird angle and prick the sole. Now I hold each nail up to the light and look down the hole every single time. It adds maybe ten seconds per shoe, but I haven't had a single close call since I started. That old guy was totally right, it's the boring little things.