Decisions to be made
After you have bought your horse; or before in some cases, if
you're a planner like I am; there are two people that will be crucial in your
horse's care and maintenance. I consider them my two best friends where I am
concerned. It doesn't matter if you have pasture ornaments, or top notch
performance horses, you're still going to need these two people in your life
with horses. Who are these people? Your veterinarian and your farrier. Proper
horse care can not be manages without these two people.
Careful consideration should be taken in choosing each of these
people, and they should be put in speed dial on your cell phones, and posted on
the horse's stall or pasture if it is boarded somewhere.
Vet
I prefer to use a vet that has specialized in large animal or
livestock management. They tend to have mobile clinics, and do not hesitate to
come to your farm, when you need them. I wouldn't suggest looking a vet up in
the yellow pages, I would suggest that you select your vet, from word of mouth.
Go to the farmer's co-op, feed store, local horse show, where ever horse people
are sure to be around, and ask. Most horse people will be glad to tell you what
vets they recommend to use, and which ones to avoid. They will usually
willingly share this same information about farriers as well.
Why do you need a good vet? Well, if you don't already know the
answer to this, let me explain. There are annual, and bi-annual vaccinations
that horses require, along with a blood test that is required yearly. Now,
depending on where you live, and how much you haul your horse around to shows,
the vaccinations will change, but that I know of everywhere requires that
Coggins tests be done yearly. Some horse shows and rodeos, require a 6-months
coggins test to get in the gates. Your horses teeth need to be checked at least
once a year, some require twice a year. I'm lucky in that both of my horses
only require the once a year check, and I haven't had to have them floated yet,
knock on wood.
You'll also need a good vet, if your horse ever gets hurt or
becomes ill, especially if it is beyond your expertise to care for the injury
or illness. They are also very useful in helping to determine your horse's
diet, and nutritional needs. Most will answer questions you may have over the
phone, without charging for it. Though I'm sure some probably do charge for it.
Like I said, they are one of your best friends, your go to
person for horse stuff.
Farrier
I would suggest finding a farrier the same way you found a vet,
by word of mouth. But with a farrier, a few things change on the criteria on
which he/she is selected.
Things to keep in mind when selecting a farrier:
- Your horse, how does it act for the farrier? If you have a horse, that for whatever reason does not behave well for the farrier, you need a farrier that is very patient and kind.
- What do you use your horse for, or plan to use it for? Chances are, if you plan to only trail ride on rare events, you won't use the same farrier as a Grand Prix dressage rider, though it is a possibility.
- Do you want barefoot or shod? A lot of this will be determined by your horses feet, how he/she is kept, and what you plan to use him/her for.
- How the farrier is with horses? You really don't want a rough farrier.
- The farrier's reputation? You want a farrier with a good reputation on how he/she handles the horses, and how well he/she performs his/her actual job. Also is he/she known for keeping their appointments, and being on time?
My farrier is very gentle with my horses, he actually hums while
he's working on them. He's also not one of them that if a horse is a little
flighty, the first thought to cross his mind is drug it. He is patient and
kind, and does a fantastic job. He's also extremely honest.
Last summer we had a drought, so the horses feet were not
growing as fast as usual, so he cleaned up the edges to re-roll their toes, but
did not trim anything off. He did not charge me for either horse, because he
was at my place less than 30 minutes. He made my next appointment for him in
his date book, gave me a card with the time and date on it, and was on his way.
He always calls the night before the appointment to make sure that I remember
(like I could forget, I usually put it in my phone, which I always have on
me.), and he's always there when he says he will be. On the rare occasion that
he was running late because of whatever he calls to let me know.
I honestly couldn't replace him, and I wouldn't want to either.
I know that if I'm having trouble with one of the horse's feet, that I can call
him, and he'll either tell me what to do, or come to check it out if he thinks
the situation requires it.
My other go to person for my horses.
Summary
While there are many horse people in my life that I rely on for
information concerning my horses, none of them are as important as these two
instrumental people. A good vet, and a good farrier can save you time and money
in the long run. When you build and cultivate a relationship with them that
tells them that you are glad that they service your horses and appreciate their
services, they will bend over backwards to help you when you need it.
I will tell anyone what vet and farrier I use, in a heartbeat
and without hesitation. Giving them each glowing reviews because they honestly
deserve it.
These are the kinds of people that you need around you, where
your horses are concerned and in everyday life as well.
