Posted by Meg Oliver on October 18, 2002 at 13:06:15:
In Reply to: Re: FIRST TRIM posted by Patty Stiller on September 10, 2002 at 00:26:38:
: : : Hey all!!
: : : I wanna start off by saying that this is a really nice page you have going on. My father in law has been a farrier all his life and has been on his own for at least 30 yrs. It has been passed down from generation to generation and he has no one else to pass it to. I showed intrest and Im now doing everything I can to spend time with him in the shop and read everything possible to give me extra knowledge. I live in Orlando Fl. and I travel to OcalaFl. on the weekends to be able to work with him and for those of you that know Fl. you know thats about 120 miles. N-E-ways long story short, I worked with him last Saturday and I got under the horse for the first time I DIDNT THINK MY LEGS WERE GONNA HOLD UP! Once I stood back up I was very happy! lol
: : : My legs were burning, other than just time and experience is there any workouts that you would recommend or just anything to get my legs readyfor this.If so I would really appreciate it.
: : : thanx D.C
: : DC,
: : Training for any athletic event (I consider farriers to be athletes) is very specific - nothing prepares you better for shoeing than shoeing. However I have found that streching is important (I do yoga for this) and you must stregnthen muscles that you dont use while under a horse to avoid imbalances. We farriers have strong backs but weak abs. This can lead to back pain. Sit ups are important. If you cant get under a horse on a particular day try doing squats, watch TV in the farrier position and in general get those thighs strong!
: : Good luck we have all been there. My first trim on my own I did not know how I was going to finish my legs hurt so bad.
: : George
: Also do lower back, ab and thigh strengthening exercises such as 'wall sits', leg lifts, crunches, and use the 'roman chair' and the 'back lift' machines if you go to the gym.
: Patty
I know how you feel....but it'll get better. When I first started my legs felt sooo wobbly....and then the horse moved....geez! Our instructer taught us "wall sits", as Patty said. That's where you back up to a wall keeping your back flat touching the wall. Then bend your knees as much as you can keeping your back against the wall. Work on this for 20-30 minutes a day on the days you are not shoeing and it'll help for the days you do. Your opportunity to learn from a master is priceless...you should take notes. Do not get discouraged....your legs will get stronger a little at a time. Ours all did.
Meg