Posted by Phil Armitage on January 07, 2004 at 22:32:11:
In Reply to: Want to Learn....... posted by Hallie on January 06, 2004 at 11:50:13:
: how to trim my own horses feet - they have been barefoot trimmed by someone who does a great job - but who taught themselves over past year or so - I want to learn how to do this myself. Are there any clinics or instructors/resources in New England....???
Nothing wrong with being self taught and doing your owne horses, but it is not the way to go and it is not easy to do, you can learn alot just by riding with someone who does this everyday. There use to be a school in Dudly Mass, New England Horse shoeing school, I don't know if they still teach or not. You talk to most farriers and they will all tell you that it takes a long time 2-3 years to get somewhat good and confused enough to start asking good questions it can take up to 5 years to really know what your doing and get really good with tools and get your body relaxed and in shape to do it and even after that we are still learning because someone is always finding a better way to do it. Doing this for only one year on your owne horse is not enough and there are no clinics that can realy teach you anything, there are so called day clinics that claim they can teach you how to do it, but it is not enough, your better off saving your money and ride with a farrier and just observe and ask questions and take it in at slower pace. Clinics are good for experienced people who already have and understanding and want to expand on it, for someone that is just starting out a clinic can be overwhelming and cause confusion and frustration. Learn to crawl before you walk and walk before you run.
Phil