Farrier aprons

[Shockn&Gucci_rule]

If someone could let me know WHERE one can purchase a synthetic farrier apron that adjusts down to about a 21" waist I'd be really appreciative.
THe smallest I can find is 28" and it just doesn't stay up and it's very aggravating.

And one more question, what do you gals/guys wear for gloves when shoeing/trimming that you still have a lot of flexibility but your hands don't go numb w/ cold in 15 minutes when it's 0*F and colder?

TIA! :)

~pfc

[caballus]

You can try countrysupply.com. They have farriers aprons there that are, I believe, adjustable. For gloves, I use the knit ones with rubber palms or all leather work gloves. Generally I end up sweating regardless of the temp. outside. Yesterday it barely got out of the low 20's with a wind chill that put us close to single digits. I ended up stripping down to my sweatshirt and still was warm! And for me, that's pretty drastic. I HATE the cold!

Those Carhart jumpsuits are pretty warm ... in fact, they're too warm for me but others swear by them. Don't know how a farrier's apron would fare over those, though.

*S* --caballus

[Mike Ferrara]

21 inches is pretty small but some aprons just tie so it shouldn't matter. Just about any place that sells farrier supplies should have them.

I don't wear gloves when I work. I might wear them when unloading the truck in the cold but by the time I'm working on a horse the gloves are off.

[John Barney]

I don't really like buckles on my chaps so what I did was put a plastic snap type on it. Just fold it through and put a couple of chicago screws in to hold it in place. Also it takes re doing to adjust so if it gets tight I have been drinking to much beer Ha Ha. I used to wear tight fitting leather gloves when I first started for trimming. It saved alot of skinned hands from the rasp. I was taught to never wear them when driving nails so I haven't. I found with gloves I didn't get the feel of the hoof I do without them. The best thing I found to keep warm are flannel lined jeans. They are not bulky like thermals and really work good. Those and a denim long sleeved shirt( with my logo of course) and t-shirt and I still end up sweating. I will put my coat back on between horses if it will be a few minutes. The best way to stay warm is to not get hot and sweaty and then chilled. About gloves though, I knew some guys in Colorado that used neoprene mechanics gloves. They swore by them. Hopefully you could find some that fit good.

JB

[John Barney]

Also, if you don't have any luck with chaps I know a Amish saddle maker here that would probably custom make some for you. Send me a private message or e-mail and I could check in to it.

JB

[Shockn&Gucci_rule]

Hey Caballus, Mike, & John :D

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Cab -- I did try countrysupply.com's adjustable apron but it ain't quite adjustable enough! However, John's post about how he adjusted his gave me an idea and I "think" I might be able to do that w/ the one I have currently. :)

You all must have really good heaters to be able to work even bare-handed in the winter even w/ below zero weather. brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! ;)

Thanks again for the suggestions -- I'll be looking into them!

~pfc

[Dances with Hooves]

Patience,

TJ antoines in lewiston stocks the kinco range of gloves and the atlas gloves. 207-782-7761

Above 50 to about 65 degrees Atlas cotton dipped in latex FIT gardening gloves are great for trimming. Learned about them from the barefoot trimming crowd. above that gloves are too hot to wear at all

35 to 50 degrees the atlas FIT with a very light acrylic lining called the FIT cold condition are super nice.

below 30 degrees I use the Kinco pigskin with heetkeep lining kinco part number 34HK (6.75/pair) if there is wet snow on the feet I use the kinco 1938KWP lined with heetkeep and with a waterproof lining.

Thats for trimming. I cant wont and dont drive a nail wearing gloves. So my cut off for shoeing is around 15 degrees. I have trimmed down to -15 last winter wearing my carhart extreme cordura bibs. When using the bibs I dont bother with an apron as they are as tough as a cordura apron. I don't shoe in them only trim.


George

[EileenHughes]

Why you skinny little gal!! :) I would guess too that you'd have to go special made as it seems even women farriers are thicker through the middle than the average woman....unless you can find a way to make yours work.

I like to use my riding gloves (SSG) for working in the winter, they fit nice and snug, but I too take them off to nail. They are the only ones I have found small enough for my hands.

By the way, I visited your website....your horses are just lovely! :)

[2R Farrier Services]

Gloves -

I bought a pair of gloves here locally at the lumberyard which have the thumb, and I believe only the forefinger, cut off at the tips. These work great for trimming in colder climates and yes, I have driven nails and fit shoes with them as you are able to "feel." My preference of course is when you need gloves, it's too dang cold! :)

[steuck92]

I dont know about the aprons too much but you can go to hoofprints.com and they have a pair of gloves there called Ironclad gloves. They are made for shoeing, they cost about $ 30.00 but they too keep your hands from getting tore up by the rasp. I shoe year round even in the winter t shirt and denim shirt and jeans. I wear these gloves year round hot or cold

Thanks
Gerrad