The traditional way

[Chilloo7]

I work with a number of "horse people" who all believe in the traditional way of shoeing. This week we had a new farrier start(for cost cutting reasons), and after learning what I have over the past 2 years, I am not sure if what he is doing is good for the horses there. Most of the horses are old and have some problems, I am not a farrier, nor do I know everything, however I enjoy the horses and would like to continue to learn.

When changing the angles, how much is too much at one time? Could the horses be effected right away? A 52 degree angle may not work for everyone, why is this considered the way to do it according to tradition? Some horses trip when they are only wearing front shoes, other than cost cutting, would there be any other reasons to pull hind shoes?

I believe that we need to be fitting the shoes to the horse, not the horse to the shoes.
Thank you!

[Dave Purves]

First of all changing farriers for cost cutting is bad, you get what you pay for. Second, who said that all horses should be at 52 degrees? Tradition certainly does not say that, the angle varies from horse to horse and even foot to foot depending on the horses conformation. I've never had horses trip because thier front feet are shod and their hind feet are not, I think this may have something to do with the 52 degree angle, but I'm not sure. If you didn't have problems with the last guy I suggest you call him or her back and beg that they come back and fix the problems you are about to get into. Just my opinion
Dave Purves CF :o

[Chilloo7]

I was told the new farrier is shooting for a 52 degree angle for all our horses. They also told me that was the way it should be done. I wish we could have the other farrier back, if I could make the call he wouldn't have left in the first place. The program's coordinator was told that this new guy was so much cheaper then the CJF we had before, so he only listened to the barn manager who went to him with the price lists. I would do anything to get the CJF we had before back into the barn, but I was told in 6 months they would evaluate how our horses were doing and make any necessary changes. To this I simply said I just hope in 6 months you have horses that can actually work!
Thank you for giving me another opinion! I greatly apprecaite it. :)

[Jason Maki]

The managerial Golden rule: They will rise to the level of there incompetence! They then blame those underneath for any problems!
You seem to be aware that quality is first. Do you ask your Dr. what the procedure will cost, or go to the best guy you can find? The ansewer is obvious. People will get what they want, and if he wants inferior quality for a lower price, he willl suffer the bad to save a few bucks. When I encounter people like this, I leave. I would rather do four or five right, get paid what I know I am worth, than do ten cheap and fast. I have learned the hard way that after a certain point, I am only working to work. You end up losing prifitablity in materials, travel etc.
I have a freind who is a Posche mechanic. He has a nice shop, two ASE cert that work for him. A nice rig to go to races in. People do not call him to do oil changes, or work on there '84 Yugo. That is the way he wants it, so thats the way he gets it. Top quality work attracts top quality clients! Who do you think is happier and has more money, the guy banging out twenty break jobs at 4% profit, or the guy working on a state of the art elegant, beautiful beast capable of doing 200plus MPH? Having the time and resources to dial every intricate detail to perfection? Knowing that not an split second more time could be squeezed from the engine? I'll be the Porsche machanic working in a clean, warm garage if at all possible!
I am not attacking you, really. You obviously see a problem and are trying to address it. Sometimes things are what they are... and cannot be changed. If he wants Billy Bob the shade tree mechanic, thats what he will get! In these cases, once effort has been excerted: release it and move on. Just work towards where you can do things your way. :D Good luck.
Jason

[Dave Purves]

I assume that this a some type of theraputic riding center, of some sort. I know dealing with "donated" horses that most come with age and some problems. I doubt, no I know that the new guy has not a clue and you will eventually see your horses dropping like flies with lameness issues. There is no farrier in the world in his or her right mind that would say "all" horses should stand at a 52 degree angle. That is just insane. I suggest you ask your boss or bosses to check in on this website or the AFA website and ask some questions. Saving a few dollars now will probably cost them alot more in the future when then end up calling the vet and a better farrier to start fixing the problems that this new guy is causing.
best of luck
Dave Purves CF :)

[Mike Ferrara]

I assume that this a some type of theraputic riding center, of some sort. I know dealing with "donated" horses that most come with age and some problems. I doubt, no I know that the new guy has not a clue and you will eventually see your horses dropping like flies with lameness issues. There is no farrier in the world in his or her right mind that would say "all" horses should stand at a 52 degree angle. That is just insane. I suggest you ask your boss or bosses to check in on this website or the AFA website and ask some questions. Saving a few dollars now will probably cost them alot more in the future when then end up calling the vet and a better farrier to start fixing the problems that this new guy is causing.
best of luck
Dave Purves CF :)

Party pooper! I was just getting ready to go out to the shop to make a 52 degree jig. I could trim all 4 in about 12 seconds with a hack saw and it would come out perfect every time. I figure the same size and shape shoe for all feet too! I'm thinking run a couple of wood screws in with a drill and we could shoe a horse in well under a minute and do em for about 12 bucks a piece. No?

chill007,

I don't see anything traditional here.

[calshoer]

Shoeing every horse to the same angle is not traditional....it is misinformed. Patty

[Dave Purves]

Sorry Mike, if I would've known you were coming up with the next great shoeing strategy I would've held my tongue and tried to get in on the ground floor with ya! We could've sold those jigs all over the world, pattent and all, I'd say we'd be living the good life with our new friends in Palm Beach.
LOL
Dave Purves CF :D