I got a horse, now what? update 1-22-11

[corabee]

Even though he acts like a big puppy(which is a good thing), don't ever treat him like one. He does what you want him to do every time and if he doesn't want to you work with him till he does. Right now you are his "herd" and you don't want him to be the dominant one. A horse who doesn't know his place gets confused and ends up either dangerous or insecure. You will thoroughly enjoy owning a horse. They are the best animals on the planet. Just work with him daily on a lead line at the least and make sure he does what you ask him to do. I think you probably just found the second love of your life!

 

[twentynine]

Well-- guess what I am doing?

Sitting on my butt waitin on a farrier. Since the first farrier visit Jan 12 I had a second apt sched Feb 17. The first farrier is health broke. I have since been in contact with 3 farriers. 1st guy to busy for comming to do my one horse, supposed to call if he is in the area--ain't heard nothin.
2nd guy-- to busy can't get to me.
3rd guy I'm sittin here waitin.
I can see that in the next few months I am going to be forced to learn how to do this, myself.
Cody-- he is actually doing very well. Gaining wieght steady, gettin slick.
Fencing is now complete, so he does not ever have to walk in mud unless he wants to.
Feed- using Purina Strategy @4 lbs a day, 1 lb beet shreds, hay free choice. Plus the grass is greening up.
So in three months we have come along way.

 

[duckluck]

Yep, you're on the way to becoming a horseman...doing the familiar waiting game!

It sure wouldn't be a bad idea to learn to do it yourself, but bear in mind that fully schooled farriers usually have 12 weeks or so of formal schooling to start, plus whatever continuing education/apprenticeship they seek. I fully agree that some of us get motivated by exactly what you are having to do, which is wait for help that may very possibly never come. Good luck, it sounds like things are going well, at least on the issues that you can control!

 

[verity]

my all-time favorite bumper sticker:

"Own a horse -- BE ALL YOU CAN BE! --- thrown, dragged, kicked, stepped on, bitten, slimed, trampled --

(and I would add 'penniless)

but we love our horses!

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Hopefully your great lady trimmer will be on the mend soon.

When I had my girls, I went through a few before I found a great barefoot lady trimmer who was on time or would call if she was running late, kept up on education by attending clinics.

She charged $50.00 while all the others did a quick rush job for $25.00. She was worth the extra $25.00 plus a tip when I could afford it.

Thanks for the update.

 

[Anianna]

Quote:
I apologize if my question has already been answered, but this is a rather long thread.

On #4, does "blacksmith work" refer to a farrier? Also, under what circumstances does a horse need shoeing other than rough or rocky terrain?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

When he is being used for hard work:

penning
ranch work where he's worked 5+ hours per day
roping


blacksmith=farrier

 

[Skyesrocket]

So in three months we have come along way.

You have come a long way! Good for you!

 

[Anianna]

Quote:
Thank you.

This thread is rather informative and I'm happy to see responsible people doing their best to do right by their animals; a dying breed, I sometimes think.

 

[Kelly G]

Quote:
I apologize if my question has already been answered, but this is a rather long thread.

On #4, does "blacksmith work" refer to a farrier? Also, under what circumstances does a horse need shoeing other than rough or rocky terrain?

Blacksmith work = whatever the horse needs.

If a horse needs shoes, so be it. Two of mine are barefoot, one needs shoes. All live/work the same, but each horses needs are different. Hope this helps.