What if it Snows?

Like what? Top end is fine. The carnage is down below.

 

Right. To me it looks like you're running rich with an oil leak. BUT, honestly, I really don't know much. Just old school stuff.

 

What happened . i mustve missed that post

 

No, they don't get shod until after they are broke, usually at least three years old. Wild horses obviously never get shod, and some domestic horses with dark hard feet can often be used with just trimming. Naturally their hooves grow out and chip off. Horses kept in stalls can have hooves that grow out and don't chip off, and that causes problems.

Domestic horses that are used a lot need shoes as their hooves get worn down and the sole can get bruised.

As far as how they take to it, I came to the conclusion long ago that it is worth setting aside a whole day the first time. Try not to get in a fight with them and let them remember it as less than a horrible experience. Usually we spend a lot of time prior to shoeing just messing with their feet and getting them used to being handled. Get them used to being trimmed, and willing to let you have their leg.

Professional farriers don't have time to spend all day with a young horse and will use mace to keep them calm, but the owner should spend a lot of time getting a young horse comfortable so that drugs can be avoided.

We shod our own horses, and had the time to spend with them.

You can imagine that the first time a person drives 6 or more nails through a horses hoof wall, with the impact of a hammer, can be pretty traumatic.

 

Man, that sounds real nice. Takes a lot of patience to work with horses, I guess.

 

Some people know more and get the same results much faster than me, but spending the time at first will save a lot of problems in the years to come. Like when you get invited to a branding on Friday night, and realize you have to get shoes on and be on your way Saturday morning!

 

Well, the result is the same. But perhaps the experience is better.

 

I think I told this story before. We gelded/castrated an older horse once. I took the remains to work in a Walmart bag and tossed them on the counter. It was fun to watch coworkers and customers open the bag and then tell them what they were. Good times.

 

I should say, that new foal is my son and daughter in law's. We still have horses at our place, but they are retired pasture pets. I suppose it's been 10 years or more since I tacked shoes on one.

 

It's your heart. Congratulations on the new one. Raise em up right.