New Shoes for My Fell Pony
My handsome Fell Pony, Banchunch, is enjoying his new shoes.
Banchunch and all my Friesians get new shoes every four to six weeks. Horseshoes are generally made of metal, such as steel or aluminum and are designed to protect the horse’s hooves from wear. Every shoe must be fitted properly in order to prevent other health and mobility issues from developing. My farrier, Linda Friedman, has been tending to my horses’ shoe needs for many years. She is an expert in shoeing and trimming equine hooves, and she is very passionate about her work and the horses under her care. Yesterday, she came to the farm for one of her regular visits.
Enjoy these photos and the update on my equines.
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- There’s always something going on down at my stable. Five Friesians, five donkeys and one Fell pony keep everyone very busy. On this day, Banchunch was hooked up to get some new shoes.
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- Hooves grow like fingernails, and once they grow too long, their shoes no longer fit properly.
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- My farrier, Linda, holds the hoof between her legs to remove the old shoe. She uses a pair of pullers designed to loosen and pull. My horses all know Linda well, so they are very comfortable with her.
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- Here is a look at the old shoe. It may not appear to need replacing now, but because hooves grow continuously, re-shoeing is important for maintaining the horse’s foot balance, and gait.
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- Once the shoe was off, Linda cleans the bottom of the hoof and removes any debris. Downward strokes from heel to toe are always recommended. Linda is always careful around the frog, the triangular portion in the middle of the hoof which is very sensitive.
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- Next, Linda uses a rasp, or a horse-sized file, to flatten and level the sole, and file away any uneven spots on the bottom of the hoof.
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- This is the hoof after the shoe was removed, and the area was cleaned of dirt and debris.
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- This is Linda’s box of farrier tools. Among those needed to change horseshoes are the pullers, a clinch cutter, a brush, nails, and a rasp.
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- Banchunch is ready for his new shoes – my horses are very patient.
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- Linda tries a new one on Banchunch and assesses where adjustments are needed.
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- The shoe is placed into the forge for heating. The forge temperatures reach between 1400-degrees and 1800-degrees Fahrenheit. Linda heats up the shoe until it is hot enough to bend to the size of the hoof.
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- Linda’s car is fully equipped with everything a farrier needs close at hand.
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- Linda also travels with a supply of horseshoes in a variety of sizes. Well-fitted shoes take a bit of time to create, but a good farrier will shape and reshape a shoe until it fits perfectly. Here, Linda uses the hammer to shape the shoe.
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- This is the anvil. It has a large, wide face to accommodate a variety of shoes and a rounded, tapered heel. An anvil can weigh anywhere between 150 and 500 pounds.
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- Here are her tongs, which are used to pick up hot horseshoes.
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- While the shoe is still hot, she tries it on for size. A well-fitted horseshoe should align well with the edge of the hoof. The shoe is also hot-fitted for levelness and to shape the hoof for the shoe clips.
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- While Linda makes adjustments to the shoe, she places it in and out of cold water, so she can work with it – it is extremely hot.
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- Next, Linda smooths out all the edges.
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- Banchunch’s hoof is lifted onto a hoof jack, so Linda could file down the contact joints, and any rough spots on the hoof wall.
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- And then gives the shoe a try.
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- Here is Banchunch with one of his new rear shoes – it fits perfectly.
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- My donkeys are so curious. Clive and Billie turn their heads away from the hay to see what all the commotion is about. Most donkeys do not wear shoes, but they do need their hooves trimmed and filed regularly.
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- And here is Rufus – I think he’s hoping for a treat.
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- Next door, my newest donkeys Jude Junior and Truman Junior are settling in nicely. Some of you may recall, I acquired these two beauties back in June – everyone at the farm loves them.
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- My darling Fell pony is now ready and eager for a ride! See you soon, my handsome Banchunch.
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