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| Who we are C-S Farrier Service, LLC is a company which is built on integrity, honesty and dependability. We offer knowledgeable, reliable and courteous service - all while maximizing the performance of your equine athlete.
What to Look For In a Farrier
1) Reliability:
Punctuality, response time of call backs, availability during emergencies, and farriers' health and stamina should all be considered.
2) Horse Soundness:
Horses should be able to go about daily workouts and routines after trimming or shoeing. And should remain that way between visits.
3) Hoof appearance & Condition:
The hoof wall should be straight, smooth and free of excessive cracking or chipping. The sole should be concave and without any divots or nicks.
4) Horse Movement & Performance:
Hooves should not forge or interfere. Horses performance should be at its optimum.
5) Knowledge & Experience:
A good farrier has the ability to fix a variety of problems and lameness issues. He should look at every horse as if it's the first time he's ever examined him and treat all instances accordingly. The ability (and willingness) to do so is a result of exposure to many different circumstances, research of both common and non-common issues, and the continuous study of new techniques.
| | Why choose C-S? We have been there. Our staff has been on that side of the fence wating for the farrier to show up... only to have them not call or give an excuse as to why they couldnt be there. Sure, sometimes the reasons are valid but if they have done this time and time again isn't it time for a change? We respect the fact that your time is very valuable and you have better things to do besides wait on a farrier. We understand that spending time with your equine friend or just spending time with family and friends is important to you, we have family too. No matter the reason, at the end of the day you are the reason we are here.
What sets us apart? We stay current on all things horse related. With the needs of horses and owners changing everyday we never stop learning. We learn from a connection of professional farriers and trainers across the country, and around the world. We feel the more we know, the better of an asset we are to you as an owner and to your horse as an athlete. We attend seminars and clinics and learn from those in the business who are on the cutting edge in their respective fields. When some farriers just do ranch horses we feel that it is important to cover all fields related to horses from ranch horses to hunters and jumpers, reining horses to cutters and rodeo horses and everything in between. We not only learn about proper shoeing but also lameness isssues and the best course of treatment to keep your horse sound. We never stop learning and that will keep us on the cutting edge - and ultimately keep your equine athlete there as well. | |
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My Approach to Trimming and Shoeing Horses:
First: An Overall Assessment To be a good farrier you cannot rush, so I take my time. In order to provide optimum hoof care, I believe strongly that each individual horse's whole environment has to be taken into consideration.
You have to instinctively understand the horse you are working on. You have to assess the animal's physical condition as well as his mental state, and you have to give the horse a chance to develop a sense of trust in you.
My Philosophy There are many theories on trimming and shoeing which need to be considered when you evaluate the condition of a horse's hooves. When I examine a horse, I select an appropriate method for this individual horse. "One shoe (or trim) fits all " is NOT part of my philosophy. If you prescribe to only one technique as a way to treat every horse, you loose sight of the individual horse's foot mechanics. I was greatly influenced by Dave Ducket's valuable insight that good podiatry/ farriery, which is based on treating each horse by observing its biomechanics and using the most suited technique particular to each horse's condition. Additionally, Michael Savoldi's path breaking research on uniform sole thickness. "As farriers, we need to learn to understand and accept what the foot is offering. We need to learn to work within the parameters of what is offered and not attempt to dictate what we believe the ideal foot would be in order to improve, develop and maintain a healthy foot." (Savoldi, M.T. and G.F. Rosenburg, AFA Professional Farrier, 65, May/June 2003).
Factors Influencing Shoeing/Trimming OutcomesWhen shoeing or trimming a horse there are many factors directly related to the hoof, including: - conformation of the horse,
- injuries or abscesses,
- pathologies, such as laminitis, founder, navicular and others,
- gait problems, such as forging, interfering and overstepping,
- behavioral and environmental problems,
- bacteria, fungi, white line disease (WLD) ,and broken down feet.
Other things to consider are: - expectations of the owner,
- stalls, turnout, arena, trails,
- diet and nutrition,
- amount (and type) of work by the horse and overall condition.
Providing Optimal Service To provide optimal service, I believe there has to be cooperation between the horse owner, the farrier and the horse. The client should also be within a distance that enables the farrier to provide the kind of service the horse deserves. Unfortunately, sometimes it is better to say good-bye than to continue providing services and get frustrated - or maybe even get injured, if the horse has serious behavior problems.
Pledge to My Clients I provide quality work on every horse and I will never rush a job. I continue my education and always strive to improve my skills by attending conferences, seminars and clinics. I stay up to date on the latest procedures and technologies and I am willing to consult with veterinarians or trainers, if your horse has specific needs.
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