I keep my horse's on a cattle farmer's land, who happens to have a Shetland who is somewhere around the age of 30. I guess the pony belongs/ed to the grandkids, but no one actually takes care of him beyond food (and the occasionally grooming I've done). His hooves are AWFUL. Slipper foot bad enough that he limps around.
I am planning to try hinting to Jim that he should have his pony's feet cut by a farrier. The thought is, when I find a farrier to come out for my horse, I'll just ask, "Hey, want him to do your pony while he's here?" and hold my breath for a "yeah sure!"
If this fails, I'm considering doing the old pony a big favor. I was just wondering how often a horse that's in bad shape will need his hooves trimmed to be corrected. Would it work on a regular 6-8 week trimming schedule, or should I call a farrier out a little more often? It'll be expensive for me, but I hate seeing the old man in pain. My horse gets along with him so well and enjoys the company, so I'll do what I can to keep him around a couple years longer.
I am planning to try hinting to Jim that he should have his pony's feet cut by a farrier. The thought is, when I find a farrier to come out for my horse, I'll just ask, "Hey, want him to do your pony while he's here?" and hold my breath for a "yeah sure!"
If this fails, I'm considering doing the old pony a big favor. I was just wondering how often a horse that's in bad shape will need his hooves trimmed to be corrected. Would it work on a regular 6-8 week trimming schedule, or should I call a farrier out a little more often? It'll be expensive for me, but I hate seeing the old man in pain. My horse gets along with him so well and enjoys the company, so I'll do what I can to keep him around a couple years longer.