Cracked, Chipped or Just Broken - Cheryl Smith

Despite our efforts as horse owner to keep our animals safe, they seem to find ways of injuring themselves.   If you have a horse, you know what I am talking about in that they to find ways to injure themselves, and we do not always know how they did it.   Despite it all when you mix fence wire and a horse hoof, the results is hoof damage!

The results of several months of Farrier Services.  The new growth as shown in the photograph continued down the hoof wall, extending down from the Coronary Band.

This damaged hoof is the result of the horse getting it’s hoof caught in it fencing wire.  This is not the result of an owner neglecting or not taking care of his horse.  It was just the result of the horse being a horse.  The owner was not sure how, or where in the fence he had got his hoof caught, so he repaired the corral in all the possible areas, there in lie the mystery! But the damage is done!

Fixing this hoof is a project I took on after finding out the history of the damaged hoof. 

What I want in my career is not to be just one of the other Farriers who makes attempts, but what I want is to make a difference and fix the hoof.   

My first goal was to find the path of the injury and clean it out and seal it up so new growth would be created.  With close examination, the damage continues from the ankle across the coronary band, and all the way down to the ground. 
This horse did not seem to be very impair by his damaged hoof as the owner has indicates the horse will walk, trot and gallop.  This horse is seldom ridden, but as his Farrier, it is hopeful the owner will be able to ride in low-impact situations, and perhaps even be able to take the ol’ boy on a trail ride.

When I arrived for the next appointment, the owner greeted me with the news that the crack was completely sealed up, and looking forward to riding Rusty.

I participated in  shoe shaping competition at the Idaho Horse Expo, hosted by the Farriers of Idaho Guild.  I took third in my division.  This is an aluminum shoe. Aluminum is hard to work with because the shoe will shatter once it reaches too hot of temperature.

Taking on New Clients for the 2016 Season!

Fun day at Melba 4th of July Celebration Parade.  I drove the Big Black Bad A Truck in the Downtown Parade.  It reminds me of the days when I was a kid and would ride my horse in the Pathfinders Day Parade in Fremont, CA.  

The streets were full of parade watchers, cheers and a lot of fun.  It was very exciting for me.  

It is my privilege to one of the sponsors of American Blazer Horse Association, and was invited to their annual banquet.  I received a certificate of appreciation for all my support.  The banquet attendees enjoyed a very fine meal from Canyon Creek Restaurant & Lounge, 1411 Shilo Drive Nampa, Idaho.

It was my privilege to be one of the sponsors for ABHA 5th Annual Poker Ride.  I was also on-site farrier providing trims, shoeing and hoof assessments.

 ABHA gave away prize packages totaling over $500! Congratulations to the winners:

Adult Grand Prize-Syvette Krepfl, 2nd Place-Amber Bishop.
Youth prize winners were: 1st Place-Michaela Bocci, 2nd & 3rd Place-Cassidy Wright.

Also, Mike Kruze won the 50-50 cash raffle!
For more information on American Blazer Horse Association, click on following link. 

http://blazerhorse.info/online/everyone

It was a blast camping in Idaho City's Cowboy Campground.  You can find these folks on Facebook.

The owners were on-hand to help out in any possible way.  The campground is along side highway 21, but back in the forest a bit.  It is a peaceful campground where you and your horse can stay in comfort.  Each campsite has a corral for the horses, there are miles of trails, and town is in walking distance. 

I look forward to my next camping trip in Idaho City Cowboy Camp.

Huge THANKS to those who made this ride possible.
Cheers!

5 Year Membership Pin from American Farrier Assocation