I like to make my next appointment when my farrier finishes up. He carries his appointment book with him, so we just count ahead 7 or 8 weeks, and he puts me in the book. Of course, there are times when, as that date approaches, one or the other of us has to change the appointment to another day (usually him). It's still better than just waiting to call because at least I know there is something scheduled, and my horses feet won't fall victim to my procrastination on calling to make the appointment.
The only time I've heard of a farrier showing up on a regular schedule is when they do the horses at a boarding place or other large barn. They'll come every week or two, and the barn manager will have a list of horses that are due to be done that day.
My horse needs his feet done ever 4 weeks- he has bad feet that need constant re-balancing and shortening to keep him sound.
All the other horses I look after get their feet done every 6 weeks. (or 8 if we can stretch it!).
I let my farrier know ahead of time that I will need a trim either in 4 weeks, 2 weeks, 6 weeks...etc. I then call a week before the horses are due, and book an appointment.
It varies with farriers- my last farrier called ME every 6 weeks to see if I needed him. (That was nice, took a lot off my mind).
The farrier before that had my booked in the same day every 4-6 weeks. (depending on the horses).
The farrier I have now is very busy- and can't always keep pre-booked appointments that were made a month ago- so I call when I need him.
I also have a back-up farrier for the times where I can't get hold of my usual farrier (for things like abscesses, infections, losing a shoe...)
I am not a farrier, however I have had horses all my life. Treat your farrier, hay guy and your veterinarian like they were your best friends -- because they are!
You schedule ahead for your farrier -- 6 to 8 weeks between visits is normal.
Once he has finished your trim/shoes and you pay him, you just be sure that you schedule your next visit before he leaves. Most farriers have a schedule book right in their truck.
Write down your appointment date/time and make sure you are ready for him when he comes. You should not make a farrier wait for you to catch your horse. Make sure the feet and legs are clean and dry. Make sure your horse is used to having his feet handled. Always pay your farrier at the time of visit.
Farriers are very busy and must drive a distance between customers so these little things can help them to stay on time for their next customer.
I personally call my farrier and ask him every time I need a horse shod. You can talk to your farrier and organize for him to come out a a scheduled time every 4-6 weeks but it's better to call him. That way if you have school or an event you need to go to you don't have to miss out on it for the farrier.
If you are knowledgeable, and pay attention, and you horse is only subjected to light work and doesn't have any issues, I think you can call your farrier when needed.
That said, my horse is on a FOUR week schedule. I am knowledgeable, pay attention, I am sure most would say my horse is only worked lightly BUT he is shown AND has MANY issues. He is severely navicular, grows his hooves at different angles with one tending toward a club foot. After three weeks (like now) his angles are so different that his movement if off, he is due for a shoe reset tomorrow. We have a year end show next weekend and a week will give him time to settle in.
It depends. At my trainer's barn the farrier comes out on scheduled visits every six weeks, because there are thirty-some odd horses for him to take care of. At the barn my horse is currently at since there are only four of us who use the same farrier, we have to schedule ourselves.
Your farrier should let you know: call him up and ask. It varies depending on if your horse wears shoes or if he/she goes barefoot. My horse wears shoes on all 4 of his hooves and he's scheduled for an appointment every 2 months.
I would think that you'd ask your farrier to come when you call him/set up each appointment individually or set up a scheduel with him or her and plan multiple visits or say like the last friday ever second month or something.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I like to make my next appointment when my farrier finishes up. He carries his appointment book with him, so we just count ahead 7 or 8 weeks, and he puts me in the book. Of course, there are times when, as that date approaches, one or the other of us has to change the appointment to another day (usually him). It's still better than just waiting to call because at least I know there is something scheduled, and my horses feet won't fall victim to my procrastination on calling to make the appointment.
The only time I've heard of a farrier showing up on a regular schedule is when they do the horses at a boarding place or other large barn. They'll come every week or two, and the barn manager will have a list of horses that are due to be done that day.
My horse needs his feet done ever 4 weeks- he has bad feet that need constant re-balancing and shortening to keep him sound.
All the other horses I look after get their feet done every 6 weeks. (or 8 if we can stretch it!).
I let my farrier know ahead of time that I will need a trim either in 4 weeks, 2 weeks, 6 weeks...etc. I then call a week before the horses are due, and book an appointment.
It varies with farriers- my last farrier called ME every 6 weeks to see if I needed him. (That was nice, took a lot off my mind).
The farrier before that had my booked in the same day every 4-6 weeks. (depending on the horses).
The farrier I have now is very busy- and can't always keep pre-booked appointments that were made a month ago- so I call when I need him.
I also have a back-up farrier for the times where I can't get hold of my usual farrier (for things like abscesses, infections, losing a shoe...)
I am not a farrier, however I have had horses all my life. Treat your farrier, hay guy and your veterinarian like they were your best friends -- because they are!
You schedule ahead for your farrier -- 6 to 8 weeks between visits is normal.
Once he has finished your trim/shoes and you pay him, you just be sure that you schedule your next visit before he leaves. Most farriers have a schedule book right in their truck.
Write down your appointment date/time and make sure you are ready for him when he comes. You should not make a farrier wait for you to catch your horse. Make sure the feet and legs are clean and dry. Make sure your horse is used to having his feet handled. Always pay your farrier at the time of visit.
Farriers are very busy and must drive a distance between customers so these little things can help them to stay on time for their next customer.
I personally call my farrier and ask him every time I need a horse shod. You can talk to your farrier and organize for him to come out a a scheduled time every 4-6 weeks but it's better to call him. That way if you have school or an event you need to go to you don't have to miss out on it for the farrier.
Hope this helps.
If you are knowledgeable, and pay attention, and you horse is only subjected to light work and doesn't have any issues, I think you can call your farrier when needed.
That said, my horse is on a FOUR week schedule. I am knowledgeable, pay attention, I am sure most would say my horse is only worked lightly BUT he is shown AND has MANY issues. He is severely navicular, grows his hooves at different angles with one tending toward a club foot. After three weeks (like now) his angles are so different that his movement if off, he is due for a shoe reset tomorrow. We have a year end show next weekend and a week will give him time to settle in.
The feet need to be on a schedule.
Shoes: 6-8 weeks
Trim only every 5 weeks.
It depends. At my trainer's barn the farrier comes out on scheduled visits every six weeks, because there are thirty-some odd horses for him to take care of. At the barn my horse is currently at since there are only four of us who use the same farrier, we have to schedule ourselves.
Your farrier should let you know: call him up and ask. It varies depending on if your horse wears shoes or if he/she goes barefoot. My horse wears shoes on all 4 of his hooves and he's scheduled for an appointment every 2 months.
I would think that you'd ask your farrier to come when you call him/set up each appointment individually or set up a scheduel with him or her and plan multiple visits or say like the last friday ever second month or something.
We call ours out every 6 weeks. Sooner if needed.