Poor Saul! He was overdue for a hoof trim and at his last home, I think they were only done about once a year. They were a bit long when we got him but I was waiting for him to settle in a bit before we got the farrier in. My farrier agreed to trim his hooves but as Saul had required sedation in the past for this, we had the vet in to sedate him for his first hoof trim with us.
Our friend Luc helped hold dozy Saul while my fantastic farrier Steve worked his magic.
Saul was very stoned and a super good boy. Next time I think we'll try it without drugs. The poor fellow has thrush in all four feet, so I have some stuff to apply on that every other day. That will get him used to having his feet handled!
I'm sure he's feeling much better now that his feet are sorted out. Our farrier Steve Doré is wonderful. We were very lucky that he took us on, as he has a full schedule. He has a magical way with the ponies and donkey, and they are all very relaxed around him. A very kind man who clearly loves equines and knows what he's doing. He'll be back in 4 to 6 weeks to work on Saul again and do the ponies' regular trim as well.
We have the best donkey in the world!
Years ago we had a farrier who was a real "horse whisperer" too. At that time we had a twenty-something Welsh/Shetland pony whose hooves had been allowed by her previous owners to grow into something almost resembling elf shoes. He worked his magic with her like your Steve. Good farriers are worth their weight in gold!
ReplyDeleteYes, Saul does look pretty stoned! Looks like he's saying "Groovy man. Turn on, tune in and drop out, dude!"
Oh yes,good farriers are worth their weight in gold and seeming hard to come by (at least in NB -- I have a friend whose had horses all her life). So it's great that Steve was able to take you on! Fingers crossed that next time Saul will be accustomed to having his hooves handled and will be okay without sedation.
ReplyDeleteGlad Saul is feeling better. He looks pretty relaxed!
ReplyDeleteThrush sounds very unpleasant. I'm glad Saul is getting good care.
ReplyDelete:: cues acid rock for the stoned donkey ::
Farriers certainly know their business and how to handle animals. Good luck next time.
ReplyDeleteSaul definitely looks a little loopy in the pictures. Glad the hoof trimming went well and I hope the thrush clears up soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you using for thrush? I've never treated anyone with hooves, just moms and nurslings. I swear by gentian violet.
ReplyDeleteit is so wonderful what can be done to aid hoof-trimming and a wonderful farrier is worth his/her weight in gold...
ReplyDeleteA good farrier is worth his weight in gold and one who does his work with with love and compassion in addition to expertise is worth his weight in just about anything!
ReplyDeleteSaul, you are such a good boy. We're so proud of you.
Aww what a good boy Saul was. Hope he feels better now his feet are trimmed.
ReplyDelete