Our farrier, Steve Sandvil, was here the other day to put horseshoes on the two Belgians, Bill and Bob. We don't typically put shoes on the blind horses, with the exception of Rosie, who occasionally needs "corrective" shoes to deal with a hoof flaring issue on her front feet. But because of the kind of work the two draft horses do, they needed to be shod.
Although BillyBob are a pleasure to work with -- well behaved and responsive, easy-going and calm -- they are a bit touchy about having their feet trimmed. We suspect they had some less than pleasant experiences in the past. To help the trimming and shoeing process, we got a horse stock specifically made by the Amish for draft horses. You can tell that Bill in the photo above fills the entire width of the stock; yet he's not even a large draft, so the Amish make a "super-size" version for the really big guys.
Here's Steve fitting a shoe on the rear foot:
And finally, here's an interesting shot of Steve using the grinder in his work trailer to put the finishing touches on a shoe, with sparks flying:
The small oven-like box on the left there, with the white insulation, is really just that -- an oven to heat the horseshoes to red-hot temperatures so they can be hammered and shaped to fit. It's fueled by a propane tank in the trailer. It's kind of a modern version of the "farrier's forge."
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Looking for Shoeing Stocks in NEW New England? Meader Supply has them in stock. They are already assembled and in Draft Size. Call 1-800-446-7737, like us on facebook, or email us at meader@meadersupply.com.
Posted by: Christine | August 17, 2012 at 07:47 AM
Just voted! Saw you on Jack Hanna's tv show. Amazing work!!
Posted by: Patricia Terrell | August 11, 2012 at 01:53 PM
I always enjoy seeing and reading about all the different aspects of life on the farm and this is very interesting and informative. Thanks for posting about how this shoeing for Billy and Bob is done :)
Posted by: Ann | August 11, 2012 at 03:12 AM
I saw those beautiful horses when I was there to pick up Owen. Would love to meet them up close and personal "next time!" By the way, any tips on housetraining Owen D. Dog? He's doing better bur I've tried everything I know. I love him dearly and you should see Suzi with her gorgeous new hairdo. She looks like a showdog!
Posted by: Marcia Scattergood | August 10, 2012 at 08:01 PM
I love how every aspect of RDF is featured.It keeps us all in tune on what actually goes on in loving and caring for our furry friends.Steve and Alayne are two of the most special people out there.God couldn't have picked a better pair. I thank them for their love a devotion to their wonderful furry family.
Posted by: Mae - Jefferson City | August 10, 2012 at 07:34 PM
Ditto for interesting! My dogs and cats are a wee bit touchy about their feet - it's always fun!
Posted by: Linda | August 10, 2012 at 04:40 PM
Fascinating read. In the second photo, it looks like Billy or Bob, (don't know which) is kind of resting his fanny on the straps. As good as those ol' boys are, I bet you could have sat them down in a recliner and they'd have been happy to hand over a hoof for their manicure of pedicure. They are so, so beautiful!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | August 10, 2012 at 02:59 PM
A portable forge - who knew?! This post is fascinating, not just for the info on modern farriers, but because there's no such thing as too many Heavy Horses! Virtual apples to BillyBob from me. ;D
Posted by: jeanne | August 10, 2012 at 02:03 PM
I never know what fascinating information you'll come up with on your website. Thanks for new insights into modern horseshoeing!
Posted by: Debbie Burke | August 10, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Very interesting. thanks for blogging
Phyllis
Posted by: Phyllis Snow | August 10, 2012 at 10:02 AM
How wonderful to have such great people to come bring the services you need for these guys!
Posted by: Glenda | August 10, 2012 at 07:08 AM
I'm curious as to how much it costs to shoe Billy&Bob? I used to marvel at the size of my Grandparents' draft horses - especially their hooves!
Posted by: MaryJane Cooper | August 10, 2012 at 12:42 AM
Fascinating. Do you keep the horse stock, or is that one you just use as needed? Your farrier keeps a very clean work trailer, very nice. And hopefully BillyBob will, with time, learn that at RDF horseshoeing is not a bad thing, but "just a thing". Hope BB got at least a carrot or 2 for being good.
Posted by: Anne in FL | August 09, 2012 at 09:18 PM
SO INTERESTING!!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 09, 2012 at 06:00 PM