Here is my latest acquisition, a replacement hoof knife for the tried and true knife used for the last 4 years on over 90 horses. It shows the amount of wear it takes to keep the knife cutting sharp. There is nothing worse than trying to pare out hardened sole from a horse's hoof with a dull knife. Or one that has no leverage left to dig deep. I figure at approximately 38 cents a horse, the old knife has done yeoman duty.
This week, with the weather being absolutely balmy at about +5C in the daytime, I took the opportunity to do my three horses and also the neighbours three horses. They have a new horse, three years old and, fortunately, halter broke. However her feet were a mess due to lack of attention. Hoof broken out, soles perforated and a bleeding piece torn out of the hind foot.
I had to desensitize her with a rope, then use the rope around the lower pastern to get her to submit to having her feet worked on. It worked out, and no casualties, either horse or farrier.
I still think horses are the most amazing of God's creatures. Submissive and obedient, just as we are called to be.
I thought it was wives that were to be submissive and obedient??
ReplyDeletePlease don't tell Mrs. Geezer I said that.
Ron
Its never fails to amaze me how a 1,000 lb animal ...the magnificent horse can be so 'submissive and obedient' towards humans... even allowing their hooves to be picked and prodded at. Every time I ride I am in awe that my horse allows me to make it go the way I want it too when she could easily take off with me. Although I did have one horse who would get mad and would walk backwards with me ... he didn't even look back himself...he would just go and I felt like he would walk off a cliff if there were one... and when I would try to go forward he would rear. I looked just like Joan of Arc. :-) Fortunately his owner came and took him away to his new farm. Yay!
ReplyDeleteHi Ian, oh please do show us your new horse. I would love to have a peek how he/she looks. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteHi, I always love to read about horses. I agree with you, they are such wonderful animals. I have not crossed that area in my life yet to where I own a horse........they are a lot of up keep that I am not prepared to yet give. But I would love to have one someday. How long have you owned horses? All of your life...maybe? Blessings,Kathleen
ReplyDeleteI would say yes, you were do a new knife!
ReplyDelete