Mitch Rourke - Farrier

28/07/2024

So, I've made up my mind that a tray mounted canopy is the way to go. Now come the fun part where I need to figure out how to set it up so that setup is easy with a fold out anvil and a swing out forge so that I don't have to lift and carry heavy gear to set up.

06/02/2024

Please vote for Huntingdon P&C Association to win!!!!
$2,000 can make such a big difference to our small school
You can vote once every 24 hours

Forster, Taree, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Grafton... We're giving away $3,000 every month to locals helping make the Mid North Coast Greater!

19/05/2023

Mini snags 👀🏠💙 great rat catchers! Msg me for info

05/04/2023

16/03/2023

Below is an excerpt I found while browsing one of my farrier text books and it reminds me that not too long ago, farriers in Australia before the 70s didn't have the luxury of opening up a website or visiting a farrier supply store and ordering countless styles of horseshoes to be delivered to their door. Shoes were hand crafted in the forge on the anvil out of a length of steel bar either at the horse or templates were made during the previous shoeing and the shoes were made up and hung on the wall ready for the next shoeing.
I'm blessed that during my apprenticeship I have learnt the craft of handmade shoes and even though I dont practice it as a daily part of my business, I often fire up the forge at home and I can fall back on it if ever needed (who knows what the future brings) but also love the fact that technology has advanced to a point where I can buy any shoe I need and just forge or weld in the necessary modifications. The sad truth is most horse owners wouldn't even know if their farrier possesses those skills or if they even have any formal training due to the unregulated industry. This is not directed at anyone, it's just to bring light to the subject so that horse owners can be empowered to ask questions that the person they're calling in can meet their horses needs.

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The demand for horseshoers is currently so great, that a person does not have to be competent to make a living shoeing horses. Being available and having basic business management skills has provided many unskilled horseshoers with a way to earn a living. As a result of this demand, the industry has been able to produce and market many products and theories that do not make sense from an anatomical view. If horseshoers were more knowledgeable and skilled, many of the products, gimmicks and trimming theories that I have seen in my career would never have made it past the first trial. We have unfortunately replaced a lot of skills with inventory and product.

Chris Gregory - Gregorys Textbook of Farriery

16/06/2022

It's Mitch's wife Jasmine here, just wanted to let everyone know Mitch is really sick at the moment, our household has been hit really hard by the flu in the past 2 weeks. The last few days hes been unable to get out of bed and is overwhelmed trying to keep up with his messages so at this point ive encouraged him to turn his phone off and just take the time he needs to recover. If you've had an appointment this week I hope he managed to let u know he was unwell as I know it will bother him to have buggered anyone around, he will get back to everyone as soon as hes feeling up to it. We really appreciate your understanding at this time and apologise for any inconvenience 🤧

15/03/2022

Hi all.
With this current outrageous surge in fuel prices, I've had to make the difficult decision to add an additional charge of $5 per appointment. This additional charge will be in place until fuel prices drop back to a reasonable price, hopefully sooner then later.
Thankyou for your understanding in these difficult times.

09/02/2022

Today saw a little deviation from the traditional style of shoeing that I'm used to.
This old guy unfortunately isn't blessed with the best hooves partly due to chronic laminitis and the slightest sight of wet weather makes it near impossible to keep shoes on him.
The owner was made aware of a product called Easy Shoe Versa Grip used in conjunction with the Finger Tabs and asked if I'd be willing to give it a go.
The tabs have to be "plastic welded" to the outer rim of the shoe with a heat gun and then the completed shoe tabs are adhered to the hoof wall with thick cyanoacrylate (superglue).
The following weeks will be a great test to see how well these shoes handle wet conditions because his paddock can get quite boggy after rain.
If they do hold up, these will be a great addition to my shoe arsenal for horses with severely broken away wall where casting or rebuilding with acrylic was my previous options.

21/12/2021

On the odd occasion they just stand

09/12/2021

09/12/2021

09/12/2021

19/11/2021

Lately I've seen an increase in barefoot trimmers being referred to as farriers and even calling themselves farriers.
The word FARRIER comes from the middle french word FERRIER which comes from the Latin word FERRIUM. FERRIUM directly translates to IRON.

Moral of the story......
If you not nailing iron onto a horses hooves you don't get the privilege of calling yourself a farrier. Your a trimmer.

13/10/2021

Chronic laminitis has many signs and symptoms ranging from a slight laminar wedge with the typical hoof wall rings accompanied by a little seasonal pain from the fresh spring grass all the way to a continually compromised hoof capsule with dropped sole that never seems to end.
The horse pictured has the later and regular shoeing was previously keeping it comfortable but the lack of circulation in the compromised hooves means less hoof growth between shoeings and progressively minimal wall to attach a shoe to.
Casting is a relatively new process where a cast is applied to the hoof from heel to heel to act as a supportive structure to help the thin hoof wall while also creating a nice artificial wall to safely nail a shoe on.
A cast was applied today along with heartbars and solepak and the horse was showing signs of increased comfort through proper weight bearing and the tell tale lip licking.

07/07/2021

The second week in July recognizes National Farriers Week. The week encourages horse owners, riders, and trainers to say thank you to the specialists in equine hoof care. These skilled technicians trim and balance horse hooves and, if necessary, equip the horse with shoes.
The word “farrier” comes from the French word “ferrier,” meaning “blacksmith.” Originating from ancient Latin, Ferrum, means “iron.” The art of Farriery means the shoeing of horses. The trade is believed to have been date as far back as the Roman Empire.

24/05/2021

Next month from 1st June to 25th June I'll be participating in the push-up challenge.
3318 push-ups over 25 days to raise awareness for mental health.

I'll be fundraising for Headspace Port Macquarie with a goal of $365 and it would be gratefully appreciated if you could visit my page and even donate a small amount. Every little bit helps.

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/pushuperer/193437

19/03/2021

To all those who are in flood affected zones, please stay safe.
If anyone is looking to relocate horses, I do have a contact at kundabung who has offered up paddocks but I'm not too sure on the highway closure situation.
Feel free to message me for details.

15/01/2021

When the clients son wants horseshoes, he gets horseshoes.

13/01/2021

Making a heartbar 2021 style.
They'll be welded into the shoes at the horse tomorrow.

25/08/2020

Some timeless advice from 1904

22/08/2020

Just keep messaging me until I reply.......

20/06/2020

The new shoeing box is basically complete now.
The original goal was to have it completed in January ready for the new year but all good things take time.
The old timber one is almost 7 years old and has had its fair share of repairs and its time to retire it.
A big thanks to Mid Coast Switchboards for the use of the bender and guillotine.

27/05/2020

If you own horses, chances are you've heard the term navicular, navicular disease or navicular syndrome.
It's referring to lameness caused by pain in the navicular region located behind the pedal bone and usually only effects the front feet due to the anatomy of the horse placing more weight over the front feet.
I have a particular case on my books who came into my care barefoot almost 2 years ago and shoes were decided upon after radiographs confirmed quite severe navicular changes.
We started out with straight bar shoes and rockered toes which helped ease the pain and provide comfort.
Lately I've been reading a fair amount on a particular shoe called a navicular bar shoe so today's visit called for a step up from the straight bar to an adaptation of the navicular bar shoe.
Why buy when you can build.

30/04/2020

My wife is supporting a friend by walking 50kms in May to raise money for research into multiple sclerosis. Here's the link if anyone would like to donate.

Thanks

I'm taking part in The May 50K to support research into multiple sclerosis.

31/03/2020

COVID-19 UPDATE - TUESDAY 31 MAR 20

This information is current as of today, but may be overridden by any changes announced by government. It's a guide only, so please refer to the relevant government web sites for more details.

CURRENT NSW RESTRICTIONS

The current NSW Government Restrictions only allow for gatherings of up to two people, but the very strong message is “If you can stay at home, you should stay at home”.

The NSW Government Health Orders, effective 30 March 2020 state:

A person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person’s place of residence. Examples of a reasonable excuse include leaving for reasons involving:

obtaining food or other goods and services; or

travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home; or

exercise; or

medical or caring reasons.

Failure to comply by individuals may result in maximum penalty of imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both) plus a further $5,500 fine each day the offence continues

The following guidance is provided by Equestrian NSW to our members.

Horse Welfare and Care

If you're caring for your horse at home, take necessary precautions to ensure your health and safety. Don't transport your horse to ride somewhere else, as it’s considered non-essential travel.

If you agist a horse at a property you may continue to treat and care for your horse, including feeding and exercising, ensuring you maintain good physical distancing and hygiene practices. Only use your own grooming kit, tack and do not share equipment with other people. Where feed or equipment may be stored centrally, take care to use good hygiene practices around door handles and other points which other owners may touch. Please note, you should contact your agistment facility who may have enacted specific rules related to their facility.

If you own or operate an agistment centre, you may continue to operate your facility and treat and care for the animals on your agistment and maintain the facility.

Vets and other professional services (e.g. farriers) are permitted to attend where required, whilst adhering to social distancing and hygiene requirements.

Coaching

The NSW Government has stated that people may travel for their work, but that the floating of horses to coaching facilities is considered non-essential travel.

This means that coaches may travel to you, and that coaching can only take place at private facilities and must only be conducted outdoors on a 1 on 1 basis, consistent with social distancing and personal hygiene regulations.

Government Assistance

The Federal Government has a range of assistance packages that are available to equestrians, including:

JobKeeper: which provides $1,500 a fortnight to small businesses, to keep people employed. This is also available for sole traders.

Boosting Cash Flow: Small and medium sized businesses with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers will be eligible. Eligibility will generally be based on prior year turnover.

The payment will be delivered by the ATO as an automatic credit in the activity statement system from 28 April 2020 upon employers lodging eligible upcoming activity statements.

Eligible employers that withhold tax to the ATO on their employees’ salary and wages will receive a payment equal to 100 per cent of the amount withheld, up to a maximum payment of $50,000.

Eligible employers that pay salary and wages will receive a minimum payment of $10,000, even if they are not required to withhold tax.

Please click on the following link for more details

https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftreasury.gov.au%2Fcoronavirus%2Fresources&data=02%7C01%7CBruce%40ensw.org.au%7C5b39799a7288468f7ddf08d7d4e516ed%7C4fa1cd38439b41d9b73904661089c392%7C0%7C0%7C637211952726520281&sdata=HWnyhh8s3Hc%2FoD%2FRZ5zO8WSrXVw5NRoeG0w%2FA1EbaGc%3D&reserved=0

At all times we encourage you to stay safe, practice good hygiene and respect your community and fellow equestrians.
For further information, please email the Equestrian NSW office at [email protected] or call 9620 2660.

BRUCE FARRAR
Chief Executive Officer – Equestrian NSW
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0417 244 593

FAQ’s

Q. Can I go to my agistment centre and feed my horse(s)?

A. You must confirm with the owners, whether you are able to attend your agistment facility, to care for and maintain your horse. Agistment facilities are required to ensure social distancing requirements are maintained and proper hygiene is practiced.

Q. What if there are several people at my agistment centre?

A. Agistment facilities are required to ensure social distancing requirements are maintained. In the event there are other persons at your agistment centre in contravention of the distancing requirements, please notify the owners immediately. At all times practice social distancing and other transmission reduction measures consistent with the NSW Government’s guidelines.

Q. Can I exercise or ride where I agist my horse(s)?

A. Exercising is considered essential to the care and welfare of horses. Agistment facilities are required to act in accordance with NSW Government regulations. Before proceeding, please contact your agistment facility as rules within private facilities may vary. Note: The NSW Government has advised that all Indoor sporting and recreation facilities are closed. Equestrian NSW interprets this to include covered arenas.

Q Am I able to hire out my privately owned facility to horses not agisted at my property for the purpose to ride or exercises horse(s)?

A. No.

Q. Can a professional trainer of horses still operate?

A. As long as the trainer is training a horse(s) already located at their property or the trainer is travelling to a private premises for the purpose of their work then professional trainers may continue to operate so long as it is in accordance with the NSW Government’s current restrictions.

Q. If I have an accident riding/exercising or attending my horse, am I still covered by insurance?

A. Gow-Gates has reaffirmed its advice that in order to ensure ongoing coverage under the insurance program, all parties covered by the Equestrian Australia insurance, including members, coaches and affiliates must adhere to the relevant governing body and governmental guidelines and demonstrate reasonable care.

Q. Should I wear gloves when using facilities at my agistment.

A. Members should always practise good personal hygiene consistent with NSW Government guidelines. Your agistment centre may require that gloves are worn. Please contact your agistment centre for advice specific to your facility.

Q. If I am leasing a horse or share a horse with another rider, can we still share responsibilities and attend the horse facility?

A. So long as lessees act in accordance the NSW Government Restrictions.

Q. I am a rider - can I have lessons or be coached on my own property or where I agist?

A. Coaches, as part of their work, may travel (as essential travel) to conduct their business. In this instance coaches must comply with all NSW Government Regulations including but not limited to social distancing and personal hygiene.

Q. I am a coach - can I continue to coach/train my clients?

A. Coaches may continue to conduct their business. However as floating horses between properties is considered non-essential travel, Coaches should not teach travelling clients.

Q. Can I move my horse from one property to another?

A. Horses may be travelled only on specific advice e.g. veterinary requirement. All other travel is considered non-essential.

24/03/2020

COVID-19 update

Firstly I hope you are all staying safe and keeping well. As the virus spreads further in our local area, in the interest of minimising risk can I please ask that if you are unwell, have travelled overseas recently, been exposed to someone confirmed or suspected to have coronavirus please contact me to reshedule your appointment.

Further we please ask that everyone do their best to follow the current health authorities by following the social distancing policy of no less and 1.5 metre proximity to one another and while we usually welcome cash payment, where possible please consider paying by direct transfer or eftpos via square.

Now, something I'd like you to consider.
Most, if not all horse shows and events have now been cancelled so if you're horse is currently shod because of the events and shows that have now been cancelled or postponed please consider removing the shoes and getting a good trim.
That will save you money and also minimise my contact with others as shod horses need to be reshod every 6 to 8 weeks where as a trimmed horse can go a few months or even longer if your handy with a rasp.
If you require your horses to be shod for recreational trail riding or therapeutic/lameness issues (navicular and laminitis come to mind), that's totally fine just something to consider.

Something to consider incase lock down measures go further and also as a first responder with Fire + Rescue NSW, there is the risk of me and my family being quarantined for 2 weeks if I attend a job that has a possible exposure.

I thank you for your understanding and support, please I encourage you to share this so it gets across to all of my clients and could be helpful to the wider horse community

Cheers
Mitch