S6E Shoeing - Farrier

15/06/2025

The Farrier.

Wake up, alarm clock blaring. Push a tired body out of bed, driven by determination, discipline and being of their word.
Coffee in a cup held by a tangling of aching joints and scars.
The few moments of peace before heading off to meet an owner, to spend a day of ringing in the ears, aching feet, back screaming.

“Stand mare” you beg as the memory of a close call burns into your brain—Sharp nails, sharp tools, 1,200lb unsettled flight animals with the strength and precision to change your life with one quick blow.

Juggling appointments. Last minute cancelations. Last minute, “emergency” stops.
Ungrateful clients, Gracious clients.

Cold hands burn and stick to even colder metal tools, shoes. Heart warmed by young children with questions and a roaring forge.

Clean—Clean. Balance. Shape—shape. Check your work—check your work. Line it up—check your work—Begin to drive a nail—hate the way it’s lined up—remove it. Do it again—Perfection.

Feel a hot breath on your neck. Body tenses, shrug off a bite.

“He won’t bite you.” The owner suggests.

Eye roll, know you’d rather not risk it but hide behind a polite face. Deep breath, patience.

New client? Scoffs at prices. Demands, demands. You? Meet the demands, to meet the demands again.

Take the blame. Differing opinions. Veterinarians, trainers, other farriers... “I read online.”

Striving to do your best. No—better than your best. You? Your biggest critic.

Watch lives change. Grow with clients, grow with horses.

Days of unsettled horses. Angry horses, spoiled horses, jerk-you-around horses, hang-on-your-back horses.

Last stop of the day. Few backyard trims. Breath of fresh air.

Old horse, 33. No teeth. Arthritic joints from years of tough work, tough demands. He met the demands.

He’s tender in his movements—quietly crippled by dull aches. Stands patiently for you, you wait patiently for him. Each joint, slow moving. Slow to give the leg, slow to bend, hard to hold—he tries. A mutual understanding of aching bodies. Quietness. Docile. Peace.

A soft voice—“he will be euthanized soon.”

You hold back emotion, swallow a tear. Make a polite comment. Back to work, hide your face.

Finish your job.

Run your hand down the back, feel a deteriorated body. Say c ya. Go home. Repeat again

28/05/2025

Huge congratulations to one of clients Lara Cameron and her horse river on winning supreme Chamion Junior rider at the Clermont show.
Elise Cameron

21/05/2025

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We're proud to announce that Blue Water Veterinary Care is now Mackay Equine Vets! 🐴💙

This name change reflects our deepening focus and passion for equine care, while still delivering the same trusted service you know and love. New name, same contact number, same dedicated team. 💪🏽

Thank you for being part of our journey — we can’t wait for what’s ahead!

0458 806 183

28/04/2025

LAMINITIS – PREVENTION IS A TEAM EFFORT

We spent yesterday and today with the wonderful Daisy Bicking from the International School of Integrative Hoof Care, where she was hosting a hoof care providers training course. We were on hand to take hoof radiographs as required, but learned so much in such a short space of time!!

Here's one massively important take home from this weekend and Dr Ash's musings on the subject of 'no hoof, no horse'

Laminitis is one of the most painful and devastating conditions a horse can endure. As herd animals, horses are naturally wired to hide pain to avoid appearing vulnerable — but don't be foolish: a horse with laminitis is suffering immensely, even if they are still walking or "seem ok." Every minute of delay in recognising and addressing it matters.

It’s important to be very clear about this: laminitis is largely a preventable disease. If a horse suffers a relapse, it is almost always because somewhere in their management — diet, exercise, medication, or monitoring — the system has failed. That can happen through miscommunication, missed warning signs, lack of adherence to dietary restrictions, or underestimating the seriousness of the condition.

Managing a laminitis-prone horse takes a team effort: the vet, the farrier, the owner, the carer, and sometimes even agistment managers or trainers. Every single person involved must be on the same page and committed to strict, proactive management. There is no room for shortcuts, guessing, or “he’ll be right” attitudes.

If you are caring for a horse with a history of laminitis, please:
- Stick rigidly to dietary plans and avoid lush grass exposure
- Monitor body condition carefully
- Stay alert for even subtle changes in movement, posture or attitude
- Stay up to date with farrier care and vet reviews
- Never delay seeking help if something feels even slightly wrong

Your horse cannot advocate for themselves. They depend entirely on their team and YOU to protect them.

If you have any concerns, even minor ones, please reach out to us early. Prevention is far easier — and far less painful — than treatment.

0458 806 183

26/04/2025

Was a very late finish yesterday working on this horse for another equine trimmer and the owner.
This is a great reminder that with wet weather brings seedy toe and lots of bacteria which will find the smallest crack/hole and turn nasty. This is a team effort to get a healthy hoof again.
If you notice something ask your farrier or barefoot trimmer. Be proactive in cleaning it out before things get out of control.

Another great job done with Blue Water Veterinary Care

25/04/2025

What a massive day today was, started at 6am and finished at 7:30pm. Thanks heaps to all my awesome clients for this crazy busy week. Tomorrow to go and then back home.

24/04/2025

Lest we forget

24/04/2025

15/02/2025

DID YOU KNOW…?

1. Long toes increase the risk of suspensory ligament injury by 3.5 times!🤯
2. Toe grabs increase the risk of suspensory ligament injury by almost 16 times!😳

Talk to us about how to help your horse stay injury free!

06/02/2025

🌧️🐴 **Common Horse Issues During Wet Weather & How to Help** 🐴🌧️

Wet weather can bring about several challenges for our equine friends. Here's a guide to some common issues and how you can manage them:

**1. Swollen Legs (Stocking Up/Edema):**
- **Cause:** Standing in wet pastures can hinder blood circulation, causing fluid to pool in the lower legs.
- **Appearance:** Swollen legs, especially around the fetlock and cannon bone.
- **What to Do:** Encourage regular exercise, manage pasture conditions, cold hose the legs, and consult a vet if needed.

**2. Rain Scald (Dermatophilosis):**
- **Symptoms:** Crusty scabs, bumps, yellow-green pus, and moist spots.
- **Treatment:** Wash with medicated shampoo, remove scabs gently, apply antibiotics, and keep the area dry.
- **Prevention:** Shelter your horse, use medicated shampoos, groom regularly, and control insects.

**3. Mud Fever (Scratches/Pastern Dermatitis):**
- **Symptoms:** Reddened skin, hair loss, and scabs on the lower legs.
- **Treatment:** Wash with antiseptic solution, remove scabs, apply antibacterial cream, and use NSAIDs for pain.
- **Prevention:** Keep legs dry, avoid muddy areas, and cover affected areas if needed.

Keep your horses healthy and comfortable during the rainy season! 🌧️🐎