Sam Fowler Farrier

27/08/2024

Today has been a day of plastic shoes, black ones for repair and clear ones to maintain the benefits of shoes whilst minimising the compromise made by nailing shoes on.

Are they the future? Let me know your thoughts

31/05/2024

I’ve been using Sleip for a few days - a video based asymmetry detection system.

It’s been interesting to use - sadly it’s been raining ever since I’ve had it - so was worried about the accuracy of the results. (Arguably the horses haven’t really been videoed for long enough either)
However, the second report has a known left hind issue that is healing, but still unstable.

I will assess a few more horses in the next few weeks, when hopefully the horses aren’t trying to get their heads out the rain!

19/06/2023

An evening of CPD from World Horse Welfare and British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association discussing the social licence around farriery and equestrianism as a whole!

13/06/2023

🌞🐴 Hey horse lovers! Summer is in full swing, and as the temperature rises, we need to pay extra attention to our four-legged friends. Today, I wanted to shed some light on a common issue that affects our beloved horses during this season: dry hooves! 🐎💨

Just like we take care of our own feet, it's crucial to keep our horses' hooves healthy and hydrated. The dry summer heat can cause their hooves to become brittle, crack, and even lead to discomfort. But worry not, there are some simple steps we can take to combat this issue and ensure our equine pals stay happy and healthy all summer long! 🌾👣

1️⃣ Hydration is key! Make sure your horse has access to plenty of clean, fresh water throughout the day. Adequate hydration not only helps maintain hoof moisture but also supports overall well-being.

2️⃣ Regular hoof care is a must! Schedule routine trims with your trusted farrier to maintain proper hoof balance. Trimming helps prevent excessive cracking and promotes healthy growth.

3️⃣ Moisturise those hooves! Applying a quality hoof conditioner or moisturiser can do wonders. Look for products specifically designed to nourish and protect hooves. Applying these after a wash can be especially beneficial.

4️⃣ Time for a soak! Consider providing your horse with a hoof soak. Soaking their hooves in a bucket of water for around 20 minutes can help restore moisture and alleviate dryness.

5️⃣ Monitor turnout time! Extended exposure to dry, dusty paddocks can contribute to hoof dryness. Try to provide shaded areas or use sprinklers to keep the ground moist. Additionally, using hoof boots or applying a protective barrier can help shield the hooves from excessive drying.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to hoof health. By implementing these simple tips, we can ensure our horses' feet stay happy and comfortable throughout the summer months. 🌞🌿

Share your own experiences and additional tips in the comments below. Let's help each other keep our equine friends prancing on healthy hooves! 🐴💚

10/01/2023

It doesn't matter how busy a week it's been, how "nearly ready' dinner is or even if I'm already asleep, if you're in need and I'm able to help then I will always do my best to do so.
Rossdales is a familiar trip for me and I found myself here last week with a poorly pony on board.
A lot of the vets in the area do have my number and will call me in an emergency but please, as an owner, feel free to have my number saved too. Hopefully you won't need me, but I'm here if you do! 07814572554 or 07500368078

22/05/2022

Contrary to previous post about having my van back, it’s decided to not want to van temporarily.

Is anyone available to drive me to Newmarket tomorrow and hold some horses for me?

10/05/2022

Never have I been so happy to see this van! From 277k miles to 3k miles, and a good scrub up in between!

Thanks to SBC Customs for their hard work, and dealing with the curve balls!
Thanks to any of the customers who I’ve had to shuffle around, and if I have forgotten you please send me a message!

06/05/2022

Showing an awful lot of enthusiasm for his upcoming race!

04/05/2022

When do you question what you can see?

This lovely Connemara was brought to me from the other side of the county, as the client is wanted a fresh set of eyes on his feet.

I reshod him about a week after he was originally done, so limited amount of foot to trim, but restored medial lateral balance (not imbalance 😂), and fitted the shoe to compensate for his conformation and hoof morphology. I discussed with the client the what, where why and how’s, remember no question is a stupid question (unless it’s a stupid question 😂)

30/04/2022

Last weekend I was in Windsor, shoeing some of the best polo ponies in the country with The Equine Documentalist, it's great to see how other farriers work and approach different problems.

The van has been in the garage for a few days, having a complete overhaul this week and coming back on Tuesday! May even give it a wash, thanks to Britten Farriery Ltd- Master Farrier for the loan of a van for a few days to keep me going!!

26/03/2022

One of my clients has sponsored a family from the Ukraine, and are looking for help to get them here as safely and quickly as possible. Any donation will help.
I will be donating the cost of shoeing her horse in a few weeks time.

*Please help get our sponsor family safe*

Hi everyone! Thankyou for taking the time to read our page.

We are reaching out to all our lovely family, friends and local community to help raise vital funds to get our sponsor family, Marina and her 6 year old son Alan, out of Ukraine, to somewhere safe, before coming to us in the UK.

Marina ...

Read more & donate here - https://gofund.me/a8681ebe

Forward this message to your contacts to help this campaign reach its goal!

Hi everyone! Thankyou for taking the time to read our page. We are reaching … Beatrice Hodson needs your support for Please help get our sponsor family safe

23/03/2022

First set of Imprint shoes for the year for a laminitic pony.

As much as I enjoy applying Imprint shoes and helping the ponies, the management and the pain the horse endures during the recovery period isn’t enjoyable for the horse or you as an owner. Please be vigilant with grass and weight management!
(This pony wasn’t a dietary related laminitis episode, but it’s the most common cause of laminitis that most farriers see)

Thanks to Dave Feneley for his help today, Veterinary assistance is needed when treating laminitis, especially with the aid of radiographs to ensure correct trim and shoe placement.

12/11/2021

Dads will be dads 😂
image from Pinterest

09/11/2021

The trim is the most important part of a farriers job, new horse visited today. If the foots not level, the fit of the shoe can’t be right either as your chasing the unbalanced foot!

The horse had only been shoe 2 weeks, should be a little more comfortable now!

03/11/2021

Bar shoes can be used for similar purposes to pads and come in all different styles. From straight bars, heart bars, fishtails, graduated to z bars!

This horse had hers refitted today, suffering with collateral ligament damage, and shod as prescribed by the vet. Was previously barefoot and has been sound since having them on!

03/11/2021

02/11/2021

02/11/2021

Pads are used for a number of different reasons, but mainly to help stabilise and support the hoof capsule.
These Derek Poupard 3D HoofCare pads have a 3 degree wedge in them to realign the hoof pastern axis, commonly found in low heel - long toe horses.