Hall's Horseshoeing

11/13/2023

2017 on the first picture to current day - my ol Dad still climbs in the rig with me from time to time.

11/22/2022

11/04/2022

I always take extra effort to provide comfort and safety for your horses while I'm shoeing/trimming them.

If it gets below (and stays below freezing) and your horse doesn't have a warm, dry area to live in, or a warm(er) dry area for me to work in - I will most likely suggest to postpone services until the day-time temperatures get slightly above freezing. This is mainly for the prevention of cold weather laminitis, and also for the comfort and safety of yourself and myself as well. Lastly, it's sometimes difficult for me to do a good job when it's VERY cold.

I'm not above working while it's cold, but I do care about your horses comfort above all. Please consult with me (as many of you have over the years) if your upcoming appointment falls during an exceptionally cold stretch.

06/23/2022

When I'm not busy shoeing horses (and building bits) - I enjoy heading steers on my young horse.

05/13/2022

While I've posted a few times that I'm slowing down my Farrier business, I'm still actively shoeing horses - and, I am still accepting a few, select new clients.

I'll accept new clients based on current client and veterinarian referrals, and from horse owners who's Farrier has been injured (helping them out until they return). My book will never be completely closed. Don't be afraid to contact me. If I'm not able to help you, I'll point you towards someone who can.

With another year in the business (28 and counting), I'll implement a few new suggestions/rules:

*Payment will be due upon completion of services, unless previously agreed upon.

*Electronic payments ("I'll pay you when I get back home") will need to be paid within 3 days (I prefer within 3 hours).

*I will no longer work on horses that are eating (no grain bucket, no hay bags, no wheelbarrow full of hay etc). If they can't stand reasonably quiet, while held/tied (regardless of age), I'll gladly come back when they can stand quietly on their own. It doesn't matter the age, issues, current or past trauma, "my horse is a rescue", etc... It's simply a safety issue for both your horse and myself.

03/08/2022

I can't state this any better than a friend did. I had to share. Y'all have often read posts about economics I've shared - well, here's another one.

Farrier pricing is generally downstream to inflation. Costs go up and the farrier absorbs the difference for some time before he or she comes to the realization that the expense has risen significantly. Many of us have experienced a discomfort and reluctance to tackle these conversations with owners and we allow our pricing model to become outdated. By the time we convince ourselves that we must raise our prices we raise them by an increment that does not make up for our loss. Most of us are inherently empathetic towards owners we've grown fond of and we take the bullet for them. We can always work harder right? We're tough. So many of us seem to be a little late to the party when we do raise our rates. The current fuel situation has the potential to run a good number of farriers out of business. Fuel is either our largest or second largest expense depending on the logistics of one's practice. With the mileage I drive I'm currently spending about 500.00 a week in diesel and I'm paying about 165 a week in gasoline for my wife's SUV to run around and do the necessary chauffeur duties of a mom. That is nearly 700.00 a week at the pump. But fuel prices affect supply costs as well. Supply costs are up 30% for farriers this year and groceries are up 25%. Stay with me here...... so consider how many of us were well overdue for a price increase before this Biden economy hit. If we were needing to increase our rates by 20% now we suddenly find ourselves in a situation in which that 20% is 60%. As a horse owner maybe you've grown accustomed to paying say 140.00 for shoes and hell you think that is high, you remember when it was 50 bucks. How are you going to respond when your farrier says it now has to be 240.00? A hundred dollar increase!!!??? Are you f-ing kidding me? That is the dilemma staring at us farriers as we continue to take that bullet for you and continue to work harder with less or nothing to show for it. Aaaand if this economy continues as it is currently trending farriers are just going to throw in the towel and look for other employment. Even with a dramatic pay cut, unburdening ourselves from the expenses make that option increasingly attractive. As it is, it is unsustainable. Farriers know many owners are more likely than not to throw a tantrum of sorts if they are hit with the type of rates that would bring us back to just where we were a few short years ago for the same work. So they'll quit. We have a serious farrier shortage in every state I have ever lived in. This could make that much worse. If fuel continues to skyrocket your farrier's longevity in the business may no longer be dependent on his back holding out but rather by how much room he has left on his credit card.

11/05/2021

The last thing I want to do is raise my rates, but sadly with the price increases of everything involved in the business, I'm forced to do so.

This decision doesn't come lightly, and I've held off for two years implementing any kind of increase. It isn't a raise for me, it's simply to keep my operating cost at a number to stay afloat.

I do operate a business - which has taxes, insurance (to protect you/your property) and the cost of supplies have rises dramatically, provided that I can even find what I'm used to using.

Price increases will take effect as of January 1st, 2022

Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Trevor Hall
Hall's Horseshoeing

08/27/2021

I will be taking some time off a week from now - September 2nd through the 6th and will resume work on the 7th.

I will not be shoeing horses for a few days, and all calls will be forwarded to other local Farriers who can assist you during that time. All is well, I'll just be spending time with Mrs. Hall, building Bits, riding my horse and taking in the local rodeos/shows/dog trials..

Thank you for your continued support!

Trevor

07/12/2021

01/06/2021

Not every shoe I nail on is Steel.

09/02/2020

If you have a horse with an active case of ANYTHING contagious on your property/facility/barn/pasture etc please inform your service provider (Trimmer/Farrier/Chiropractor etc) PRIOR to your scheduled appointment. This includes ANY respiratory issues, Pigeon Fever, Strangles etc. Pigeon Fever has aggressively been going through the Central Oregon area.

Because many of us provide services at several places per day, we can not take the risk of possibly spreading something to another facility, or bringing it home to our personal horses. The chances of us transporting a virus/illness is often minimal, but very possible. We care about horses and their well-being, and we surely wouldn't want to be the one who gets your horses sick.

Please communicate with your service provider(s) if you have a sick horse, and we can assess the risk and see if it's possible to reschedule after your horse is healthy again.

05/12/2020

Thanks to my good friend Craig Rullman for having me out today, and trusting me to work on his nice horses.

Trevor Hall, from Hall's Horseshoeing, pays a visit to the Figure 8 to tack some wedged and padded shoes on the mare after she came up tender. Trevor has bee...

02/04/2020

Checks are slowly becoming a thing of the past, but here at Hall's Horseshoeing, I still gladly accept checks as payment for services.

Aside from checks, for your convenience, I also offer payment options through PayPal, Venmo, Facebook Messenger and any major Credit Card.

I'll always accept good ol' cash money.

01/15/2020

I find it fun and rewarding to visit with kids, help them learn more about the Farrier Business and teach them to maintain their lesson horses in between Farrier visits. I like to step away from a busy day and give back to the community that supports me and educate along the way.

I've done several clinics over the years for both kids and adults, and honestly find that kids are quite sharp, very interested and extremely dedicated.

Special thanks to Kali Kiger and PonyPros for having me over for a fun show & tell hour. Everyone got a hoof pick of their own and left with a smile! Thanks to Jason Vanlaningham for the help also!

01/15/2020

Here are some pictures of a variety of recent horses - basic to therapeutic - but just a little out of the ordinary.

11/25/2019

With exceptionally cold weather coming next week, I take extra effort to provide comfort and safety for your horses while I'm shoeing/trimming them.

If it gets below (and stays below freezing) and your horse doesn't have a warm, dry area to live in, or a warm(er) dry area for me to work in - I will most likely suggest to postpone services until the day-time temperatures get slightly above freezing. This is mainly for the prevention of cold weather laminitis, and also for the comfort and safety of yourself and myself as well.

I'm not above working while it's cold, but I do care about your horses comfort above all. Please consult with me (as many of you have over the years) if your upcoming appointment falls during an exceptionally cold stretch.

11/03/2019

Here at Hall's Horseshoeing, we're fluent not only with Horseshoes, but with Trims also.

11/02/2019

Thanks to Trevor Hall for this picture of a slider with one of our custom stamps!

08/02/2019

This is the quick and easy way I prefer to Tap my shoes for Jumpers. Thanks to Ryen Carlson & Distal Steel for making my job much faster and easier!

06/12/2019

Time is Money

When I was getting started in the Farrier business as a teenager, I struggled with efficiency while shoeing horses, along with the myriad of other issues that plague a young, green Farrier. I remember asking my Dad, who I grew up working with, "How can I get faster?" I still remember his reply clear as can be like it was yesterday - "Ask me that question again after 10 year."

While his answer didn't help directly, the wisdom behind it did.

There's tough logic with what I'm about to help y'all with. On one hand, I tell young/green Farriers to slow down and focus on the job you need to do - but as skills improve, we need to find a way to maximize our time and there comes a time when we need to hustle and get through our work load. The old adage 'time is money' comes into play, especially when a new Farrier (or even an experienced one) starts to get overwhelmed with more than they can handle.

We only have a certain number of hammer blows, squeezes of the nippers, and bend-overs before we are wore out. The average life-span of a Farrier isn't as long as one might think.

Here are some tips to hopefully help maximize your efficiency, and allow you to get through a horse a little faster (if you'd like)..

Truck Positioning - the fewer steps you have to/from the horse, the better. These steps add up over the years, and you can't get them back. Park as close as possible to your work area, but not so close as to be a hazard should the horse blow up, or noise from the grinder/forge be an issue. You'll be surprised how much time this will save you if you pay attention to it. Also, think about the set-up of your truck/trailer to minimize steps around it.

Organization - It's difficult for a disorganized person to be efficient. It takes time to rummage through the bed of a pickup looking for the mismatched set of 00 Standards you knew were in there yesterday. Everything needs to have its place and be in its place to the best of your ability. You don't need to have OCD tendencies, but trust me, it helps.

Tool Quality - often a young Farrier has a budget, or has to use hand-me-downs to get started (I did)... But if you have the option, buy the best tools you can, and care for them as if they were surgical instruments. They will make a living for you, so do your best to take care of them. Avoid too many tools in your box - cutting down those extra pounds you carry around day in/day out will help. Use what's necessary, but also be prepared for what you're working on. I pack a little heavy, both in my tool box, and my truck - I'd rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. Keep your knives sharp, and don't waste time pushing a dull rasp!

Minimize Trips to the Anvil - this will happen with time. As your train your hand-eye coordination, you'll become more efficient shaping shoes, but always keep a mental picture of the foot in your head - envision it, and make every hammer blow count. Practice shaping as accurately as possible with the least amount of hammer blows required. It helps to measure feet and measure shoes at the Anvil to acquire your eye, or to even double-check it on tough to fit horses. Hot Shoeing vs Cold is a completely different subject (for a different time), just do what's best for you.

Stop to think ~ But Trust your Gut - Shoeing horses isn't complicated, trust your gut. Take time to think things through on a challenging situation, but also trust your gut. When all else fails, think back to basics. Your trim sets up the whole process. Don't be afraid to ask.

Know Your Inventory - invest in quality shoes, and invest in a variety. It takes a hefty investment to keep your truck well-stocked, but having a variety of shoes makes the process faster and easier. Often you'll find that one brand of shoes is a half size different than another and can offer a great fit. Sometimes even a hind shaped to a front or vice versa can make for a great fit - there's no shame in it. Know where these shoes are located so you can literally find them in the dark.

Think Ahead - You know that when you're done nailing up that you'll need to finish.. So when you make the trip to the horse after shaping your last shoes, bring your foot-stand with you. If shaping hot, start the forge on a cold day and let it pre-heat. Start your next pair of shoes on fire while you're trimming feet. Make a habit of reaching for the next tool in your box in a smooth, fluid motion. There's no hurry, but it'll help things flow, and your horses will stand better.

Foot Prep - anything you can do to soften hard feet makes your trim so much easier and precise. Invest in a propane torch, and use it on summer-time hard feet. Dress flares each time you shoe, keep clients on a schedule and you'll rarely need to dress flares again. After your trim, sight your feet, double-check with a guage to acquire your eye and move on. I've watched lots of people over the years stare down a foot like a high-noon gun fight and keep whittling on it till it's sore or starts bleeding. Again, trust your gut and move on.

Stay off your Phone - How many of us get caught up on the phone in the middle of a horse? I'm guilty of it quite often. It's OK to do when nobody is around and you're coasting through the day, but when you step back and all all that time up, you'll be surprised how much time Facebook or Instagram ate up - enough time to shoe another horse.

Be Safe - wear glasses at the grinder or Anvil. It's hard to make up time when you're digging crap out of your eyes. Cuts, dings, burns happen, patch 'em up and keep going. Don't accept horses that will make things unsafe. It's OK to say no and move on to the next one. Again, we have a short enough life expectancy as it is.

Buy a Broom - not only does it show extra professionalism cleaning up after yourself, it'll make your life much easier not fighting through your own mess as you work.

Stop and Eat - you don't need to bury yourself under horses all day every day. I'm just trying to help you maximize your time and promote efficiency. Take some time to eat and stay hydrated. It'll help you throughout the day.

Do the best job you can! I'm not trying to promote that anyone get in a hurry. The efficiency I personally strive for is sometimes thought of as me being in a hurry. Horse owners don't want to be hanging onto the lead rope any longer than they have to - especially when the temperatures are extreme.

Work yourself into a day or two off - it's easy to get buried in horses when you're starting out. Scheduling is too personal of an issue to offer advice on it, but don't kill yourself. I've known many new Farriers who've gotten overwhelmed and burnt out quickly because they didn't manage their time wisely. When they got tired and sore, they got hurt. I hate to see anyone get hurt, and I hate when someone loves the business, but has to get out of it because they went too hard, too fast. Be efficient, but find a pace that's comfortable. Just implementing a few things I've mentioned above will easily gain you 5-10 minutes per horse. Think about how quickly that time adds up throughout the course of a day/month/year or even your career.

In closing, this isn't a race, just like with life, there's not special prizes to those who get done the fastest. It's not a timed event, but it helps to work hard, smart and efficiently.

Be safe out there!

05/14/2019

This tip is for those of you who (like me) have trouble clinching up the Avanti (or even the PLR) style shoes. I run Combo Heads in the Avanti shoes, which fit well, but because of the inner rim on the shoe, they are a pain to clinch up cleanly and tightly.

I have been wanting to shorten the bottom jaw of my clinchers, but I couldn't bear that thought of grinding on my good Lopez or GE Clinchers. Recently I picked up a used tool package from a local guy and in it was a decent set of Mustad Clinchers.

This morning, I dressed back the bottom jaw of the clinchers and it worked amazingly well on the Avanti shoes. I was able to effectively hold the head of the nail while tightly clinching, without shoving the head back out.

05/09/2019

It's hard to believe that feet are already getting hard, but they are - please start putting on your moisture supplements!

I prefer 'Sound' Hoof Dressing..

04/21/2019

Thank you to all my great clients who take a proactive approach towards keeping their horses protected and supported. Not only does this have obvious benefits to your horse, it also helps keep my shoes on.

04/03/2019

https://onetouchflyspray.com/advice-from-our-experts/f/truth-about-farriers

A few months back, Someone made a post saying they were looking for a new farrier. This is a very common post since social media is a great networking tool. Upon scrolling thru comments, a few of them sparked interest an...