Hoof problems, horse owners and farriers; ... what do we really think?

Do you know which hoof problems our horses and ponies experience most frequently? Can you guess what we collectively think of our farriers – and have you any idea what they might say about their horse owning clients?

A recent survey by ArcEquine of over 600 UK owners and riders offers an interesting insight into one of the most important aspects of horse ownership.

Almost 80% of respondents feel there are sufficient farriers in their locality, yet over 46% have had problems finding a farrier they trust in the past. Almost 95% of farriers are male and over 46% of horse owners have worked with their current farrier for over five years.

When it comes to hoof problems in individual horses and ponies, the ‘top three’ reported are Abscesses (47.92%), Cracks and Splits (47.74%) and Loss of Shoes between Farrier Visits (47.38%). Bruising, Thrush and Laminitis all affect a significant number of equines, with only 15% enjoying completely healthy hooves.

Over 88% confirm their farrier is ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to consult with their vet and over 93% trust their farrier’s knowledge and ability either ‘most of the time’ or ‘completely’. Over 96% would recommend their farrier to others.

ArcEquine managing director Ian Thirkell comments: “We receive a lot of requests for information about how our ArcEquine Device can help with hoof injuries and associated issues, so understanding more about the most common problems and the relationship between horse owners, their farriers and vets will mean we can more confidently offer the most appropriate advice.”

So finally then, what do horse owners and farriers really think about each other?

Almost 75% of us have no complaints about our farrier, but 9% of people highlighted ‘timekeeping’ as a problem, over 7% find their farrier ‘difficult to contact’, over 6% as ‘too busy for urgent or unplanned visits’ and over 4% cite ‘changing visit dates’.

When it comes to what we think our farriers would say about us, the most common admission from over 13% of respondents is ‘hooves and legs muddy and / or wet’, although more than 68% are of the opinion that their farrier wouldn’t have any criticism of them. On a more lighthearted note, the comment – “probably that I am unable to attach an IV drip for his cuppas” was echoed by others in similar vein and confirms that this fundamental relationship unique to horseowners is thriving and generally in the best of health.

Find out more online at www.arcequine.com, join the ArcEquine community on facebook or follow @ArcEquine on Twitter.