It is officially National Farrier’s Week! This week encourages horse owners, rider, grooms, and trainers to show gratefulness and say thank you to the specialists in equine hoof care. Farriers are trained professional that work hard year-round to make sure our horses get quality hoof care, so this week lets recognize them for their contributions to the equine industry.
Horses are incredible athletes. In order to keep our athletes in shape, we need to do our best to meet their needs. One of the most important things you can do for your horse is have a skilled farrier for them. There are all different levels of farriers out there. Their primary job is hoof trimming and shoeing. Trimming each hoof so it retains proper foot function is important. If the horse has a heavy workload, needs additional traction, or has conformation challenges, shoes might be required. Additional tasks might involve dealing with injured or diseased hooves. Farriers work is difficult and occasionally dangerous, hours are long, and hard on their body.
When your farrier comes to work on your horses always provide a clean, level, well lit area to work on. It is important to always have your horses ready for their appointment, even taking a minute to pick out your horse’s feet and brush their legs is very helpful. Lastly, make sure you work with your horses to always make sure they are comfortable so everyone can stay safe.
Here are some ways to show your appreciation:
- Have a cup of coffee or a nice cold drink waiting for them
- Bake cookies, brownies, or some other tasty treat
- A gas card or gift card to a nice restaurant
- Warm layers for winter or a new thermos
- Cooling accessories for summer or a new water bottle
- Simply saying thank you
- Consider a Benefab product to help ease a hard working’ back, shoulders, or knees.
Benefab’s products will help those sore muscles and aches a farrier might experience. The Therapeutic Bed Set would be a perfect gift for your farrier which may offer some assistance with increasing, mobility, lessening pain, and relaxing muscles. The Benefab ® fabric is infused with a powder blend comprised of 30 lead-free minerals that emit therapeutic waves known as FAR-infrared rays which penetrate deep to provide soothing relief for pain and healing. However, never underestimate the value of a positive word-of-mouth review or a hand-signed card from you and your horses. Sometimes it is these little gestures that speak the loudest. Go thank your farrier!
