Maintenance scheduling:
Horses on a schedule (usually 6-8 weeks) that will keep them balanced, by trimming and shoeing the hoof before it is too long, causing stresses on the hoof and or leg, with flares, chipping, crushing the heels etc…

Improvement scheduling: Horses on a schedule (usually 2-6 weeks) where trimming and shoeing is needed more often due to balance, poor conformation, limb deformities, injuries or neglect.

Your farrier should create a plan of care that should include regular farrier visits, help and communication from a veterinarian, if needed. The plan should strive to improve the horses’ hooves to their maximum potential. These goals and changes can take a significant amount of time.

Your farrier should provide kind/humane treatment of your horse. That’s not to say that your farrier should allow him/herself to get injured while trying to work on an ill mannered horse. Bad behavior even that playful nip, needs to be met with a stern reprimand, preferably from the horse owner. Please let the farrier know before you discipline, so they can get out of harm’s way.

Your farrier should be well educated, and continuing to be educated through reading and or attending clinics, seminars and conferences.

Your farrier should be well informed of the procedure that they are to perform, and perform the appropriate work to the best of his/her ability. Your farrier should not try to do tasks or procedures beyond their range of knowledge or abilities, without the assistance of a seasoned farrier and or a veterinarian.

Your farrier should be willing to discuss and or explain any part of the trimming/shoeing process. However lengthy discussions should wait for another time, not when your horse is being worked on, as they need to concentrate and keep alert.

You as a horse owner should become involved in all aspects of your horses care. Get your information from reputable sources. Ask your farrier, veterinarian, or other horse people that you know and trust. Do not believe all that you see and read on the internet. There is a lot of misinformation out there, that could get yourself or your horse hurt.