Norton Farrier Services

10/09/2025

Believe it or not, it’s never too early to start your foal off on the right foot - literally.

Most foals can have their first farrier visit when they’re just a week or two old. Not to do a full trim right away, but to take a look at how those little hooves are growing and make sure everything is wearing evenly.

• Early visits help catch any signs of crooked legs, club feet, or uneven growth before they turn into bigger problems later on.

• Around 4-6 weeks old- most foals are ready for their first light trim. This helps shape their hooves as they grow and teaches them early on that standing quietly for the farrier is just part of life.

If your foal is showing any signs of limb deformities or unusual stance, your vet and farrier might even want to take a look within the first few days to make gentle corrective adjustments.

Early attention can help prevent long-term soundness issues & sets the foundation for strong, balanced, and sound feet that will carry your horse well for years to come.

📞 440-321-5120

08/29/2025

This is your sign to ask your farrier if they would prefer you use organic fly spray during your appointment, or fly sheet & fly boots.

A lot of chemicals in regular fly sprays can cause cancer and can potentially cause skin and respiratory issues ❌

Give organic a try!

08/22/2025

Holding for the Farrier- let’s talk about the basics 🐴

Your job is to control the horse, ensuring it remains calm, still, and does not walk-off, push, or nibble at the farrier.

•Keep your horse’s Head Up ⬆️
A horse with its head down is less balanced and more likely to lean on your farrier.

•Monitor for Nipping 🚫
Watch for the horse using its lips to explore the farrier. This is a rude and dangerous behavior that can quickly turn into biting, so be ready to move the horse’s head away.

• Stand on the same side as your farrier
This allows you to move the horses back end away from the farrier in case of an emergency!

**Bonus Points if you have your horse’s legs free of any mud and fly sprayed beforehand 😂

08/20/2025

Ever wonder why some horses wear wedge shoes? 🐴✨

These specialized shoe/wedge combo can help correct low hoof angles, relieve strain on tendons and ligaments, and support better balance and posture.

You'll see them used often for horses recovering from injury or with certain hoof conditions, making each step more comfortable and helping them stay sound for the long run.

This horse has low PA angles- and doesn't grow much of a heel- so she runs in a 2 degree wedge.

What's that blue stuff? ⬇️

When using wedges, I utilize an antimicrobial so we don't develop thrush or other anaerobic bacteria under the pad and shoe!

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08/14/2025

I had the pleasure of Tucker riding along with me yesterday to do a few of my clients’ horses. He’s interested in becoming a vet! Tucker is a student at universityschool - where I graduated from in ‘97!

It was great to have him! Good luck in your studies!

08/12/2025

Happy Tuesday 🐴

Who wants to see an informational video on wedges? 🙋‍♂️🧲

07/23/2025

Tip of the Week 👇

Keep watching to learn how to pull a shoe!

Save this video to refer to later (just in case)

07/10/2025

Horse fly boots double as people fly boots around here. 🪰

This barrel racer and her horses are now ready for the weekend!

I am accepting new clients!
If you are in need of a farrier, send me a message, or give me a call or text at:
440-321-5120

07/07/2025

𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬:

Hot shoeing or “hot fitting,” is a common practice among farriers. After the foot has been trimmed, rasped and is ready for the new shoe, the heated shoe is placed briefly on the foot.

The purpose is to create a smooth surface between the hoof and the shoe and to seal hoof- making it less likely to dry out in a dry climate or take on moisture and soften in a wet environment. The heat also tends to kill any fungi and bacteria that may cause problems in the hoof 🔨🔥

➡️ A proper hot fit can help prevent cracks, splits, bacteria, and shifting shoes
➡️ No, it doesn’t hurt the horse—the hoof wall has no nerves or blood supply

Although sometimes beneficial, it's not always necessary.

05/21/2025