This blog is sponsored by the PRO FEET range of hoof care products from NAF
I think I’ve forgotten to mention in my previous blogs that the shoes I’m now making are being used, rather than thrown away. They’re actually being nailed on, which is (for me) a major accomplishment.
My apprenticeship is well under way now and, from time to time, I get the feeling that I am actually being useful to the business. Wonders will never cease! Of course I’m still a slow member of the team and, as new duties are given to me, things do have a tendancy to grind to a standstill — well almost!
Trimming hooves is now my major focus and, whilst I’m putting serious amounts of concentration into that, I’m trying not to drop the ball with my other tasks. Kris Parsons, my training farrier, did have to bring me up short about leaving nails in the hooves when taking shoes off. It seems that each time the learning curve gets steep, for a while anyway, a few established competencies become incompetencies. Why is that?
Anyway, I’m loving the work and the challenges and now, almost 8 months in, I’m still not regretting taking on the farriery apprenticeship a single bit.
Although my next college block and exams aren’t until the end of October, there’s a lot of work to do. The picture is of my scribbles as we journey between yards. It’s a good opportunity to do some book work, but Devon roads and Kris’ driving aren’t conducive to fine art. Even so these drawings will help me recognise conformation abnormalities and prepare me for my other career as a painter (I don’t think so!)
Until next week
Roland
www.twitter.com/nagsandnails/
Sponsor’s message
The market-leading PRO FEET range of hoof care products offers formulas designed to nourish and protect your horse’s feet.
Nourish with PRO FEET 
Developed by veterinary scientists, with the help of farriers, PRO FEET offers the most concentrated, fast acting, nutritional support for quality horn growth and strong healthy hooves. Available in a powder and a liquid, giving you the choice of how to feed this highly specified formula to your horse. PRO FEET Liquid is available from £26.95, while PRO FEET Powder costs from £27.50.
The PRO FEET range is available from NAF stockists nationwide. For more details call the NAF Freephone Advice line: 0800 373106 or email info@naf-uk.com
