Shoeing Day arrives every six weeks or so. We always look forward to Fred’s visits. He is a gifted artist at shoeing, which is one of the most important elements of horse management. And he is very funny, which may not matter to the horses, but it certainly entertains us. Fred has been shoeing our horses for 16 years now, and he gets much credit for the soundness of our herd of elderly horses. Derry is 23, Bart is 20, Oisin is 19, and Stone is 18.
The weather was perfect, cool enough that the flies were not out. Harry came from the house without a cane to visit Fred. He is walking normally now. Today was the first time he has put the cane aside for the whole day. He is very happy to be able to use both hands at will.
Here are our three horses’ finished feet.
And here are Derry’s front feet before and after. She got her first shoes of the year today, whereas our horses were reset.
The horses are all good to shoe, and I think they enjoy the day of camaraderie and laughter in the barn.
Cora enjoyed the commotion. She misses seeing Harlan on Tuesdays.
Tom Morris thought about hitching a ride out with Fred.
Instead, he settled down with his best friend for a rest.
After lunch, Jane and I took Bart and Derry out to test Fred’s work, and we even jumped! First jumping of 2026. More to come…
Be safe, be well, be grateful and be kind. Slava Ukraini! Peace…
Galloping Through 
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