N R Brown Farriers is a professional farriery service based in Abergavenny, South Wales, UK. Interact with each other. Post any adverts or spam.
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FARRIERS and VETS this is one for you. This project explores the ‘attitudes, knowledge and opinions of equine veterinarians and farriers towards farriery and vet-farrier relationship’. Responses are anonymous and should take around 25 minutes to complete.
Many of you (our clients!) are receiving regular hoofcare services but your responses and experiences are important to provide an accurate picture of hoofcare provision across the UK.
Please take just 5 minutes to answer, your responses are appreciated 😊
❓ Do you have five minutes to help The British Horse Society?
📝 We all know how vital regular hoof care is to our horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. To futureproof this care, The BHS needs your help to assess the availability of qualified farriers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland via this quick survey 🔗 forms.office.com/e/QjLDuMJqk3
🐴 If you’re over 18, they’d love to hear about your routine hoof care and your experiences when accessing farriery and hoof care provider services for the animals in your care.
🤝 Your insight will allow the BHS to work in partnership with other equine welfare charities, and the industry, to make access to the farriery profession easier so that, together, we can futureproof horse care in the UK.
Another super result - keep going 😉🏆🎉
Nice mention in Horse & Hound for Georgina (Cefn Du Endurance Horses)! 🤩🥳
Congratulations to Georgina Vaughan and Amie Grainger
Georgina and Vlacq Elladora (bay) and Amie and Sheraani (grey) both won silver awards at the annual Endurance GB 160km Golden Horseshoe Ride in Exmoor 17-19 May. Georgina also earned the top lady title.
📸 Credit: David Saunders Photography
Wishing Nigel the happiest of birthdays! 🥳🎉🍻
Is there a pony that knows their job better?
Great to see him in his usual place in the ribbons 🥰
If anyone ever feels down and out, you can do it! 🏆
Merlin is 28 years old who has EMS and suffers with Laminitis if not controlled, and he's only gone and won with Team England in the Pony Club Mounted Games at the Royal Windsor Horse Show!
He looks a million dollars and is flying. The results can be controlled, he lives on no grass, limited controlled feed and we’ve done it!
A great vets and an amazing farrier, keep digging deep results will come! 🐴
Bernie is an absolute legend. Lovely to see his work highlighted 😊
(He needs to write a book 😉)
Lovely to welcome Golden Valley Hunt Pony Club to the forge on a sunny Friday evening ☀️🤩
We discussed tools, bones, shoes, shoeing, different types of work, different types of shoe, ailments and diseases!
We hope you enjoyed your evening - have fun this summer 😊
Muddy underfoot but at least the rain stopped! Great result. Well done team Cefn Du Endurance Horses! 🙌
What a day! So so proud of my beautiful homebred CD Bellatrix successfully completing the CEI** 120km at Royal Windsor in 9th place at 14.6km/hr to finish top Brit in pretty tough conditions! She was awesome all day, taking the atmosphere in her stride and exceeding my expectations. Making the hard winter slog worthwhile, and probably preparing her for the conditions under foot perfectly. Thank-you Harry for the great company out on course, Amanda and Elsie for the help crewing and of course Stephen for being there every step of her journey! Top shoeing for the conditions underfoot from Nigel Brown farrier and Hannah Thomas physio for enabling her to be the best she can be. The Pure Feed Company
Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world…. After she’s had her nap anyway 😆
Love this pic. Thanks to Helene for sharing. It’s not just us who are enjoying some spring sunshine 😊☀️
When to turn out is a common area of debate - and a challenge for many owners/carers. Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential.
TURN OUT DAYTIME OR OVERNIGHT DURING SUMMER, (for a good doer)?
This is something I am regularly asked...
The idea of overnight turn out being best for good doers in summer came from the research showing that fructan levels peak in grass during the afternoon and early evening, then drop overnight. The safest time for turnout was therefore proposed to be dusk till dawn.
HOWEVER! its not just fructan levels per kg of grass that matter and TOTAL fructan, sugar and energy (calorie) intake by the grazing horse is more important both for body fat level and laminitis risk. On top of that, fructan levels may remain elevated during cold nights and are also affected by other factors including sun, shade, water availability, temperature, fertilisation, growth rate of grass and how hard it is grazed.
More important than day or night turnout is how much grass your horses have access to and restricting this for good doers is probably more important than when you turn out. Horses do spend less time eating overnight, but that would only really be worthwhile if you're talking about 12 hours out and 12 in. Most owners are turning out for longer than the horse is in, with overnight turnout.
Daytime in and overnight turnout suits many in summer in because it helps avoid fly worry and excess heat if there is no shelter in the paddocks. But there are other factors to consider - the most important of which is the amount of grass your horse or pony can eat - if you're trying to ensure safety of grazing for good doers and potential laminitis-prone horse and ponies...
As always, keep monitoring your individual horse or pony to ensure they maintain a healthy body fat level and adjust their diet accordingly.
Feel free to share
🐴🍏
Slightly distracted watching the live results come in this morning 😉
Great result for Sara, congratulations from us 🤩🍾
😊
On the occasion of World Poetry Day today, let's go a little lyrical...
𝗔 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿 💙
You may have seen the Charter for the Horse published by British Equestrian earlier this week.
The way we look after our horses is evolving.
World Horse Welfare put on a number of webinars which are usually superb; this one next Wednesday certainly looks to be an interesting one!
We are an international horse charity that improves the lives of horses in the UK and around the world through education, campaigning, and hands-on care.
Super post from Ben 😊⬇️
Happiest of birthdays to Alistair! 🥳
FARRIERS! This survey is for you, please take 5 minutes to give your opinion ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Are you a dedicated farrier passionate about the future of your profession?
You are invited to participate in the Farrier Recruitment and Retention Survey led by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC).
During the BFBA Focus Event back in October 2023, a group of NEWC members ran a pilot version of this survey and received an overwhelming response from 115 participants.
Now they are inviting you to have your say. By taking part in this survey, you have the opportunity to voice your concerns and contribute to the development of solutions that address the challenges faced by the farriery profession.
Don't miss your chance to participate in the survey today, follow the link to take part -
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/cqaebe
For more information about the role of NEWC please visit newc.co.uk
National Equine Welfare Council
Really sorry to read this. We’ve attended Gatcombe many times; Nigel had the honour judging the WCF Best Shod at Gatcombe.
Gatcombe Horse Trials has been cancelled 🚫
It's been going for 40 years - but organisers say it's now "unfeasible to run" due to costs ➡️ bbc.in/49BYNXm
A lot of horses have done very well this winter, despite the lack of grass (for some) and abundant mud (everyone) body fat may not have been utilised as much as it might have been in other winters due to the mild temperatures. Stay vigilant.
PREVENT LAMINITIS BEFORE IT HAPPENS!
Like last year, laminitis is already about in the UK, perhaps due to the relatively mild winter we've had in the UK and therefore the ongoing grass growth.
Laminitis does not always wait until the spring so watch out for it at all times...
There is so little understanding of exactly what is involved with this awful condition, and theories abound, so until we know more, we have to work with what information we have. Being overweight (excess body fat) and grass intake both appear to increase the risk, so these are two practical ways we can help reduce the risk.
Please help by sharing; thank you 🐴🍏
How nice is it to see the sunshine?! ☀️
We are currently working on a new website; a fresh lick of paint is now overdue. Would any of our clients like to provide a testimonial? Does not need to be long and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
Please email [email protected].
Thank you 😊
If you are financially responsible for the care of horses please do take time to complete this survey. You may, or may not, have been impacted by the current financial climate, your responses will help promote understanding and assess the potential impact on equine welfare.
Please take a few minutes to take our survey.
Happy Christmas! Thank you to all of our clients for their custom this year - we look forward to working with you throughout 2024.
Thank you too for the very many generous gifts we have recived - it is never expected and always appreciated. Enjoy your festivities and we wish you - and your horses - good health and happiness for the new year.
Nigel & Claire.
Should livery yards in Wales be licensed? An opportunity to have your say on this consultation ⬇️⬇️
📋 A new consultation has been launched by the Welsh Government on Licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits in Wales
🐴 The Welsh Government are particularly keen to hear from those directly impacted by or interested in this area such as: animal sanctuaries and rescue centres, animal welfare organisations, local authorities, veterinary professionals, academics, and administrators/owners of animal activities, exhibits and establishments
👉 Read the consultation details & submit your comments, here 🔗 https://www.gov.wales/licensing-animal-welfare-establishments-activities-and-exhibits
🗓 Ends 1st March 2024
A small (important) but easily forgotten admin task and now you can do it for free in November ⬇️⬇️⬇️
🐴 A passport amnesty has been launched by Weatherbys Ltd for owners of former racehorses.
5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ The first 500 owners needing to update their horse's passport can do so for free throughout November, as the British Horseracing Authority's Horse Welfare Board inaugural Thoroughbred census reaches 4,500 submissions 🎉
More info 👉 bit.ly/passportamnesty
Great to see Merlin continuing to enjoy his job 🥰
It’s tempting to rug when we feel the ‘chill’. Really good points in this post ⬇️⬇️⬇️
🐎 IS IT TIME TO STOP TALKING ABOUT RUGGING HORSES? 🐎
Every year, at this time, we start talking about when to rug, what type of rug to use, what weight of rug, off day on night, age, health, wind, rain, temperature, etc, etc.
So a recent social media "rant" by an equine vet got me thinking. A little bit of self-reflection and reappraisal never hurts! I thought it would be good to start with a few facts.
🐎Many owners over-rug their horses and ponies at this time of year. Either putting on rugs when they aren't needed or putting on rugs that are too “heavy" (insulating).
🐎Many owners judge how to rug their horse/pony by how they feel. Horses are 7-10 times heavier than most people and covered in hair with only 2.5 times more surface (not 7-10x). They don't lose heat as easily as we do.
🐎The horses comfortable external temperature range (thermoneutral range or zone) is ~5-25°C (41-77°F). Ours is ~21-30°C (70-86°) [depending on which source you use]
🐎Over-rugging can make horses uncomforatble and "unhappy", it can lead to horses exhibiting signs similar to colic, it can be a factor in obesity, lead to pressure sores, increased risk of skin disease.
🐎At ~6-8°C, clipped mature stabled horses began to show signs of sweating with a fly rug and 1 or 2 fleeces.
🐎We all do it, but putting your hand under the rug or feeling your horses/ponies ears is not a reliable way to judge "comfort"
It's not time to stop talking about rugging. It's not just me talking about rugging. , , , and all regularly highlight the problem of over-rugging horses and ponies.
And in my role as President of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), I have a responsiblity to keep raising this issue.
NO ONE IS SAYING DON'T EVER PUT A RUG ON A HORSE OR PONY! All we are saying is that there is a tendency to put on rugs sooner than they are required and/or to put on a heavier rug than is required.
Of course there are potentially a lot of considerations when deciding to rug and with what, including, the weather, size, age, body condition, fitness, diet, breed, coat (length, clipped/unclipped), shelter, health and indiviudal variation.
BOTTOM LINE - We still need to keep talking about rugging. If it upsets anyone the solution is very simple. They can use the under-used technique of "just scrolling on" 🙂
POSTSCRIPT: Thought it may be worth adding this after reading some of the comments.
POSSIBLE REASONS FOR USING RUGS ON HORSES....
1) Keep off flies
2) Protect exposed pink skin from UV
3) To hold water for keeping cool (evaporative cooling rugs)
4) To keep horse clean
5) To keep horse warm
ILLUSTRATION:
The wonderfully talented Erin at Chestnuts created this brilliant illustration, and we are very grateful that she has allowed us to use it. Thank you Erin Chestnuts!
https://www.facebook.com/CustomChestnuts/
Congratulations! 🥂🤩
We did it! 1st 2 day 160km at Well Vale EGB National Championships! CD Bellatrix what an incredible horse! 🥰😍🏇🏻
Result! 🤩
This has been a topic of debate in our house this week…. Restricting intake is the bottom line!
SUMMER TURN OUT DAYTIME OR OVERNIGHT (for a good doer)?
I've been asked this question a lot...
The idea of overnight turn out being best for good doers in summer came from the research showing that fructan levels peak in grass during the afternoon and early evening, then drop overnight. The safest time for turnout was therefore proposed to be dusk till dawn.
HOWEVER! its not just fructan levels per kg of grass that matter and TOTAL fructan, sugar and energy (calorie) intake by the grazing horse is more important both for body fat level and laminitis risk. On top of that, fructan levels may remain elevated during cold nights and are also affected by other factors including sun, shade, water availability, temperature, fertilisation, growth rate of grass and how hard it is grazed.
More important than day or night turnout is how much grass your horses have access to and restricting this for good doers is probably more important than when you turn out. Horses do spend less time eating overnight, but that would only really be worthwhile if you're talking about 12 hours out and 12 in. Most owners are turning out for longer than the horse is in, with overnight turnout.
Daytime in and overnight turnout suits many in summer in because it helps avoid fly worry and excess heat if there is no shelter in the paddocks. But there are other factors to consider - the most important of which is the amount of grass your horse or pony can eat - if you're trying to ensure safety of grazing for good doers and potential laminitis-prone horse and ponies...
As always, keep monitoring your individual horse or pony to ensure they maintain a healthy body fat level and adjust their diet accordingly.
Feel free to share 🐴🍏
Horseflies! 🤬
Don’t think I have ever seen as many as I have this morning, currently raiding the cupboard for antihistamine…
If you could apply fly spray prior to your hoofcare appointment it would be much appreciated.
Abergavenny
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It’s Nigel’s birthday! 🎉🥳🥂 (Be gentle with him today 😆)
Delighted to be here to see this! One proud farrier. Huge congratulations Issy, a beautiful double clear! 🤩🥰🥳
N R Brown Farriers offer a professional equine hoof care service, located in Abergavenny, South Wales.
The Olde Barn, Ceiriog Valley, Wales
Llanarmon Road
