When a farrier has a day scheduled at a veterinary clinic, you know it’s not going to involve a lot of standard trims and shoeing. Horses that are being seen by a farrier under those conditions are usually facing much more serious issues than a bit of flaring on a hoof wall or a hoof crack.

It also usually makes for an interesting day, according to Jamey Carsel, who has spent just about every Friday for the last few years at the Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Pea Ridge, Ark. The certified journeyman farrier from Carthage, Mo., makes a short drive from his home to work with equine veterinarian Chris France, who works at the clinic along with his father, Gary.

And a “normal” shoeing day at the clinic is actually anything but.

Carsel enjoys the clinic work, not just for the challenge, but also for the opportunity to work with France and other veterinarians, technicians and staff members at the clinic. Pea Ridge has a strong “teamwork” feel to it, as staff members gather around X-rays, help each other with procedures and pitch in to help their equine patients.

Dancing Horse In Trouble

First on Carsel’s schedule is Cannello, a Mexican Dancing Horse that Carsel has seen a couple of times before. He says when he first saw the horse, he didn’t think the prognosis was too good.

“The owner lent him…