There are some clients who simply can’t afford certain services that a farrier can provide. When possible, a little creativity can achieve the same goal in their horse’s hoof care, as well as add customer value to your practice.

Richfield, Wis., farrier Todd Gillis employs some of that creativity when clients can’t afford a pour-in pad.

“I just cut off a section of foam padding (Figure 1),” he explains, “and apply some Venice turpentine to the foot (Figure 2 Above). During wetter times of the year, I’ll mix copper sulfate in with the Venice turpentine. Then I place the foam on the foot and under the pad and shoe package (Figure 3) and nail it on.

“It keeps my clients happy and they appreciate the effort.”

Be sure to pick up a copy of the November issue of American Farriers Journal to learn how Gillis deals with a horse that has grown an extra hoof wall.

Do you have a helpful tip you would like to share with other farriers? Send them to Jeff Cota at jcota@lesspub.com.

Figures 1 and 3