Gibson's Equine Farrier Service - Horse Shoeing

06/14/2026

Let's settle a debate...

How many weeks do you keep your horse on between trims?

There isn't one answer that fits every horse, but waiting until the feet "look long" is usually not the best plan.

Hooves grow every day. The longer they go between appointments, the more opportunity there is for imbalance, flaring, cracking, and extra stress on the structures above the foot.

As a farrier, I can often tell a lot about a horse's comfort and movement just by looking at the trim schedule.

👇 So let's hear it...

How many weeks between trims for your horse?

And what's the longest you've ever seen someone wait? 😳

06/11/2026

HORSE OWNERS... I need to know!

What's the WEIRDEST thing your horse does when the temperature hits 90°+? 😂

I'll go first...

I've seen horses:
💦 Stand in water all day long
🌳 Refuse to leave the shade
🥵 Act completely exhausted until feeding time
🚰 Drink enough water to make you wonder where it's all going

Hot weather can definitely change a horse's behavior, but it's also the time of year I start paying closer attention to things like hydration, movement, hoof sensitivity, and overall comfort.

Sometimes it's just the heat...

But sometimes your horse is trying to tell you something.

As a farrier, I've learned that the smallest changes in behavior are often the first clues that something may be brewing.

👇 So let's hear it...

What's the funniest, strangest, or most dramatic thing YOUR horse does when the weather gets hot?

Bonus points for photos! 📸🐴

And while you're here, give the page a follow for more hoof care tips, horse health insights, and stories from life under horses.

06/09/2026

Has your horse suddenly become sore walking on gravel, but seems perfectly fine in the arena or pasture?

This is one of the most common hoof-related issues we see in late spring and early summer.

Owners often notice:
-Tenderness on stone driveways
-Shorter strides than normal
-Reluctance to leave the barn
-Moving comfortably on soft footing but not on hard or rocky ground

The surprising part? The problem isn't always obvious.

Common underlying causes can include:
-Thin soles
- Hoof wall separation
-White Line Disease
-Excess moisture from spring rains
-Low-grade laminitis triggered by rich pasture

Your horse isn't being dramatic.

When horses become sensitive on gravel, their feet are often trying to tell us something long before a major lameness issue develops. Catching these warning signs early can make a huge difference in keeping them comfortable, sound, and doing the things they enjoy.

Every horse is different, but one thing remains the same: healthy movement starts with healthy feet.

Have you ever noticed your horse becoming sore on gravel this time of year?

What was the cause, and how did you solve it?

Share your experience below—your answer might help another horse owner.

06/08/2026

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06/08/2026

Draft horse owners—How often are your horses being trimmed?

One of the reasons I keep many draft horses on a 3-week trim schedule is because of their size and weight.

Those big feet are carrying a lot of horse, and allowing too much hoof growth can lead to flaring, cracking, and added stress on the hoof.

Shorter intervals help keep the feet balanced, comfortable, and easier to maintain before small issues become big ones.

An added benefit? Most drafts don't enjoy standing on three legs for long periods. More frequent maintenance means making the process safer and easier for the horse, the owner, and the farrier.

My goal is simple: keep these gentle giants comfortable, sound, and enjoying life for as many years as possible.

❤️ A little preventative maintenance today can mean a lot more good years tomorrow.

How often is your draft horse currently on a trim schedule?

06/04/2026

"They told her owner this horse wasn't worth the trip."

For months, Cheyenne's owner searched for someone willing to help her sweet senior mare. Many passed because she was a one-horse stop, too far away, or the case seemed like too much work.

Meanwhile, Cheyenne's feet continued to get worse, and her owner worried about her comfort and quality of life.

When I met Cheyenne, I didn't just see overgrown feet. I saw a horse that deserved a chance to be comfortable again.

We started with a therapeutic trim and put together a hoof care plan designed specifically for her needs.

This before-and-after transformation is just the beginning. The goal isn't a quick fix—it's helping Cheyenne stay comfortable, sound, and enjoying life for years to come.

These are the cases that remind me why I do what I do.

Every horse deserves a chance. Every horse deserves comfort. Every horse deserves more good years.

❤️ Cheyenne, you were ALWAYS worth the trip!!!

Gibson's Equine Farrier Service - Therapeutic & Corrective Hoof Care - Serving Western MA, CT, NH & NY

05/29/2026

The best part of my job isn't the horseshoes, trims, or specialty work that I love so much.

It's the horses.

The nuzzles
The personalities
The trust.

It’s the moments that remind you these animals aren't just horses—they're family.

Every trim, every shoe, every therapeutic case starts with the same goal:

Helping them stay comfortable enough to enjoy another ride, another trail, another summer in the pasture, another year with the people who love them.

Because when a horse is comfortable, life is better for everyone.

Here's to giving them more good years. ❤️🐴

05/02/2026

🌧️🐴 April Showers Bring May Flowers… and Mud Season Hoof Problems 🐴🌷

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but all that rain and wet ground can be tough on your horse’s feet.

Mud and constant moisture can lead to:

• Pulled shoes• Abscesses• Thrush• Soft, weak hoof walls• Lost traction / slipping• Sole tenderness• Cracks and hoof separation

This is the time of year when regular hoof care matters most. Whether your horse needs shoes, spring trims, corrective work, or help getting ahead of a hoof issue before it worsens, I’m here to help keep them sound, comfortable, and moving their best.

With 25+ years of trusted experience, I provide dependable, on-time farrier care tailored to each horse’s needs.

🌷 Healthy feet now mean a happier horse all season long.

📲 Message me today to book your next appointment before the spring schedule fills up!

02/02/2026

🦫❄️Groundhog Day or not — winter isn’t over yet! ❄️🐴

Cold ground, snow, and ice mean your horse’s feet still need proper care to stay safe and comfortable.

From winter shoe packages with snow pads & studs to simple, balanced trims, I provide reliable farrier care tailored to your horse’s needs.

With 25+ years of experience, I specialize in:
• Therapeutic & Corrective Shoeing
• Therapeutic & Corrective Trimming
• Laminitis Support
• Abscess Treatment
• Hoof Resections
🧊 Snow Package Available
📲 Message today to get on the February schedule

01/01/2026

Winter is hard on horses — and they rely on us to keep them comfortable, safe, and supported through every icy step. ❄️🐴

Good hoof care isn’t just about shoes or trims… it’s about peace of mind.

Whether your horse needs a winter shoe package with snow pads & studs, or a gentle therapeutic trim to stay balanced barefoot, each visit is tailored with care, patience, and respect for the horse in front of me.

With over 25 years of experience, I’m proud to provide dependable, on-time farrier care for horses in every stage of life — because they give us everything, and they deserve the very best in return.

📲 Message today to schedule your January appointment and keep your horse comfortable all winter long.