Anyone know of a good farrier in this area? Ours just disappeared. Now won't return emails or phone calls. So we need to find a new one. Thanks.
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7 years ago
Anyone know of a good farrier in this area? Ours just disappeared. Now won't return emails or phone calls. So we need to find a new one. Thanks.
Anyone out of the Chris Jess shop in aurthur or the banga boy in Kankakee
7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum
I figured there had to be someone in Arthur, but that's a 2.5 hour drive and I doubt a farrier would want to cover that distance for three animals. Who are you referencing in Kankakee? Do they know working drafts? Any farrier I've found up here thus far seems to specialize in fancy show horses and/or has never touched a mule.
7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum
Move to southwestern Wisconsin, Brian, and I could give you the names of at least 3 good ones, and a few not so good ones. A couple of them will travel 2 hours, but usually for more than 3 critters. Yes, getting drafts and mules trimmed and/or shod is a challenge. I had trouble finding someone who was also willing to do donkeys (standard and mammoth). Their hooves are also different. Isn't there a member of this Porch who has drafts in south/central Illinois? Maybe she will speak up with the name of her farrier(s)? As a "last" resort, you can learn to do your own farriering. But that is quite a long shot.
7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum
Brian, 2 1/2 hours shouldn't be a big deal to your farrier. I used to go to Florida and IL when I was shoeing in the late '70's full time. You go to where the work is unless you shoe in your own barn and then the customers come to you.
7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum
Brian, his name is Austin Banga. I have no idea if he does mules. Most draft horse farriers do show on(pays the bills), additionally it is increasingly hard to find folks who will travel for just three animals. You can find young Banga on facebook. Another resource in your area would be Liza Howe., she is one of the best in our industry. She would know of a farrier.
7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum
Thanks to all. Nora, you are right. Most don't want to travel for just three animals. I suppose I could get more! There's still an empty stall. Jonathan, since my mules work barefoot there isn't the same economic incentive to travel a distance to come to us I'm finding. Dris, thanks for the name. We found someone near Peoria who has worked on mules and drafts in the past (not sure if that's standard mules and draft horses...) but if this doesn't pan out I'll track down Austin. I guess we need more draft horse/mule people in my part of the country to create a demand!
7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum