It’s been said before: Farriery isn’t rocket science. Aksel Vibe is one who subscribes to this phrase.

“Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be,” he says. “As horseshoers, we are often inventors, so sometimes we can over complicate things.” 

Although it isn’t rocket science, there is much to consider when working with a jumper so it can compete in the show ring. Vibe shared some of his thoughts on thinking ahead, yet not over complicating matters while shoeing two high level jumpers at a sport horse barn in Oslo.

Communication Is Key

Vibe is at this barn every week. The first horse he’s working on just returned from the European Championships, so it is slightly overdue. Vibe talks to the trainer about the horse before he picks up a foot. He says that conversation with 
the trainer is critical

“In that conversation, you should ask the obvious questions on how the horses are doing and developing,” he says. “The more familiar…