Barry is Bourton Vale’s remedial farrier, running a weekly clinic, on a Thursday, at the practice. Clients or any referral cases make an appointment for their horse to be shod by phoning the clinic directly. The majority of cases he deals with will be lameness, where he corrects foot balance. Radiographs may well be taken of the horses feet to help diagnose and correct problems. There are numerous laminitis cases, where corrective shoeing can help to reduce the level of discomfort and promote the level of horn growth. Many local studs employ Barry to help with their foals and young stock as their foot development can affect their bone growth. The very latest plastics are used to good effect building wedges and extensions for youngsters as required. The clinic currently deals with about eight keratoma (foot tumour) removals a year for which Barry is on hand to assist the veterinary surgeons.

Barry started working as a farrier in 1970 and has been an active remedial farrier for the last 20 years workings with many of the top equine practices around the country. He has primarily based himself with BVEC since 1978. Living in Ross on Wye he spends much of his spare time watching his son quad bike racing and help his wife with her very successful Angora goats. (Check out the socks!)

The regular Thursday farriery clinic can be booked by contacting our office. Appointments are usually for an hour. We do try to liaise with the client’s regular farrier if possible and they are welcome to attend the appointment and discuss follow-up farriery with Barry and the treating veterinary surgeon.