Oh no, I couldn't take being a farrier. There are too many people out there who simply refuse to handle their horses while you are down there with their feet. Believe it or not, a lot of people think it's acceptable for their horse to kick out or turn around and bite the farrier. I couldn't take that without correcting the horse and then you'd end up fired. I just do what I can for my horses, my families horses and people who have a problem and can't get to the vet immediately.
There are different groups for the Amish. Actually, the one I understudied was one of the few who helped in the beginning with developing the Natural Balance shoe (I'm not sure if you're familiar with this shoe but I really love it). Some Amish are not very good horsemen, others are wonderful- just like with the English. Fortunately, though, when you get one who knows what he's doing he usually is very good at it because they use it all the time.
Did you have any luck flushing it out? Doesn't it just smell lovely?? Yuck.. abcesses... Have you ever seen one once it has healed and trimmed? If you haven't.. it's probably one of the coolest things!
