Turner Custom Horseshoeing

Farrier in Billings, Montana

(591) 555-50676959 Horseshoe Ln, Billings, MT 59101

About Turner Custom Horseshoeing

Turner Custom Horseshoeing is based in Billings, Montana, the largest city in the state and a hub for the region's ranching, rodeo, and recreational riding communities. With vast open country, rocky terrain, and serious working horses throughout Yellowstone County and beyond, hoof care here isn't a casual business. This provider handles everything from barefoot trimming and natural hoof care to hoof reconstruction and draft horse shoeing, making them one of the more versatile farriers operating out of Billings. Montana horse owners need a farrier who can handle both the weekend trail horse and the working ranch horse, and Turner covers that range.

Services

Hoof Reconstruction
Natural Hoof Care
Barefoot Trimming
Draft Horse Shoeing
Corrective Trimming

Specialties

Performance HorsesRacehorses

Certifications

Master FarrierAFA Intern

Brands Used

GE ForgeJim KeithDiamondLiberty

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hoof reconstruction involve and how long does it take?
Hoof reconstruction is used when a horse has lost significant hoof wall due to a crack, abscess, injury, or white line disease, and the remaining hoof can't adequately hold a nail or support a shoe on its own. The farrier uses acrylic or composite materials to fill in and rebuild the missing wall, then applies a shoe over the repaired area. It's not a one-visit fix. The horse will need follow-up trims and reshaping as the hoof grows out, which can take several months.
Is barefoot trimming realistic for horses that work on Montana's rocky terrain?
It depends on the horse and how much rocky ground they're covering regularly. Horses that are ridden extensively on gravel roads or shale hillsides often need the protection of a shoe, at least on their fronts. That said, many horses thrive barefoot if they're conditioned gradually and their terrain is mixed rather than consistently abrasive. A good farrier will give you an honest assessment rather than pushing you one way or the other.
Do draft horses need a different kind of farrier than light horses?
Yes. Draft horse shoeing requires heavier stock steel, larger nails, and different tools than what's used on saddle horses. There's also a physical component. Working safely under a Percheron or Belgian requires experience and strength that not every farrier has developed. If you have draft horses, ask specifically whether a farrier is comfortable and equipped for that kind of work before booking.
How does Montana's climate affect hoof care schedules?
Montana's dry summers can cause hooves to become brittle and prone to cracking, while spring mud can soften hoof walls and create conditions for thrush and white line disease. Many farriers in the Billings area recommend a slightly shorter interval in late spring when hooves are growing fast and conditions are wet. Keeping a consistent schedule rather than waiting until hooves are obviously overgrown is the best approach year-round.
What is natural hoof care and is it the same as going barefoot?
Natural hoof care is a trimming philosophy that aims to replicate how wild horse hooves wear and self-maintain, focusing on balance, mustang roll bevels, and avoiding excessive sole removal. It's closely associated with barefoot horses but isn't exactly the same thing. A horse can receive a natural hoof care trim and still wear a boot for rides on rough ground, for example. It's more of a management approach than a strict no-shoe rule.
How do I prepare a large or draft horse for a farrier visit?
Have the horse well-handled and comfortable with having all four feet picked up before the farrier arrives. A draft horse that hasn't had its feet worked with recently can make for a difficult appointment that takes much longer than necessary. Tie the horse in a clean, level area with good footing and make sure there's enough overhead clearance and space for the farrier to move safely. If your horse has any history of being difficult for the farrier, mention that when you call.

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