How to Find the Right Farrier for Your Horse

How to Find the Right Farrier for Your Horse:

A guide for new horse owners and current horse owners looking for a new farrier.

Whether you’re a new horse owner looking for a farrier or a current horse owner looking for a new farrier, your farrier is one of the most important professionals you will work with. A farrier’s job goes beyond simply trimming your horse’s hooves. They ensure that your horse is comfortable, healthy, and performing at its best. Finding the right farrier can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find a skilled, reliable farrier for your horse.

Before you start searching for a farrier, it’s important to understand what their role entails. A farrier is a trained specialist who trims and shoes your horses’ hooves to promote health and prevent injury. Depending on your horse’s needs, your farrier may:

• Trim hooves to maintain proper shape and length
• Apply horseshoes for protection and performance
• Address any hoof health issues such as abscesses or cracks
• Advise on hoof care, including diet and environment considerations

Farriers are often trained to work with different disciplines (competition horses, pleasure horses, and even retired horses), so understanding your horse’s specific needs will help guide your search.

Ask for Recommendations from Other Horse Owners

Word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the best ways to find a trustworthy farrier. Reach out to local stables, equestrian clubs, or trainers. They often have a list of recommended farriers who are experienced in the specific type of work that matches your horse’s needs. Ideally, it would also be helpful to see some of the work the farrier does – visit the stable and look at the feet there. Ask the owners or trainers there some questions such as:

• Who do you use for your horses?
• What do you like about their services?
• Have you had any issues with their work?

If possible, talk to other horse owners who have similar horses (draft horses vs. Thoroughbreds) or who engage in the same type of riding (eventing, dressage, western disciplines). This will give you a better sense of the farrier’s expertise in handling your horse’s particular needs.

Check Credentials and Experience

Once you’ve gathered recommendations, it’s important to verify the farrier’s qualifications. While certification is not always required, it’s a good sign when a farrier is certified by a recognized organization, such as The American Farrier’s Association (AFA) or the International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF). These organizations typically have updated directories on their website, which is also a great source for farriers in your area.

A certified farrier has undergone rigorous training, and they are likely to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in hoof care. However, keep in mind that years of experience often count for more than certification, so consider how long the farrier has been working in the field.

Evaluate Their Communication and Approach

It’s essential that your farrier is not only skilled with hooves but also good at communication. When you meet with potential farriers, ask about their approach to hoof care using questions such as:

• How do they evaluate a horse’s hooves and overall health?
• How do they handle problem hooves or special requests (such as custom shoes, navicular changes, founder management strategies)?
• How do they manage emergencies, like abscesses, injuries, or lost shoes?

Your farrier should be willing to answer all your questions and explain things clearly. A good farrier will take the time to understand your horse’s needs and adjust their approach accordingly. This open communication helps ensure that both you and your horse feel comfortable with the process.

Observe Their Work

If you can, arrange for a trial session or attend a session where the farrier is working on another horse. Here are some things to observe:

• How does the farrier handle the horse? A skilled farrier should know how to safely and calmly work with a horse, minimizing stress for both the animal and the owner.
• What tools do they use? A professional farrier will have a clean and organized toolset and will use proper equipment for the job.
• What’s their attitude toward the horse? Your farrier should be patient, gentle, and calm. Horses can be sensitive, so having a farrier who understands animal behavior is essential.
• Do they take the time to explain and educate you, the owner, on what they are doing? While you don’t want to be in the way or take too much of your farrier’s time, a good farrier will make sure to educate you on things to look for in your horse and explain why they are doing certain things for your horse.

Consider Availability and Costs

Farriers typically work on a schedule, so it’s important to consider availability. You’ll need a farrier who can visit your horse regularly, whether that’s every six weeks for trims or as often as needed for therapeutic shoeing.

• Scheduling: Does the farrier have a convenient schedule that fits your needs? Can they work with your barn’s schedule if you board your horse? Most farriers require that someone be available to bring in your horse and hold the horse for them.
• Costs: Farrier services vary in cost depending on location, the horse’s needs, and the farrier’s experience. Ask for a clear estimate of fees for trimming and shoeing, and inquire about emergency or special services.

Remember, while price is important, it’s not the only factor. Often, you get what you pay for – cheaper farriers might cut corners or lack experience, so it’s better to invest in someone who is qualified and reliable.

Build a Long-Term Relationship

Finding the right farrier isn’t just about the first visit—it’s about building a lasting relationship. A good farrier will get to know your horse over time and notice subtle changes in hoof health. They can become an invaluable partner in your horse’s overall well-being. Stay in touch and keep your farrier informed of any changes in your horse’s health, behavior, or workload so they can adjust their care accordingly.

Finding the right farrier is an essential part of being a responsible horse owner. By doing your research, asking for recommendations, and carefully evaluating potential farriers, you’ll ensure that your horse receives the best care possible. Whether you have a high-performance competition horse, a relaxed trail horse, or a beloved pasture pet, the right farrier can help maintain their comfort and hoof health for years to come.