07/10/2024
Great advice from a great farrier!
SEARCHING FOR A NEW FARRIER?
My suggestions...
1. Education- There are no education requirements in the US to practice hoof care, trim, or apply shoes… ZERO. Though there are many different farrier organizations with many levels of optional certification, accreditation, or testing available there are no licensing, certification, nor industry regulatory requirements of any kind to practice. Anyone with tools can charge to cut hoof, with or without any knowledge or training. It is up to the horse owner to figure out who is qualified enough to fit their needs. Trimming a hoof is easy, you pay a professional to know just where to cut appropriately. Deep knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and how a hoof care provider can manipulate them can mean the difference between top performance or lameness. Considerations include not only the basic trade school education available, but continued education or professional development a farrier has done and is planning to do. Schooling programs, if attended, vary widely in their curriculum from 2 weeks to 2 years and no two programs are equal in their offering. A great farrier consistently evolves and grows their knowledge and practical skills through practice, attending clinics, seminars, competitions, reading, and mentorship. Ask a potential farrier about their background, ongoing education, what associations they are involved in, if they have credentials, who they have worked with.
2. Experience- Knowledge is knowing what to do. Wisdom is knowing when to do it. Knowledge comes through education, wisdom comes from experience. It is difficult to become an experienced farrier by doing a couple horses on weekends, but by handling thousands of hooves consistently. Specialization is becoming increasingly common in the industry, especially at the top levels. If you have specific needs, whether for competition or lameness, ask a prospective hoof care provider if they have intimate knowledge or training in your field. A professional should be knowledgeable, but humble, and know their own limitations or gaps in their knowledge. A mentor or number of mentors to call upon when help is needed can be so important.
3. Professionalism - Professionalism is often defined as the strict adherence to courtesy, honesty and responsibility when dealing with individuals or others in the business environment. Professionalism goes beyond being good at your work. This trait often includes a high level of excellence going above and beyond basic requirements. A true professional does not speak ill of competition to make themselves look better. They treat their clients and their horses as though they are of the utmost importance, and present themselves and their businesses professionally and ethically. This applies not only to their appearance, but attitude, horse handling, and business organization.
4. Horsemanship - the farrier must be competent and courteous with all horses. They must be comfortable, kind and confident while working closely with these animals. Observe how the farrier interacts with the horse, if they ask gently to pick up a hoof, and how they handle an uncomfortable situation. The relationship can go from good to bad very quickly without these skills. You want a farrier who is genuinely interested in the horse's well being, for everyone’s health and safety. A professional will know when to walk away from a dangerous or uncooperative horse. To do their best work, the horse must stand well for the farrier. It is reasonable for the farrier to demand this. It is up to the owner to have a trained animal or have a veterinarian with proper sedation available if needed.
5. Referrals - hoof care is very important for the horse. You do not want to take the decision on who cares for your horses hooves lightly. Approach your trusted veterinarian, trainer, or another trusted farrier and ask who they suggest for your riding discipline and needs. Do some research on association websites. Many association pages have a 'search for farriers' section info on specialties as well as continuing education earned or certifications for each member. The association pages only list their current members, however. Many of the best farriers may not be members of an association or do not advertise, as they are plenty busy. A referral from a trusted source to the farrier can go a long way to squeezing in on a full schedule. To remain on the schedule, have your horse ready on time, clean, and organize an appropriate work area for the farrier.
6. Cost - Do not be stuck on cost comparing alone. Anyone can be a farrier, and no two are equal in skill and specialty. There are no education requirements, no licensing, no certification needed, nor any rules governing the farrier profession. Interview prospective farriers, ask questions, and make an informed decision. A true specialized professional will often command a premium price, but a high price alone does not mean the practitioner is top in their field.
"If you only consider the cost, make sure to consider the cost to the horse."
Shane Westman, Westman Farriery
