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Farrier, blacksmith, horseshoer…by whatever term he or she is known, the professional who cares for your horse’s hooves is an important part of your equine management team. Setting up and keeping a good relationship with a farrier takes some work on both sides.

In choosing a farrier, look for someone who is familiar with horses of the breed and discipline in which you are interested. Trimming and shoeing guidelines may be quite different among jumpers, gaited horses, cutting horses, and draft breeds. If you ask a farrier who usually works on reining horses to trim and shoe your Thoroughbreds in race training, both of you may be disappointed in the results. You can probably get the names of several suitable farriers by asking your trainer or friends and riding partners who share your style of riding.

A farrier’s prices are an important consideration, but training and experience are more crucial when you are trusting your horse’s soundness and well-being to a professional. Find out if a prospective farrier has studied at a training school, served an apprenticeship, and is licensed or certified. Although there is no national standard of skill for farriers, it’s probably better to trust someone who has had extensive hands-on training rather than a candidate who has completed an online course (yes, these do exist, complete with instructions for how to print out your certificate of proficiency at the end) and may not have ever touched a live horse.

Get as much information as you can before scheduling a trial visit by a prospective farrier. Ask how long he has been in the business, the number of horses he trims or shoes in a week or month, and the disciplines with which he is familiar. If your breed registry or rule book has regulations about the types of shoes your horse may wear for shows or competitions, find out if the farrier is familiar with these guidelines.

Finally, after selecting a farrier, set up an appointment for him to trim your horse. Watch how he interacts with the horse and talk to him about the horse’s history, health, use, and what you want to accomplish with a trimming or shoeing. Does he watch the horse move, both before and after trimming or shoeing? Is he willing to work with your veterinarian if the horse has special problems or conditions?

Once you find a farrier you like and in whom you have confidence, make every effort to keep a good relationship with him. Be on time for appointments and have your horse ready by cleaning and drying his lower legs and hooves before the farrier arrives. Find a good place for the farrier to work, one that is well-lit, clean, and free of distractions. Keep dogs and other horses out of the work area and under control (loud barking or a dogfight in a nearby stall can be dangerously distracting). Train your horse to stand quietly while having his feet picked up and worked on; this is your responsibility as an owner, and you should not expect a farrier to work on your horses if they are not trained.

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