The importance of the farrier to resolving hoof issues and lameness of the equine digit is seemingly obvious. However, a great many complexities come to bare upon the process as veterinarians, farriers and owners work toward this common goal. A broad range of knowledge, personality types, skill levels, professional bias and business practices abound between farriers. A veterinary podiatrist must understand and accept this as the reality of a non-regulated industry. For this reason I believe it to be fundamental that both veterinarian and farrier consult stall side early on in diagnosis and treatment of a podiatric case. I believe this to be the standard of care and owners should accept nothing less. Over the years I have become more focused on this interaction and more importantly what I should and should not do to in this broad range of circumstances. The details of this learning curve are beyond the scope of this page. A list of farriers whom have trained me in these matters is found under the farrier referral page. These men and women would offer the best witness to my performance or lack there of in this area.

Farriers bring some very important information to these consultations. As veterinarians we are often guilty of sweeping past these details as we lay out our diagnosis and treatment plans. Farriers generally have a better understanding of hoof growth rate and pattern. They are grounded in the practical and can offer insight on a prescriptions feasibility. They have insights into an owners management practices beyond that of the veterinarian. They certainly are sensitive to how likely the horse is to spring a shoe. Most farriers have experimented with some type of correction for the problem at hand by the time the veterinarian is on the scene. Many farriers regularly attend clinics and can bring new ideas to the table. The inventory and tools a farrier maintains on their rig gives insight into where their comfort zone lies as far as farriery method. Prescribing a treatment beyond a farriers experience or skill level can be very disheartening, especially since there is surely another way to get the job done. Some farriers have sworn shoes off all together. These farriers and owners deserve ideas and treatments that fit within their paradigm. Most importantly, it is becoming clear that farriers are in short supply. Before allowing an owner or the veterinarian to get sideways with the farrier some idea of who exactly is going to step in should be considered.

Many horse owners are in a state of exasperation when it comes to their dealings with the farrier industry. Most complaints are as basic as just finding a competent farrier who shows as scheduled. Furthermore, the abundance of seemingly conflicting information available to horse owners has coalesced to create what is basically a climate of confounding noise. Owners often find themselves in a scenario where in several farriers have worked on a case. Several different methods have been utilized. Often the previous farries ideas are disparaged and most importantly the horse is still not right. Owners can find it difficult to articulate legitimate concerns without simply being dismissed or offending the farrier’s expertise. Here are some helpful tips for horse owners on finding and keeping a good farrier.

For a little perspective, try removing all four shoes from a horse or two. No, I am serious, you’ll get more out of this next section if you do this. Just don’t hurt yourself or your horse. I was seventeen years old when I started pulling and finishing for a farrier. Full of youths strength I remember being on the verge of tears while learning how to stand under even a well mannered horse. Discussions with farriers and my own experience have led me to conclude that it takes the average individual approximately ten thousand hooves to gain the farriers intuitive sense of hooves. If you have never even attempted to pull a set of shoes, you may lack the proper amount of temperance as you make requests from your farrier. This is an ass over elbow job and a significant amount of suffering has been endured by all the men and women engaged in this industry, do not forget this.

Let us first begin with how to avoid being fired by a good farrier. Do not expect good work from a farrier unless you provide them with a good place to work. Generally, this space is accessible by vehicle, out of the weather, free from extraneous activity, horse friendly and has a clean level work surface. Consult your farrier for their preferences on this space.

Nothing ruins a farriers day more quickly than a horse that acts badly. If you have a horse that does not stand for the farrier, fix the problem. I am a proponent of better shoeing through chemistry. I disagree with those who would say that a horse learns nothing while under sedation for the farrier. They learn to stand quietly and after several times often get along fine without sedation. Whatever path you choose, get it done. Horses that don’t stand for farriers will inevitably get sub par hoof care.

Expect to pay for good shoeing. Prices vary by location but seem to average around $90.00 for a basic job. Top level farriers are often around $125-150. You will generally get what you pay for when it comes to farriers and don‘t expect revolving credit. The best farriers have more work than they can do and are always ready to cut out the chafe.

Common courtesy goes along way. A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on the part of the farrier. Horses should be penned up, clean and easy to catch. Shoes lost by fresh horses in turnout, in mud holes, or by not using bell boots do not make farriers happy. Failing to keep a regular schedule is bad for the horse and the farrier. Be thoughtful as you voice any shoeing concerns. Questions often go over better than statements. If the dialogue is not productive consider veterinary consultation. In my experience, if an owner thinks something is wrong this is usually the case.

Finding a new farrier seems to becoming more difficult, especially if working conditions are sub par. The farriers referral page on this site is by no means all inclusive. This list consists of farriers with whom I have a current contact number and have worked with directly to achieve generally good results. I believe it to be a good starting point. Consulting local veterinarians, farrier organizations, supply houses and fellow horsemen should be considered as well. Finding out who is responsible for what look to be well balanced healthy hooves is an excellent way to get on with a good farrier. Farriery is perhaps the most important link to a horses long term soundness and should not be taken lightly.