A farrier is a professional who specialises in equine hoof care. They trim and manage the hooves of horses to enhance their performance and prevent potential lameness issues. This job is essential for maintaining a horse’s health and wellbeing.
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘no hoof, no horse’.
It essentially means that if you don’t take care of your horse’s hooves properly, it won’t stay sound.
That in turn means you won’t be able to ride it as much as you’d like to. This is where a good farrier comes in handy but you may be wondering…what does a farrier do, and why do you need one?
Good hoof care is a combination of good nutrition and good hoof maintenance.
The nutrition part of the equation is something you can take care of.
Good hoof maintenance requires a good horse farrier.
Many experienced horse owners have a few farrier tools like a hoof rasp, hoof nippers, hoof pick and hoof knife.
They also know enough about hoof maintenance that they can do some of the basic care themselves.
If their horse isn’t wearing shoes, they can often give the hooves a quick file in between farrier trims to remove rough edges or chips in the hoof.
They can clean out the hooves and in some cases, even hammer loose shoe nails back in. However, the real nitty gritty of hoof maintenance is something they usually leave to a professional farrier.
The Responsibilities Of A Horse Farrier
Farriers are a combination of podiatrist, pedicurist, and manicurist for horses and other equids!
Although, traditionally, they trim horse’s hooves and put shoes on, there’s actually far more to farriery than that! Indeed, today’s farrier is usually a highly skilled, well-trained practitioner.
Farriers…
Have studied hoof anatomy so they know how all the bones in the hoof ‘work’
Understand how leg conformation affects hoof balance
Understand how unbalanced hooves in turn affect leg conformation and the horse’s movement
May work with vets to carry out corrective/remedial trimming and shoeing
Can identify and treat many common hoof disorders
Know how to trim a hoof so wall and pastern angles are as close to correct as possible
Understand the importance of nutrition for good hoof health
What Does A Farrier Do For Your Horse’s Hooves?
One of the most common and important jobs a farrier does is trim hooves. This includes nipping and rasping back excess hoof growth, shaping the hoof, and ensuring the hoof is balanced.
Many horses, particularly those in work, wear shoes so shoeing horses is another common job for a farrier.
They measure and shape each shoe so it fits the relevant hoof properly. Although most horseshoes are pre-made, some farriers can also make their own.
Most horses require some type of corrective farrier work at some point in their lives, even if it’s just keeping flares under control.
Farriers are trained to use specialised techniques to deal with these issues, including corrective and therapeutic shoeing as required.
Farriers are also experienced at spotting health problems in horse hooves like thrush, seedy toe, abscesses, and cracks.
In many cases, they can either recommend appropriate treatment or notify the owner that veterinary care is needed.
Some farriers are also knowledgeable about nutrition in relation to hoof health.
They can offer owners advice on suitable dietary changes, supplements, and exercises to help improve their horse’s hooves.
Many farriers also work closely with veterinarians to treat hoof problems such as abscesses and lameness issues. They may collaborate on treatment plans, and provide advice about hoof conditions for veterinary examinations.
The Essential Role of What a Farrier Does
Farriers play an important role in your horse’s overall health and wellbeing.
It’s therefore in your horse’s best interests to find and establish a good relationship with a qualified farrier.
Remember – no hoof, no horse!
