Choosing the right farrier

The care of your horse’s feet has to be one of your top priorities and your farrier is a critical part in this. You’ll work as a partnership to help your horse stay sound and move correctly, so it’s important to find a farrier who’s right for both you and your horse. But just how do you do that?

Blacksmith or farrier?

In the past, the local blacksmith would have been the one-stop shop for everything metal from gates to fireguards, and would also have been responsible for shoeing the horses in the area. However, in more recent times, the two professions have diverged.

Today, while farriers may be able to work as blacksmiths, they will have extra qualifications that allow them to fit horses’ shoes, whereas a blacksmith’s work, although highly skilled, is limited to creating items in steel or iron by forging the metal and using hammers and tools to shape it. Practitioners tend to focus on one aspect or the other.

Council registration

One of the most important changes in relation to the care of horses’ feet was the passing of the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975, which sets out the rules and regulations surrounding the practice of farriery. 

It also established the Farriers Registration Council (FRC), which is the governing body for qualified farriers. Its main aims are to prevent and avoid suffering to horses arising from shoeing carried out by unskilled persons, to promote the proper shoeing of horses and training of farriers and to prohibit the shoeing of horses by unqualified people. In this way, the FRC upholds the high standards of the profession.

The FRC holds a register of all qualified farriers and in order to practise, farriers must by law be registered. To become members, farriers pay an annual fee and, in return, receive a registration card and a sticker to display. These will show their name and the relevant year, so when booking a new farrier, don’t be afraid to ask to see their card or check the sticker to ensure their registration is current. 

Did you know? 

The Worshipful Company of Farriers is a livery company that was originally set up in the City of London in 1356, primarily to manage those involved in farriery and to uphold the welfare
of horses.

Three qualification levels

Despite being the place to find a qualified farrier, the Farriers Registration Council doesn’t actually run training for farriers. This is overseen by the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) and there are three main tiers of qualification…

Diploma level (DipWCF) shows a farrier has completed four years of apprenticeship training, which is partly practical alongside an approved training farrier and partly through block-release college courses. Many farriers will not take their training any further than this.

Associate level (AWCF) shows a farrier has taken extra training to acquire an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, conditions and diseases of the foot and how conformation affects the gait. They will be able to treat some conditions of the foot and limb and have advanced shoemaking skills in a variety of materials, effectively making them master craftsmen.

Fellowship level (FWCF) shows a farrier has the very highest experience and technical competence with the widest possible knowledge of farriery. Fellows often use their expertise to lecture and instruct.

Did you know? 

It’s illegal for an unqualified person to perform farriery on horses (other than in an emergency) and doing so can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. As an owner, you could be found guilty of aiding and abetting the crime, too.

Start your search

The FRC is the best place for finding farriers in your area, as you can search by locality. It may be that there are more than you realised or some you were unaware of. All those listed will be practising, as they will have paid their annual fee, and all will be fully qualified, so you can feel confident about contacting them. 

As with most things, the next step is to ask other horse owners if they can recommend someone. Of course, one of the problems is that a farrier who comes highly recommended is likely to have a full client list and may not have any vacancies but, if you’re determined, you can always ask to be placed on a waiting list. Alternatively, it might be possible to take your horse to a nearby yard where the farrier is already working regularly or to their forge, as they may be able to fit you in if there’s no travel time involved.

Your vet, too, can be a good source for recommendation, especially if your horse has hoof or limb issues and needs specialist shoeing. If a farrier has a good working relationship with your vet, a referral could mean the farrier is more likely to take you on.

It’s also advisable to look up any names you’ve been given by others, just to check their current status. If a qualified farrier isn’t listed, it means their payment has lapsed so, despite them having the skills, you would be unwise to use them. Using an unregistered, yet qualified, farrier is likely to lead to a rejected insurance claim should the need arise and you would have no easy comeback against them if you were unhappy with their work.

Did you know? 

The British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association supports farriers rather than being a place for finding farriers or training, and works in collaboration with the FRC and the WCF.

Did you know? 

The 1975 Act only covers situations when shoes are applied to horses’ feet and does not prohibit the trimming and shaping of hooves by people other than qualified farriers.

Did you know? 

Only Associate and Fellows of the Worshipful Company of Farriers can apply to use the Master Farrier designation.

It’s good to talk

So, you’ve picked out a name. Now’s the time to give the farrier a call. When doing so, note if they’re helpful and friendly, and if they answer your questions in a professional manner. You should also…

• discuss any issue your horse has with his feet or gait
• ask the farrier whether they make their own shoes or buy ready-made and then shape them
• make the farrier aware if your horse is nervous when being shod – you don’t want them to turn up and refuse to shoe your horse
• ask about fees – although these probably won’t differ wildly within your area, it’s still good to know in advance
• on the subject of fees, if you have transport and it’s not too far, ask if you can take your horse to the forge, as this could mean a lower fee
• find out if the farrier has any areas of special interest – for example, he may be undergoing any further training, such as moving from diploma to associate level