CHOOSING A QUALITY FARRIER

Choosing a farrier to provide hoof care for your horse is one of the most important decisions you will make for the well-being of your horse.  Improper hoof care can lead to injury or lameness, and may reduce your horse’s chance to reach its full potential.  You should choose your farrier in a systematic and educated way to assure that you will obtain the services of the farrier who will best fill our needs, and the needs of your horse.  This decision should not be left until you have an emergency.  The most experienced and best trained farriers often have a schedule of clients and have a waiting list of owners who are interested in having them provide hoof care for their horse.  The use of only price or availability as a guideline may lead to unsatisfactory work, and is best avoided.  The perfect farrier does not exist, but you should be able to find one to fill your needs. 

BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

Begin by asking a potential farrier how he or she learned their profession.  A proper and complete education is the key to becoming an accomplished professional.  Many farriers attend schools to increase their knowledge and skills.  Excellent farrier usually apprenticed with an established professional with a good reputation.  Apprenticeships and schools help a farrier to do satisfactory work while they are practicing and gaining experience.

REFERENCES

There are several excellent sources of references available.  Horse owners who have horses similar to your in your area, your veterinarian and the IFA Directory. 

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

An important factor in determining whether a person is a professional is continuing education.  In all other professions, individuals are constantly upgrading their knowledge and skills.  It is no different in the farrier profession.  Each state has a farriers’ association, which enables farriers to increase their knowledge, skills and share information about horses and horse shoeing.  Is your potential farrier a member of any organization which can help them become a better farrier?

CERTIFICATION

There are no laws requiring certification or licensing to be a farrier.  However, the AMERICAN FARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION has a four level certification program which insures different levels and skills required of a farrier.  The four levels of certification are:

1.                    Intern Farrier

2.                    Certified Farrier

3.                    Certified Journeyman Farrier

4.                    Therapeutic Endorsement

INTERN FARRIER

Farriers who have just completed a farrier school may opt to try for intern farrier status. 

CERTIFIED FARRIER

Farriers who have been shoeing for a minimum of one year may opt to take the test for certified farrier.  The farrier must pass a written and practical test and a sample set of shoes with modifications to show the farrier has the ability to do basic work required of farriers.

CERTIFIED JOURNEYMAN FARRIER

Farriers who have been shoeing for a minimum of two years may take the test for certified journeyman farrier.  A more comprehensive written test on anatomy, gaits, shoeing, and a sample set of shoes and a practical test which requires a farrier to shoe a horse with handmade shoes in two hours.  Certification leads to improved knowledge and skill.  Is your potential farrier certified and by what professional body?