What To Look For In A Farrier

For whatever reason you are commencing your search for a farrier – maybe you are new to the area or just not completely happy with the one you currently use, the best place to start is with recommendations from other people.

It’s vitally important that your farrier understands both yours and your horse’s needs.  If you compete, ask around your fellow competitors to see who they use to shoe their horses, and even more importantly, anybody that they definitely wouldn’t use.  Get yourself a short list of potential farriers and then begin to do a little in-depth detective work.

Check out their qualifications.  This is done by reading the letters after their names which signify which qualifications they have.  This can also be confirmed on the American Farriers Association website which lists all the qualified farriers in North America.  The next thing to do is pick up the phone and have a chat.  This is a really important thing to do as it will give you an idea as to whether he will be the right man for the job.

Any farrier worth his salt will listen to you and the needs of your horse.  He will take the time to answer all your questions and explain anything you don’t understand.  Don’t be afraid to ask if he keeps on top of advancing technology and ideas.  Does he go on any training days or top-up courses?  A decent farrier will be proud of this and happy to tell you so.

Look for a farrier with good quality and up to date equipment.  He should also have a cell phone so he is contactable whilst he is working – although don’t be surprised if you have to leave a message for him to call back.  If he’s halfway through nailing on a shoe, he can hardly stop to pick up the phone.  But of course, he should call you back, and if he fails to do so, maybe you would be wise to direct your search elsewhere.

If you find that your chosen person is unable to take on any more clients, which is often the case with in demand farriers, then ask him if he can recommend anybody else.  He’s putting his reputation on the line by doing this, so you should be assured of being put in contact with someone reputable.  He may even be able to let you know of someone who has served an apprenticeship under him, and that way you will still be getting the benefit of his experience.

Choosing a farrier is a very important step in the welfare of your horse, and the right decision can make all the difference.  Although price may be a factor in your choice, don’t forget that cheapest is not always the best.  Prices tend to vary a little from area to area, but asides from that, costs are usually within the same range.  If you find a farrier who is loads cheaper than everyone else, you need to ask yourself why this is. 

Don’t be afraid to take your time in choosing and ask plenty of questions before you book that first appointment for the farrier to come and shoe your horse.