Farrier

Farriery or the shoeing of horses and similar animals is an ancient craft. It is defined in the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 as 'any work in connection with the preparation or treatment of the foot of a horse for the immediate reception of a shoe thereon, the fitting by nailing or otherwise of a shoe to the foot or the finishing off of such work to the foot’. In the UK it is illegal for anyone other than a registered farrier to call themselves a farrier, or to do any type of farrier work under the Farriers Act of 1975.

A farrier is a skilled craftsperson who has a sound knowledge of both the theory and practice of the craft, capable of shoeing all types of feet, whether normal or defective, making shoes to suit all types of animal and working conditions and of devising corrective measures that will help to compensate for faulty limb action. A 'farrier' should not be confused with a 'blacksmith'. Farriers and blacksmiths both work with metal but only a farrier is permitted to fit shoes to horses. When you become a farrier you become a member of an old, traditional and well respected profession.

After completing the apprenticeship and becoming registered, you can either work with a partner or become self employed. You may choose to further your professional development, by taking extra qualifications, improving your knowledge, and being able to specialise in different areas of farriery.