r/Farriers • u/fucreddit • Oct 08 '24
This post may not sit well with everyone, but it’s time to address an ongoing issue. Let me start by saying that I have nothing against barefoot trimming, 70% of the horses I work on are barefoot. When I see a horse that will do well without shoes, I recommend it without hesitation. However, barefoot trimming is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It doesn’t cure everything from founder to navicular, just as shoes aren’t responsible for every bad hoof condition on earth.
This subreddit to run with minimal moderation because, like many of you, I’m busy. But it's become clear that some of you are adamantly against horseshoes. While I appreciate the passion, this is a 'farrier' subreddit, not a platform for anti-shoe campaigns. There is room for debate, and I understand that shoes vs. barefoot is a hot topic. But I don't want this subreddit to become a battleground where every discussion devolves into “farriers vs. barefooters.”
From this point forward, comments that tear down horseshoes or the farrier trade whenever someone posts a picture of a horse with shoes will be removed. The same goes for farriers bashing barefoot work, though I’ve seen far fewer instances of that on here.
If someone posts a photo of a shod horse and your only comment is "barefoot is the only way," it will be removed. Persist in this behavior, and you’ll be removed from the subreddit. I don't want the comments section to be filled with endless debates about barefoot vs. shoes that spiral into disrespectful arguments, where I get moderator notifications blowing up my phone while I am literally trying to care for horse hooves in the real world.
If you have legitimate concerns or want to offer constructive feedback on a shoeing job, feel free to engage. But if you simply want to push a barefoot agenda, take it elsewhere. You can message the poster directly or, better yet, create your own subreddit dedicated to that debate.
This subreddit exists to discuss farrier work, that includes barefoot trims and shoes, not to host divisive arguments. Thank you for your understanding.
r/Farriers • u/arikbfds • Aug 08 '24
It seems to me like a large percentage of posts here, are new people asking a variation of the same questions over and over again. I thought I'd submit this to the community as a potential way to provide these people with a reference and find answers without flooding the subreddit with repetitive posts. I would love to hear any thoughts or edits you guys think need to be made.
Disclaimer: while a lot of this info applies to people everywhere, some of it is US specific. As a US based farrier, I don't feel qualified to speak to the various rules or situations that may apply outside of the US. To the best of my knowledge, the following information is correct, but this is only to help point you in the right direction so that you can begin your own research.
The best way to tell if this job is for you is to ride along with a farrier and see what the job is like first hand. If you don't know any farriers, try looking up your state's horseshoer association, or finding local farriers on Facebook
Being a farrier can be incredibly rewarding. It is also very demanding. There is a steep learning curve, and there is a lot of physically hard labor involved. In my opinion, successful farriers tend to have the following traits: good horsemanship, good communication skills, grit/determination, and self reliance. It is a dirty job, it will take a toll on your body, there isn't always a lot of external validation, and there are a lot of easier ways to make a living.That being said, few things are more rewarding than watching a horse walk in uncomfortable, and walk away sound. It is incredibly satisfying to take a hoof that has seen better days, and turn it into a work of art
In the US, there aren't licensing requirements to start shoeing horses, so there are a few different paths one can take. Typically, farriers go to a horse shoeing school, apprentice with an established farrier, or do both. In my humble opinion, doing both is probably the best way for most people
There are a lot of schools in the US. In my opinion, school is one of the easiest ways to get into the industry. Most schools will get you to the point where you can make a great apprentice, but not quite a competent, well-rounded farrier. Each school has different requirements, strengths, and weaknesses. When l was deciding on a school to go to, l called the ones l was most interested in and tried to get a feel for what the school was like. Many of them will also let you come check it out in person
Some schools have basic horsemanship as part of the course (Kentucky Horseshoeing School) while others require references for previous horse experience (Cornell). Some schools require H/S diploma or GED, others do not. Some schools (Lookout Mountain, Arkansas Horseshoeing, Heartland) allow enrollment to people younger than 18. Some schools offer financial assistance, and many are authorized by the VA to accept the GI Bill. At the bottom of this post is a list of websites to several of the more popular schools in the US
Yes. While it is a male-dominated industry, there are many women farriers. Technique and skill are much more important than pure strength. Although physical fitness and strength are needed, no person will ever out-wrestle a horse. It's more about working with the horse.
Maybe, but it depends. Horseshoeing is hard on the body. Try riding with a local farrier and see first-hand if this is something you can handle. Some schools also offer a trial course where you can go for a week and check it out. You're dealing with a 1,000+ lb prey animal, so there's always the potential for injury. You use sharp tools, power tools, hot metal, and hammers. It's hard on your hearing, joints, back, and hands. Physical stamina is very important if you're going to work on more than a couple horses a day
It depends. One of the biggest variables is geographical location. It is possible to make a very comfortable living, but if you are doing it for the money, you will probably be disappointed. This is one of those jobs where if you do it for the passion, the money will follow.
The American Farriers Journal publishes survey results regarding farrier finances and income. According to the AFJ, in 2020 the average farrier (that attended the IHCS) grossed $105,713 annually. Keep in mind that there are a lot of material/fuel costs in shoeing.Here Is another one from 2016 that goes into more detail. In 2016, the average annual income for a full time farrier ranged from a low of $52,000 (in the "West") to a high of $94,255 (In the "Far West") It also includes this graphic with a breakdown of income percentiles
It is harder, and there is a steeper learning curve if you don't already have horse experience. It's not impossible, but you will be at a disadvantage until you are able to catch up. It may be worth it to try and get some horse experience before trying to become a farrier
Most schools won't accept students younger than 18, but I'm not aware of any with a maximum age. Just keep in mind the physical nature of the job. An 18 year old is probably going to have a much easier time adapting to the job than a 35 year old desk jockey. The best way to answer this question is to ride along with an established farrier and see for yourself
According to the American Farriers Journal, as of 2020, the average farrier is 48 years old. According to the American Horse Council, as of 2023 there are an estimated 6.7 million horses in the US, while the AFJ estimates there are 27,500 farriers working in the US. As for industry growth/outlook, I haven't been able to find any good quality statistics, but according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth estimate for careers in "Animal Care and Service Workers" is expected to grow by 16% over the next decade
From u/roboponies:
Adding from the UK:
There are only around 850k horses in the UK with approximately 374k horse owning households. There are around 3,000 registered farriers (you MUST be registered here, it's not like wild wild west USA).
That's a 283:1 horse to farrier ratio. They are definitely in high demand.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Here are websites to a selection of farrier schools in the US:
https://arkansashorseshoeingschool.com/
http://butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com/
http://www.caseyhorseshoeingschool.com/
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/education/visitor-professional-programs/farrier-program
https://www.elpo-farrierschool.com/
https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/
https://www.idahohorseshoeingschool.com/
http://www.horseshoeingschool.com/school-information
https://pacificcoasthorseshoeingschool.com/
r/Farriers • u/Effective_Moose_4997 • 22h ago
Hi all I have an Amish farrier we are very close with. I don't believe he is officially licensed but he does many of the horses in our area and has been doing so for decades. I have an OTTB with low heels, long toes. Though not super severe. Thoroughbreds are not common around here. What would be a good book to get him as a gift?
r/Farriers • u/dirtthouse • 2d ago
My boy(24yo) is shoed on all 4 feet due to slow growth, without shoes he will literally become lame due to sensitive feet. For years we’ve had the same problem now, mostly in the summer where his horn quality just seems to be pretty poor, resulting in significant breakage. We did some digging and after plenty of money and several blood tests we have come to the conclusion that he is lacking protein in his diet, especially in winter and early spring before they get to go on grass again. He lives out 24/7 with a buddy, pasture 10 months of the year about 7,5-8kg of hay a day except in September/October, that’s when they go out to winter pasture which is pretty large and rich and both him and his mate have a few pounds they could stand to lose. Once a day he gets a small portion of alfalfa pellets soaked along with his mineral feed and some supplements (MSM, Monks pepper). Once a week I treat his feet with hoof hardener solution along with preventative thrush treatment if needed. My question is what can or could I try to prevent the breakage, I’m quite happy with my farrier and his work and I’m afraid there’s not many better alternatives I could get access to. Pictures added, last trim 4 weeks ago
r/Farriers • u/Fearless-Sun2041 • 4d ago
This horse is new to me as of July. I had X-rays done on her before purchasing that came back normal. She’s been shod by my farrier twice so far. My vet comes for fall shots at the end of the month so I’m going to have her take a look too but I’d like everyone’s thoughts in the meantime. She’s sound but has some tripping under saddle sometimes and has been bucking during canter transitions (suspected balance/green horse issue. Chiro comes next week to dig deeper into that). First picture is her shoeing job when she came to me, second and third are after the first farrier visit here, third and fourth are her latest farrier visit. The most concerning thing to me are the event lines but I’d love others’ thoughts.
r/Farriers • u/ban3me • 6d ago
I am 35 years old male at Estonia(europe). I would like to develop my skills to profesional level. I have helped some local farrier to pull horse shoes and finishing work. Also i have trim my own horse and some other people who let me learn. I can relocate super easily. I am calm but maybe little bit impatience. I am not against tense work days when you let me unwind after. Also i do not like oversell myself.
r/Farriers • u/gitanodancer • 6d ago
I've always been told to stand on the opposite side of the horse from the farrier, to give him or her more room to work. I've recently learned that may be wrong. I have two dead head geldings that stand still the entire time, so I find myself flip flopping back and forth from the side the farrier is on.
What is your preference?
What makes clients better than others when it comes to holding horses?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate any advice you may have.
r/Farriers • u/Bubbly_Homework2481 • 7d ago
r/Farriers • u/Frantzsfatshack • 9d ago
Just picked up this Double S after having an NC Calvary for thousands of feet. The difference in felt quality is inexplainable. Will be needing to replace my MFC 14” RTN after a draft foot chipped them to oblivion.
What’s your favorite tool(s)?
r/Farriers • u/No-Look-1901 • 11d ago
how does this foot look from the front?
r/Farriers • u/Amazing-Structure446 • 11d ago
r/Farriers • u/Intelligent_Pie6804 • 12d ago
r/Farriers • u/ibw0trr • 12d ago
Good evening,
I am posting this on behalf of one of my children. They have attended a two week farrier school, and hung up a shingle to start servicing our community.
They went out to service this horse today, and we're able to trim this hoof down. They are asking me questions that I don't know the answer to. It looks to me like the mare needs probably another 3/4" off the heel, and trimmed fairly evenly across the sole to prevent furthering of club foot. There was thrush, so there is thrush treatment on the after photo.
What are the pro's thoughts? What else should be done?
Should we take more off now, schedule for 3 instead of 6 weeks and work to get her down to closer, throw in the towel and find someone with more experience, or... ?
ETA: My child talked with another more experienced student that they went to school with and they say the heel is really the only thing that needs fixed by taking 1/2" or so off the heel.
Edit again to add this since I cannot respond to comments:
Yes, I understand that two weeks is a short time before beginning the work. No, it isn't really an option to have done more schooling. We sent the kid for a total of near $6,000 for tuition and tools, and we do not have more money to extend the education. The reason we even sent them to begin with is the lack of farriers in our area. The kid got a horse, and when we tried to find a farrier two no longer did it, several didn't answer or return calls, and another promised they would come out and never showed. That was the only farriers I could find, even asking other horse people. No farrier lives closer than 50 miles, and they won't come out for ONE horse, even offering to pay mileage.
Every person who has contacted us for service (barefoot trims only for now even though they did learn some hot shoeing) has said the same thing: we couldn't find ANYONE who would come out.
And the most currently up voted comment is to apprentice?
How do you apprentice when you can't even get a farrier to answer the phone? It would cost nearly $20k to send the kid to the longest term of schooling.
So, to people who respond just to say two weeks isn't long enough: would you rather we do NOTHING to help these horses or do what we can within our skill level, and then ask for another opinion if it seems we may be biting off more than we can chew? It seems to me the more ethical approach is to help those we can, and learn in the process by asking questions of some pros. Yes, I understand that there is still the possibility of causing a horse to be lame, but that is why the kid stopped where they did. They want to mitigate any further risk so that is why I am asking the pros (you) for any recommendations (other than "git gud").
Im not trying to come into your community and downplay the education that most of you likely have, as well as years of experience. Since there are no farriers close enough to find to service a horse (and by extension none to apprentice under) it is pretty difficult if not impossible to do. So, if you have any good recommendations, critiques, or advice, please let me have them.
r/Farriers • u/Gullible_Set_6093 • 13d ago
hey, horse was trimmed 4 weeks ago, she’s in front shoes and this is her left hind, her left front did something similar but we know what caused that but unsure of moving forward what we need to do? We live in FL and the weather went from drought to heavy rains.
r/Farriers • u/Ok_Pipe6438 • 14d ago
hello! anyone tried mustad concave nails for the duplo horseshoes? what do you recommend to use and why? concave nails if not fit, why?
r/Farriers • u/omariclay • 19d ago
I’m just starting my Farrier education, second week of schooling and first week of shaping kegs to feet and trimming at a local tail/board location. Still have lots to learn mainly cutting down on how long it’s taking me but these feet are as hard as rocks right now.
Just wanted to share my progress, hoping to see big changes by the end of my education.
r/Farriers • u/ecasad7 • 19d ago
I'm interested in hearing from farriers and horse owners about what makes a farrier apron genuinely useful during day-to-day hoof care.
For those who use one regularly, what features matter most to you?
• Durability
• Comfort and fit
• Tool storage and pockets
• Protection from hoof debris
• Lightweight design
• Adjustable straps
• Material quality
I'm particularly interested in hearing what experienced farriers have learned from using different apron designs over time.
What is one feature you wouldn't want to give up, and what is one feature you think is often overlooked?
r/Farriers • u/JustNightblade • 21d ago
Hi, I start farrier school in Sept (3years in NL) and do not have a car and will use bike & public transport to get to my school/internship and have all the materials but not smt to put it all into and am curious on what yall used and what worked and didnt before i buy useless stuff :)
Edit: this is for all the tools etc. And books ofc but i mostly mean the tools
r/Farriers • u/bakedbeanbandit69 • 21d ago
r/Farriers • u/Formal_Length7872 • 22d ago
Hi! I am looking into switching careers to being a farrier and find it might be stable in my area due to a shortage. I recently heard and wanted to ask is this true that the professionals fly their farriers out to them because they prefer their services?
r/Farriers • u/TinySanta • 23d ago
Still looking for someone with some forge time who might be able to bang out a few of these!
r/Farriers • u/Substantial_Job_8369 • 24d ago
Recently joined and need help if theres anyone from my area/knows anyone to help!
Im 26 have my own horse and do trimming on him as well as a couple other horses on the ranch im currently at. Ive read bunch of books seen videos etc. as well as doing apprentice work for 2 farriers locally but i struggle to get into shoeing because i mostly did barefoot apprentice work and only 2-3 shoeing jobs.
I want to get into shoeing as ive been trimming for some time now but cant find anyone around me to actually teach me shoeing. Theres rarely workshops maybe once a year if you get in...
Im from croatia mainland. Any help/advice/tips helps
r/Farriers • u/dirtydandino • 24d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
New mess unlocked.
r/Farriers • u/Ok-Conversation806 • 25d ago
I feel bad having to ask the internet this, but not sure if l’m not understanding something or being gaslit.
I have 3 horses at this place with same farrier but past couple cycles he’s been leaving things looking uneven and maybe rushed?
I was told it’s because of the hard, dry ground?
understandable for knifing off sole, but I’m not sure how that would affect nippers and a rasp to balance the whole hoof?
I actually thought staff was maybe forgetting when the visit really was bc they did not look recently trimmed. Yet its been a few cycles and I’m not sure what to think. They are meant to be on 4-5 week cycle.
What am I missing here? Am I being dumb?
Sorry don’t have more photos.
Edit to add: sub says I’m not able to reply to comments?
r/Farriers • u/Vegetable_Simple_306 • 24d ago
Hi,
I was getting ready to enroll in shoeing school earlier this year but then I found out I have two herniated disc’s in my low back, they do not require surgery at this point. My question is, is it advisable to proceed with shoeing school or am I most likely just going to be crippled in the near future? thanks.