A Career in Horses: The Farrier

What is a farrier?

The term farrier originates from the Middle English word ferrǒur, which referred to a blacksmith responsible for both shoeing horses and treating their ailments. Until the mid-1800s, farriers and veterinarians were largely indistinguishable, as both cared for horses' health and soundness. However, as veterinary medicine evolved, the two professions became distinct.

Today, a farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, focusing on the trimming, balancing, and shoeing of horses. While blacksmithing skills are still essential, modern farriers combine craftsmanship with a deep understanding of equine anatomy and biomechanics.

What does a farrier do?

A farrier plays a crucial role in the health and soundness of all equids, including horses, donkeys, and mules. Occasionally, they may also trim the hooves of other farm animals such as goats, sheep, and pigs.

The farrier’s work begins with evaluating the animal’s hooves, checking for excessive growth, abnormalities, or signs of disease. After consulting with the owner, the farrier develops a hoof care plan that best suits the horse’s needs, considering the horse’s vital signs, workload, and hoof condition.

Using specialized tools such as nippers, a hoof knife, and a rasp, the farrier trims and shapes the hoof to maintain proper balance. Depending on the horse’s lifestyle, workload, and hoof condition, the farrier may leave the horse barefoot or apply horseshoes. A variety of shoeing methods and corrective appliances can be used to address issues such as conformation problems, lameness, or specific performance needs.

Farriers often collaborate with horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians to develop customized shoeing solutions, especially for performance horses or those with medical conditions that require specialized hoof care.

In essence, a skilled farrier is part craftsman, part biomechanist, and part problem solver—ensuring that horses remain sound, comfortable, and able to perform at their best.

What is the purpose of shoeing horses?

Not all horses require shoes—some only need a trim. However, when horseshoes are necessary, they serve multiple purposes beyond preventing excessive hoof wear in regularly ridden horses. A farrier considers various factors when determining whether a horse needs shoes, including:

• Hoof and foot protection

• Limb support (for injury prevention or to compensate for conformation defects)

• Leverage reduction (to ease stress on internal hoof structures)

• Traction enhancement (for better grip on certain surfaces)

• Traction reduction (to allow controlled movement on slick surfaces)

• Gait correction (to improve movement)

• Gait enhancement (for improved performance in disciplines such as dressage or racing)

  
  

Metal horseshoes are heated in a propane forge, then shaped on an anvil with a hammer to match the hoof’s natural shape. Once properly fitted, the shoe is secured to the hoof using specially designed horseshoe nails. The nails are driven through the hoof wall and exit about one-third of the way up toward the coronary band. The excess nail is then bent, trimmed, and clinched tightly against the hoof, securing the shoe in place.

The skillful application of horseshoes requires precision, as proper fitting impacts the horse’s comfort, movement, and long-term soundness. Through their craftsmanship and expertise, farriers play a vital role in keeping horses healthy and performing at their best.

The Farrier's Work Schedule and Client Base

To maintain healthy hooves, horses and other equids should be trimmed or shod every four to eight weeks. This regular care ensures a steady income for farriers, as clients return on a consistent schedule. Unlike other trades that rely on finding new customers frequently, farriers benefit from repeat business and can maintain a relatively small, stable client base.

Farriers can work full-time or part-time, often as self-employed professionals. They travel to homes, stables, and ranches in specially equipped trucks, vans, or trailers, carrying the tools needed for hoof care and shoeing. Since they run their own businesses, farriers have the flexibility to set their own schedules, choosing how many hours they work per day and how many animals they service.

Farriers in the United States are not regulated by any state government agency, except for those working on racetracks. Each state has a racing authority that tests and approve farriers to shoe on the track.

Working Conditions

Farriers spend most of their time working outdoors, though some clients provide large facilities where work can be done indoors. Because the job is highly physical, farriers must be mindful of their own health and the horse’s well-being. Understanding the average heart rate for a horse and monitoring for signs of dehydration are essential parts of safe hoof care.

A farrier must be prepared to work in all weather conditions, as the job continues year-round regardless of heat, cold, wind, or rain. Adaptability is key, as each region presents its own climate challenges.

Farriers work with a wide range of horses, from small ponies to large performance horses. Just like people, horses have unique personalities and temperaments. A skilled farrier recognizes these differences and adjusts their approach to suit each animal, ensuring safety and cooperation.

Shoeing horses demands agility, stamina, balance, and athleticism. A farrier must have the endurance to perform physically demanding tasks day after day.

Beyond physical skill, a farrier should have a solid understanding of horse anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. The ability to interpret radiographs (X-rays) of the foot is also valuable, particularly when working alongside veterinarians. Many top farriers invest in ongoing education by attending clinics, seminars, and conferences to stay updated on the latest techniques and advancements in hoof care

Personality traits of a successful self-employed farrier

Becoming a successful farrier requires more than just technical skill—it demands a unique blend of discipline, resilience, and business acumen. If you are considering this profession, you should cultivate the following traits:

1. A Genuine Passion for Horses

• You must enjoy working with horses and have the patience to handle different temperaments.

• Farriers who become easily frustrated or resort to anger will struggle in this profession.

  
  

2. Strong Horsemanship Skills

• Beyond riding, you need ground-handling experience with horses of various sizes and personalities.

• If you lack these skills, volunteering at a barn or stable is a great way to gain hands-on experience.

  
  

3. Self-Discipline

• Success does not happen overnight—it takes years to build a steady client base and a reliable income.

• Unlike traditional jobs, where someone sets your schedule, as a farrier, every decision is yours to make, and self-discipline is essential.

  
  

4. Confidence and Resilience

• Expect failures and setbacks, especially in the first few years.

• If uncertainty and financial fluctuations paralyze you, self-employment may be difficult to sustain.

  
  

5. Self-Motivation and Initiative

• No one will tell you what to do—you must take charge of your own success.

• If you are passive, waiting for opportunities to come to you, your business will not thrive.

  
  

6. Consistent Effort and Professionalism

• As a business owner, you cannot afford to just “coast” through the day—clients expect your full attention and best effort.

• If clients sense that you are distracted or uninterested, they will take their business elsewhere.

  
  

7. Dedication and Willingness to Sacrifice

• Unlike employees, farriers don’t have the luxury of calling in sick—clients rely on you to show up.

• Holidays and weekends may be less predictable, especially in the early years when you are building your business.

  
  

8. Decision-Making Skills

• When problems arise, you are the one who must solve them—there’s no one else to “pass the buck” to.

• Quick, confident decision-making is a must, especially when handling difficult horses or business challenges.

  
  

9. Financial Responsibility

• Many small businesses fail due to poor financial management.

• Earning $500 in a day does not mean you have $500 to spend—you must budget for supplies, fuel, equipment maintenance, and taxes.

• Setting aside money for taxes and expenses is crucial to maintaining a stable business.

How can you become a farrier?

There are two ways one can become a farrier.

1. Attend a horseshoeing school

   There are several horseshoeing schools across the United States. Horse Education Online partners with Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, CA.

2. Apprentice with a farrier

   Farriers who do not attend a horseshoeing school learn from other farriers by apprenticing. Reach out to your state's Farriers Association to find a farrier who may be willing to take you on as an apprentice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Farriers

How often should a horse see a farrier?

Most horses need their hooves trimmed or shod every four to eight weeks. The exact schedule depends on factors like the horse’s age, workload, hoof growth rate, and whether the horse wears shoes.

Do all horses need shoes?

Not all horses require shoes. Many do well barefoot if they have strong, healthy hooves and work on forgiving terrain. Horses that do heavy riding, need extra traction, or have hoof or limb issues may benefit from being shod.

What is the difference between a farrier and a blacksmith?

While blacksmiths work with metal in general, farriers specialize in equine hoof care. Farriers trim, balance, and shoe horses, combining metalworking skills with knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanics.

How do farriers work with trainers and veterinarians?

Farriers often collaborate with horse trainers and veterinarians to develop shoeing solutions that support performance and address lameness or conformation issues. This teamwork ensures the horse stays healthy, sound, and able to perform its job safely.

How can I become a professional farrier?

You can become a farrier by attending a horseshoeing school or apprenticing with an experienced farrier. Gaining hands-on experience and continuing education through clinics and certifications can help you build skills and credibility.

How long does it take to shoe a horse?

The time depends on the horse and the work required. A routine trim may take 20 to 30 minutes, while a full set of shoes usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. Corrective or therapeutic shoeing may take longer.

Is being a farrier physically demanding?

Yes, farriery is a physically demanding profession that requires strength, stamina, and balance. Farriers spend long hours bending, lifting hooves, and working in various weather conditions. Proper fitness and body mechanics are essential to prevent injury.