Farriers
Go straight to the latest news about farriers
Farriers have to undertake a four-year apprenticeship to learn how to trim, balance and apply shoes to the horse’s hooves. If they pass their exams, they are then qualified to shoe horses without supervision. Farriers learn blacksmithing skills in order to prepare horseshoes, but a blackmith is NOT allowed to shoe horses under UK law.
The farriery industry is regulated by the Farriers Registration Council in the United Kingdom. The National Farriers Training Agency used to oversee the farriery apprenticeship, but was shut down following a poor OFSTED report in July 2013. The apprenticeships are now run by a handful of colleges around the country.
Horse & Hound followed the ups and downs of apprentice Roland Thompson as he retrained to become a qualified farrier in a regular blog, Roland’s Nags and Nails from 2011 to 2013.
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Farrier struck off for ‘appalling’ violence on horse he was shoeing
“His conduct fell well below the standards expected of a registered farrier and constituted serious misconduct in a professional respect”
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All in a day’s work: The Team GBR farrier *H&H Plus*
Andrew Bowyer on transporting his pony in the Landy, and a life of medals, gaffer tape and chocolate sandwiches,
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The barefoot debate: Do horses need shoes to compete? H&H asks the experts *H&H Plus*
Some say barefoot is natural, others argue that modern competition horses are purpose-bred and need shoes. Polly Bryan consults the experts
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Road nail study paves the way for future farriery research *H&H Plus*
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New farrier course is a major milestone for equine welfare *H&H Plus*
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Help! My horse is difficult with the farrier — what should I do?
Here Jason gives one H&H forum user advice on how to get her horse more settled while being shod by the farrier
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Fancy having a bunch of (naked) Australian farriers hanging in your tack room?
The prospect of stripping off for a naked calendar is likely to fill most people with a sense of dread. Unless of course, you’re a farrier whose line of work involves toning those upper-arm muscles — and have a friend in need of some financial help...
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Barefoot versus shoes: what's the verdict?
The approach to perfect hoof health has become contentious, at times even a combative discussion between shoeing the horse or keeping it barefoot
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A new farriery care concept could help your competition horse move from good to great *Promotion*
Riders are increasingly aware that having a good team around them is an essential ingredient in success.
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Welfare warning after reports of illegal farriery
“It is a black and white situation whether a farrier is on the register”
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Farrier wins unique Badminton and Grand National double
One farrier has achieved a very special double with his handmade bespoke horse shoes
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Foul-mouthed farrier to be struck off register
A disciplinary committee ruled charges proved against the man amounted to gross professional misconduct
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Most common hoof problems - and relationships with the farrier
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Copper-coated nails designed to improve hoof health
The copper-coated nails are designed to prevent microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, from entering the hoof when a horse is shod
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What's life like as a King's Troop farrier? *VIDEO*
Sergeant French, who completed his farrier apprenticeship through the army, shares the facts and figures of the King's Troop's forge
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Are these Britain's fittest farriers? *PICTURES*
However you choose to interpret the word, farriers are indisputably fit, so we think it’s about time we celebrated Britain’s fittest — and favourite — farriers from around the country
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Horses found with 3ft long hooves
Rescuers believe they had been left in their stables for 15 years without farrier or veterinary care
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How to remove a horse shoe: simple step-by-step guide
Would you know how to remove a shoe if it was posing a danger to your horse? Learn this essential skill now
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Fizz Marshall's therapy blog: The A-listers
Our expert therapy blogger welcomes some new members of the team and praises the work of farriers
