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Experience
and Training - References - Association
- Certification
Personal Attributes - Client
Responsibilities |
Choosing a farrier
Choosing a farrier to provide hoof care for your horse
is one of the most important decisions you will make for
the well being of your horse. Improper hoof care can lead
to injury and/or lameness, and may reduce your horse’s
ability to reach his full potential.
This decision should not be left until there is an emergency
when your horse must be shod by a farrier who happens to
be available on short notice.
The most experienced and best trained farriers often have
a full schedule of clientele and maintain a waiting list
of owners who are interested in having them provide farriery
care for their horses.
You should choose your farrier in a systematic and educated
manner. This will help to assure that you will be able to
obtain the service of a farrier who will best fit your needs
and the needs of your horse.
The use of only price or availability as a guideline may
lead to unsatisfactory work, and is best avoided.
An investigation of a potential farrier’s background
and education, experience, professional association and
personal attributes will help you make the right decision.
The perfect farrier does not exist, but you should be able
to find one who will fit your needs and provide satisfactory
care for your horse.
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Background and education |
Schools and apprenticeships
Begin by asking a potential farrier how he or she learned
their profession. A proper and complete education is the
key to becoming and accomplished professional. Excellent
farriers usually apprenticed with an established professional
with a good reputation..
Many farrier attended schools to increase their knowledge
and skills. Such schools should cover the areas of knowledge
that are difficult to teach in the field, such as anatomy,
physiology, biomechanics, business practices, and professional
conduct. Apprenticeships and schools help a farrier to do
a satisfactory job while they are practicing and gaining
experience.
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| References
One excellent source of reference is from
the horse owners who have horses similar to yours in breed
and usage. Remember, there are many different types of special
shoeing requirements. Many farriers specialize in one type
of horse, and while they may shoe other types of horses, their
best work is done in their speciality. Be cautious with this
approach.
Many horse owners are satisfied with a farrier who is inexpensive,
or is a friend, or a nice person, rather than because of their
skill and knowledge about their profession. Doctors of Veterinary
Medicine, especially those who are equine practitioners and
members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners
are another excellent source of information.
Don’t be afraid to ask potential farriers about the
type and variety of their experience as farriers, and their
approach to their work and clients.
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| Professional
Association
Continuing education is an important factor
in determining whether a person is a professional. In all
other professions, individuals are constantly upgrading their
knowledge and skills. It is no different in the farrier profession.
No one farrier knows all there is to know about farriery,
so the need to learn and share is essential.
Each state or region has a farriers association, which enables
farriers to increase their knowledge and skills and share
information about horses and horseshoeing. Farrier associations
conduct, seminars, clinics and workshops with their members.
They hold conventions that display the newest products and
material available to make farrier’s work more consistent
and improve quality.
Is your potential farrier a member of the American Farrier’s
Association and/or a local organization, which can help them
become a better farrier?
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Certification
There are no laws currently requiring licensing or certification
to be a farrier. However, the American Farrier’s Association
(AFA) has a certification program that insures different
skill levels for a farrier that has completed the level.
The two levels of the AFA certification are the AFA Certified
Farrier and the AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier. An Intern
Classification is also available as an initial step toward
certification.
Intern Classification
Farrier who have just completed a farrier school
may opt to try for Intern Classification status. It consists
of a written portion about anatomy, gaits and shoeing practices
important for the farrier to know and understand.
A practical test assures the farrier can shoe a horse in a
specified time period and to a published standard.
AFA Certified Farrier
Farriers who have been shoeing for a minimum of one year may
opt to take the test for AFA Certified Farrier. In addition
to the written and practical tests, the AFA Certified Farrier
has completed a set of sample shoe with various modifications
that show ability to do basic work required of farriers.
AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier
Farriers who have been shoeing a minimum of two years may
take the test for the AFA Certified Jouneyman Farrier. There
is more comprehensive written test on anatomy, gaits and shoeing
and a set of sample shoes.
A practical test requires the farrier to shoe a horse with
handmade shoes to a set standard in two hours. Certification
study and testing leads to an improved knowledge and skill
level for the farrier. Is your potential farrier certified?
By what professional body?
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Personal Attributes
In addition to the professional knowledge and skill needed
to perform satisfactory work, your relationship with the individual
is important as well. Farrier/client and farrier/horses relationships
are important as well.
You must be compatible with the individual who is providing
services to your horse. You must also be confident that your
farrier can and will do the job to your satisfaction and in
a manner acceptable to yo
The following questions are important to answer before you
make your choice.
- How does the potential farrier treat clients?
- Does the farrier always arrive on the day and time scheduled?
- Do they always treat you and your horse with respect and
consideration?
- Are they willing to answer your questions and share their
knowledge and skill with you so that you can be aware of
problems as they occur?
- Will they keep shoeing records if this is important to
you?
- Will the farrier discuss approaches to disciplining the
horse with you?
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Client Responsibilities
If you want to obtain and keep a quality farrier, there
are some obligations that you have as well. The farrier’s
time is valuable, and you can help by not wasting any of
the time that he is working on your animals.
- Have your horses caught and ready to be brought out when
their turn comes
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Have a clean, safe work area set aside
for shoeing
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Have someone available to bring out
the horses and to hold them if necessary
- Be ready to tell the farrier what is needed for each animal
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Let the farrier know when you have
a horse who may be difficult or untrained
The farrier will usually work with you in such cases,
but he is being paid for the specific task of shoeing
horses, not training them. Lastly, be prepared to pay
for the service when it is received. The survival of your
farrier depends on their ability to earn enough money
to pay for the cost of doing business and making a reasonable
profit for the area in which they live.
Most farriers will not give a guarantee of their service,
but will work with you if you have a horse that has particularly
bad feet of habits that lead to loss of shoes. Expect
to pay for any emergency services you require. A professional
farrier will treat you with professional courtesy, if
they are treated well in return.
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Summary
You now realize that choosing a farrier to
care for your animals is a very important decision. Consider
the points brought out above, and use those that you think
are most important to help you decide. This systematic approach
should lead to a satisfactory relationship between you, your
horse and your farrier. |
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