farriery

Farriery is the craft of maintaining and fitting a horse's hooves and, in some cases, the lower limbs. A farrier trims hooves, balances the hoof capsule, and applies shoes or other devices to support movement and health. The practice combines metalworking with veterinary knowledge and animal welfare considerations.

Core duties include regular trimming to retain proper balance and breakover, removing excess hoof material, and selecting or fabricating shoes to suit conformation, gait, terrain, and workload. Farriers assess the foot for conditions such as cracks, abscesses, thrush, and laminitis, and may apply corrective shoeing or padding in coordination with veterinarians.

Tools and materials commonly used are hoof knives, rasps, nippers, clinchers, hammers, anvils, nails, and forging equipment for steel or alloy shoes. Shoes may be nailed to the hoof, glued on, or used with boots or pads. In some cases, farriers fit specialized shoes for racehorses, ponies, or therapeutic purposes.

Hoof care is essential for mobility and welfare; poorly fitted shoes or improper trimming can cause pain and lameness. Regular visits, often every four to six weeks, help maintain balance and allow timely intervention for hoof disease or injury. Farriery intersects with veterinary medicine, nutrition, and equine management.

Training and professional practice vary by country, but most farriers undertake formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and obtain certification through a professional body. Standards cover safety, tool use, foot assessment, and humane treatment. Many regions have dedicated farrier associations that promote continuing education and ethical guidelines.