Farrier Information
A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves. A farrier combines some blacksmith's skills (fabricating, adapting, and adjusting metal shoes) with some veterinarian's skills (knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb) to care for horses' feet.
Farrier History
At one time, the jobs of farrier and blacksmith were practically synonymous, shown by the etymology of the word: farrier comes from Middle French: ferrier (blacksmith), from the Latin word ferrum (iron). A farrier's work in colonial America or pre-Industrial Revolution Europe would have included horseshoeing, as well as the fabrication and repair of tools, the forging of architectural pieces, etc. Today, farriers usually specialize in horseshoeing, focusing their time and effort on the care of the horse's hoof. For this reason, farriers and blacksmiths are considered to be in separate, even though they are still related, trades.
- Be Quick Horseshoeing Farrier Information:
- Farrier Articles
Articles regarding farrier services and hoof care. Some articles are written by Pat Hall, owner of Be Quick Horseshoeing and Expert Farrier. - Farrier Videos
Instructional Videos with our own expert farriers. Learn how to prepare your horse for the farrier and more! - Farrier Information Links
Learn more about farriers and other horse care information.
Choosing the Right Farrier
Choosing a farrier can be approached in the same manner as choosing the right doctor for your child or horse. Things to consider are experience, reputation, and area of expertise. Selecting a farrier for your horse should not be based on costs, but on the best recommendation from horse trainers or veterinarians you respect.
Be Quick Horseshoeing offers references by request. Please visit our Testimonials Page for current customers' experiences with our farrier service.
