Welcome to our new blog dedicated to horse owners and professional farriers who want to forge firm foundations with horses, in business and for life. We will feature articles and tips for horse owners along with strategies for professional farriers who want to strengthen skills and broaden their business. Please bookmark this site, subscribe to our feed, come back often and tell your friends!
Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF
Now let’s begin…
Horses are an important part of the economy of other countries as well as here in America. Under-developed countries depend more on the horse as a beast of burden than as a sporting or leisure time activity. Their owners use horses to sustain their families. All horses need regular competent hoof care to remain sound and serviceable. There are great opportunities to help developing nations take better care of their equines.
Horseshoeing is an art or skill, but it is also a science. A background in the sciences, especially anatomy and physiology, becomes a necessity when diagnosing, treating and discussing such ailments with an educated professional like a veterinarian. For this reason, and because a farrier is often considered by the public as an expert on horses, many are finding it advantageous to get formal training at a trade school, college or university.
There are about 50 public and private schools in America that offer some type of training in horseshoeing. These schools vary tremendously in length and content. In many countries, horseshoeing schools are sponsored by the national government. The schooling system is tied to an apprenticeship system. Examination and licensing are administered by guilds with state support. Most European countries treat horseshoeing as a profession. In America, to be respected as professionals, horseshoers must be professional!
With proper training, there is good reason to be excited about the future of horseshoeing. A word of caution: horseshoeing is not what it is frequently made out to be. False claims, some as advertisements for short courses, others as poor journalism, have been published over and over again. They make horseshoeing out to be ‘easy money’ performed by persons with easily obtained skill. Prices have been inaccurately quoted and yearly income figures have been grossly exaggerated. Such publicity has encouraged people to enter the field with little or no training. Incorrect perceptions have hurt horses as well as people.
The public should be able to feel as confident about having a horseshoer work on their horses as they do a veterinarian or other professional. It takes time and study and diligent practice to become a highly skilled farrier.
Certification is desirable but is not required. Other factors involving the farrier’s character and business practices have an equal or higher value to horse owners.
All certification available in America is voluntary. The process of preparing for and taking the exams will make a better horseshoer. Passing an exam will increase confidence and value to their clients, and for that reason it is desirable.
The American Farriers Association (AFA) took the lead in providing certification exams for its members. Candidates must pass both practical and written tests. However, there is still a need for improvement as the highest certification level offered in America is considered equal to the lowest or entry-level registration in the UK where farriers are examined by the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF).
It takes time and training, close supervision and a lot of practice to obtain skill in horseshoeing. There is no easy way or royal road. Character development is a slow and often painful process. Capital is required to assemble the tools, equipment and inventory of shoes and supplies needed to go into business. Then, depending on the area, a farrier must be patient as it takes time and consistent effort to build up a sustainable business.
Horseshoeing can be a great career with a promising future for those who like the work and are willing to become skilled at it. It appears there will always be room for a horseshoer who is competent and dependable. If one chooses to enter the profession, they should decide to be that kind of farrier!
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Doug Butler Enterprises, Inc. helps those who want to forge firm foundations with horses, in business and for life. Call 1-800-728-3826 and Press 1 www.dougbutler.com (for ordering products) or visit our website www.butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com.
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