Ever thought of being a farrier? Are you physically strong? Do you enjoy working with horses? If you have answered yes to all the above then being a farrier might just be the job for you. Farriers act in 1975 the short definition of a farrier is a skilled craftsmen that creates horse shoes. That is also any work related to the preparations or treatments of the horses hoof. A farrier does the fitting by nailing the horse shoe to the hoof and gets it finished off.
This craft was used during the time of the roman empire. The skill of the shoe maker has been handed down through generations.
Now days to become a fully qualified farrier you can attend a course that specializes in the craft. This it is not always necessary as they have apprentiships on offer after graduation. Apprentiships gives hands on skills to what a farrier really does on day to day basis. With an apprentiship you always have an experienced onlooker by your side to assist you.
Before attaching the shoe to the horses hoof, the horse job of the farrier is to check the horse’s leg and hoof. Cutting away any excess hoof growth and making sure the horse is well balanced. Choosing the perfect fit for the horse shoe relies on the horses size, hoof condition and whatever work or activity’s the horse has been through. To adjust the shape of the shoe to the hoof you will need to use an anvil and hammer. By using these items you can fix the shoe to the hoof correctly.
There are a few things you have to take into account when you feel that this job suites you. Good physical strength and stamina is a must because you will be working with horses that can weigh up to 2 tons or more! You will need to have excellent communication skills because you will be communicating most of your time with the horse’s owners and veterinarians. Some horses are difficult to work with because they don’t like their feet to be handled so patience is a must and also a love for horses of course.
Hand-eye coordination and manual skills is a must, you don’t want to mistake your fingers for a nail. As a result to being self employed to have to take on many responsibilities such as organising appointments, keeping record of expenses, payments and other essential accounts. You will be doing a lot of travelling to different farms, ranches and private owners. You can take your business to horse owners.
The number one rule to becoming a farrier is that you must keep the horse’s welfare to first priority and treat the animal humanely and with respect. Build knowledge of your craft and sustain it. For repeat business; keeping good customer relationships is a must, it will lead you to recommendations to other customers from word of mouth.
Just like any other job, this job is rewarding but also filled with challenges. If being a farrier sounds like what you like to do and that it is your passion to work with horses then you should take this job into consideration.