Focus on Farriery

The importance of high quality hoof care carried out by a Registered Farrier cannot be over-stated

Focus on Farriery

Why using a Registered Farrier is critical for the well-being of your horse

Anyone who owns or works with horses should consider the wellbeing of their horses a priority, and the importance of high quality hoof care carried out by a Registered Farrier cannot be over-stated. The saying ‘No Hoof No Horse’ remains true for all types of equines, whether a high-goal polo pony, a five-star level eventer or the family’s happy hacker.

Farriery is believed to have been first practised within the Roman Empire, and in the contemporary context a Registered Farrier will have a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of farriery. Registered Farriers will be capable of shoeing all types of equine feet, whether in good condition or defective, they will be able to make and fit horseshoes to suit all types of work and working conditions, and of devising corrective measures to compensate for faulty limb action.

Since 1975 farriery has been a registered profession in Great Britain. The Farriers (Registration) Act (1975) was passed into law to ‘prevent and avoid suffering by and cruelty to horses arising from the shoeing of horses by unskilled persons’. It is therefore unlawful for anyone who is not a Registered Farrier, enrolled apprentice, veterinary surgeon or veterinary trainee — or a person giving first aid in an emergency — to shoe any equine in Great Britain and could result in a fine of up to £1,000, legal costs and a criminal record. Registered Farriers are regulated by the Farriers Registration Council and are required to follow a Code of Professional Conduct. There are currently around 2,900 Registered Farriers in Great Britain all of whom are required to meet a demanding entry standard in order to practise. Registered Farriers have completed challenging and focused training and are capable of providing the best possible hoof care, inclusive of assessment of the horse’s hoof care needs, trimming and balancing of the hoof, and making and fitting shoes. Registered Farriers will have the horse’s best interests uppermost in their mind and will aim to prevent injury or long-term damage to the horse. The Farriers Registration Council provides registration to farriers from overseas who wish to work temporarily or permanently in Great Britain. Without such registration, overseas farriers, including those travelling with visiting teams, are not able to shoe horses in Great Britain lawfully, and for them to do so is a criminal offence.

Horse owners may be unaware that they are putting the welfare of their horses at risk by using an unregistered person to carry out farriery. A horse may suffer long term damage by poor trimming leading to an unbalanced hoof, by an incorrectly fitted shoe or a misplaced nail. Horse owners may also be unaware that in the event of injury to their horse by an unregistered farrier equine insurance policies will probably be invalidated; in such circumstances the owner may have no comeback in law, and by using an unregistered farrier they could be guilty of aiding and abetting a criminal act. The risks are not worth taking.

Registered Farriers will be capable of shoeing all types of equine feet

Farriers Registration Council

Web: www.farrier-reg.gov.uk Tel: 01733 319911 It has never been easier for horse owners to find a Registered Farrier or check if the person shoeing their horse is registered. Simply check the register at www.farrier-reg.gov.uk or call the Farriers Registration Council on 01733 319911.