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Information provided courtesy of Philip M. Smith, Farrier
A person who trims and shoes horses is usually called a farrier, horseshoer
or blacksmith.
Most domestic horses are confined, so that their hooves do not have the
chance to wear down through the constant use experienced by wild horses.
Many domestic horses are ridden on terrain for which their hooves are
too sensitive, or may not have hooves strong enough due to their breeding
or their state of health. These horses may require shoes in order to work
comfortably. Regular attention from a trained, experienced farrier is
necessary to maintain balanced hooves and healthy movement.]
The condition of a horse’s foot directly affects the whole body.
An unbalanced foot will put stress on the connecting tendons, ligaments
and muscles, and can affect the soundness and workability of the horse.
Imbalances in the foot can cause muscle soreness and skeletal alignment
problems, which can make the chiropractor’s or massage therapist's
job more difficult or ineffective. In turn, a skeletal imbalance or soft
tissue damage can affect the way a horse stands or moves, which can distort
the growth of the foot making it difficult for the farrier to correct
the foot.
Some horses develop special needs due to conformation, neglect, poor
nutrition or improper trimming and shoeing. A farrier trained in therapeutic
shoeing and trimming is required. A horse that has navicular disease or
has foundered requires special trimming and shoeing to make them more
comfortable and even in some instances to reverse the damage. Modern technology
and research in veterinary and farrier science has greatly improved the
quality of life for horses that have encountered such challenges.
A farrier trims the hoof to remove extra growth and to align the bone
structure of the leg so it meets the ground squarely. The farrier removes
the old shoe, cleans out the dead exfoliating material, and then uses
nippers to remove excess hoof wall growth. The foot is then made flat
using the rasp. If the horse is to wear shoes, the shoe is shaped to fit
the hoof and then nailed on. The nails are driven through the outer layer
of lamina exiting the hoof wall, and then bent over to hold the shoe in
place.
The farrier should be able to explain the biomechanics of the foot and
how it affects the whole horse. He should evaluate the horse’s movement
before and after trimming or shoeing the horse. A complete history of
any recurring problems should be discussed. The farrier should be available
to talk with the veterinarian, chiropractor or other professionals if
needed.
A person can become a farrier by attending a specialized school and then
apprenticing under an established farrier for up to two years. There are
many clinics offered throughout the year to allow professionals to continue
learning and to keep up with new technology.
Resources
American Farriers Association
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