Choosing a professional, experienced and certified farrier is important for the well-being of both your horse and you. A farrier is someone skilled in equine hoof care such as shoeing horses, blacksmithing, and anatomy and physiology of horses’ feet and legs. Incorrect shoeing by a substandard farrier can lead to damage, injury or lameness. It's always best to look for a Certified Farrier or a Certified Journeyman Farrier.

Finding the right farrier should take some time. Don’t wait until your horse has an emergency and simply call a farrier out of the phone book. The best farriers may be busy and not available for first-time clients without an initial visit. When you invest so much in a horse, it’s worth the additional time and energy to find a dependable and skilled farrier.

How to find a farrier

• Consult the American Farrier’s Association, http://www.americanfarriers.org/find_a_farrier, which lists certified farriers by name, state and country. All farriers listed are members of the AFA
• Go to Farriers.com, which offers a nationwide directory of farriers
• Search the Internet for state farrier associations, blacksmiths, horseshoe and farrier supply companies, and farrier schools
• Ask a veterinarian, equine specialist, professional trainer, stable manager or breeder
• Get referrals and recommendations from other horse owners, especially owners of the type of horse you have, and other practitioners in your sport
• Look at advertisements in horse-related publications

Certification and training

Certified farriers have attended farrier schools, trained extensively and taken standardized tests and veterinary-related exams to prove they have the necessary skills to be true craftsmen. Because there are no laws requiring farriers to be certified, ensure that your farrier is knowledgeable and competent.

The American Farrier’s Association offers four levels of certification:

• Certified Farrier – one year of horseshoeing experience
• Certified Tradesman Farrier – two years of experience with forging and fitting skills
• Certified Journeyman Farrier (CJF) – two years of experience and specialized skills—the highest certification given in the United States
• Specialty Endorsements – for those with a CJF, continuing education with specialties in hoof care and knowledge of specific breeds

Interviewing farriers

When it’s finally time to interview potential farriers, ask as many questions as possible. Ask him:

• Where he studied, apprenticed or learned his craft
• If he is a member of the AFA or other state or national farrier organization
• In which disciplines he is knowledgeable
• How he would handle an unmanageable or uncooperative horse
• To provide references

Make sure:

• He arrives on time
• His “certification” is from a reputable school
• He is professional in his business dealings and with clients
• He understands your horse’s athletic level and sport so he can provide appropriate care and shoewear
• He is equipped with the necessary supplies for the tasks at hand
• He is an efficient communicator: He returns calls, keeps you informed about the work he’s doing and even takes time to educate you about the condition of your horse
• He can work well with others: veterinarians, grooms, trainers and riders