Shoe makers are for humans as farriers are to horses. Yes, horses need their own expert hoof care specialists. It is very rare that a community attends to the foot care and needs of horses.
Those areas where the need is recognized are fortunate to have a few farriers around. Farriers are people who are specially trained and experienced to make horse shoes and take care of the hoofs.
To the ordinary horse owner, the expertise of a farrier isn't really necessary, but for those who are very keen and meticulous over their horses' health and overall health, farriers are one of the most important aides an owner could provide to the animals.
When Hiring A Farrier :
Once upon a time, farriers were considered as estranged bed fellows to the blacksmiths because it had been assumed that the nature of the two jobs were one and the same.
But through the years, the distinction between the two eventually surfaced. Though, the two are considered almost the same, their expertise are different. Though, both professions command great recognition because it takes a significant amount of skill and talent to emerge in both of them.
The work of farrier is as complicated as the work of the blacksmith because trimming hoofs and making special shoes for horses is as tedious as crafting glasses and furniture.
That is why when hiring a farrier for horses, the owner must pay particular attention to the applicant-farrier's expertise and knowledge base.
The first thing the horse owner must look at when selecting a farrier from a pool of applicants is the history of experience. Though, it would somehow seem unfair to the new farriers, old and seasoned ones are more favored.
That is because experienced farriers know what to do in certain difficult situations. Whatever challenge or problem that may arise, the experienced farrier will definitely know how to handle each obstacle.
Experience must have also taught him how to get along with the horses, especially those which are bred and raised to race and join other equestrian events.
Farriers must know when to shoe horses or what to do when there are problems fitting the horse for shoes. Farriers must also be experienced on trimming hoofs.
The new farriers might not be shut out, however. Some horse owners prefer them over the veterans because their services are less expensive. They can also be further trained so they can get along with the horses on a ranch.
Interviewing The Farrier-Applicant
Of course, hiring a farrier is just like hiring regular employees. Other than just looking at the work experience sheet, the horse owner must take time to interview the applicant.
It is through casual talk that the horse owner can get to know the prospective employer. Ease and rapport between the horse owner and the applicant-farrier must be established for they would have to work hand in hand in maintaining the overall foot care of the horse.
The horse owner could ask strategic and inquisitive questions that would gauge the applicant's personal knowledge and experience. For example, the prospective employer could ask about the applicant's work history and experience personally.
Through questions, the horse owner could also tell how the applicant would fare when faced with situations. For instance, you could ask the applicant about his experience on doing gaited horses.
Those farrier-applicants who are tending to be too know-it-all should be screened out because based on the experiences of other horse owners, such farriers won't be helpful in maintaining the over all health of the horse. Such farriers would also disregard suggestions and comments from horse owners, which would be a source of a gap between the two.
Overall, when hiring a farrier, you, the horse owner, could seek advice and recommendations from friends and acquaintances. Asking your local veterinarian about good farriers would also be helpful.
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