Farriers. The craft behind the hooves.

We had the farrier out at Wild Mane this week, which is a normal part of caring for hotses and ponies. But for many people who follow our work, the word farrier might be completely new. Here’s a straightforward look at what a farrier does and why their work matters.

A farrier is a trained professional who looks after a horse’s hooves. Think of them as the hoof (a horses foot) specialist. Just like people need foot care, horses need it even more because their entire body weight is carried on four small surfaces. If a hoof becomes overgrown, uneven, cracked, or sore, it affects the whole body, movement, comfort, behaviour, and health.

A farrier’s job is to prevent that. They trim and balance the hoof so the horse can move safely and comfortably. They check how the horse stands, how it moves, and whether anything looks different from last time. They pick up on tiny changes that most people would never notice. A good farrier can spot early signs of problems like soreness, infection, laminitis, or pressure in the wrong place.

In the UK, farriery is a protected job. You cannot legally shoe a horse unless you are a Registered Farrier. To earn that title, a person must complete a 4 year, 2 month apprenticeship, pass a final exam called the DipWCF, and prove they understand hoof anatomy, movement, gait, metalwork, and equine welfare. It is a long and serious training process because incorrect hoof care can cause real damage.

At Wild Mane, our programmes will sometimes coincide with farrier visits, so participants may be lucky enough to see real hoof care in action. It’s a chance to watch a trained professional carry out an important part of horse welfare, and it often sparks good questions about how horses stay healthy and comfortable.

We also get asked how someone becomes a farrier. It’s a good career for people who are practical, like working outdoors, enjoy problem-solving, and feel confident around animals. It is physical work, but it is also a respected trade where there is always demand.

So if you ever see a farrier at Wild Mane, you are watching a professional carrying out vital welfare work. It keeps our ponies healthy, and it supports every programme we deliver. Good hoof care is not optional, it is a core part of making sure our herd stays comfortable, safe, and ready to help the people who come here.