Always use a Registered Farrier from the Farriers Registration Council

Is your farrier registered?

Anyone who owns or works with horses will know the importance of keeping their horses happy, healthy and safe. Most will consider the wellbeing of their horses a priority and one of the most important things you can do for the wellbeing of your horse is to use a Registered Farrier.

Farriery is a registered profession in Great Britain and it is illegal for anyone who is not a Registered Farrier, approved apprentice, veterinary surgeon or veterinary trainee to shoe a horse. As a safeguard to the welfare of the animal and to provide assurance for the owner  Registered Farriers have completed four years demanding and focused training and are qualified to  provide the best hoof care, with correct trimming and shoeing, essential to avoid injury or long term damage.

 Use of an unregistered farrier may be tempting sometimes for speed or convenience but owners are encouraged to consider the risks to their horse’s welfare when using an unqualified, unregistered or untrained farrier. Many owners will also be unaware that they could even invalidate their own insurance.

It has never been easier for horse owners to find a Registered Farrier or to check if the person shoeing their horse is registered. Simply ask to see your farrier’s registration card,  check the register at www.farrier-reg.gov.uk or call the Farriers Registration Council on 01733 319911.

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A guide to getting the best from your Farrier

To get the best possible service for your horse from your farrier, please consider the following advice.     

The environment should offer:

• A clean, dry and level standing with good light and a non-slip surface.
• The area should be safe for the horse and the people attending to it.
• Protection from rain, wind and poor weather. 
• The horse should be clean and dry.
• A secure, safe ring to which the horse can be tied with a suitable breakable tie. 
• Split the twine so that in the event of the horse panicking the string will break and not the head collar.
• A properly fitted sound head collar or halter with a good rope of adequate length.
• Competent assistance with no distractions, such as mobile telephones, should be available if required by the farrier.

It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their horses are used to having their legs held so that effective trimming and shoeing can be carried out without distressing the horse or putting the farrier’s safety at risk.  It is also worth remembering the following:

• Talk to your farrier about any concerns which may affect the handling of your horse. 
• In some circumstances it may be helpful if there is a companion animal close by. 
• If your horse becomes unruly your farrier may decline to trim or shoe, or to discontinue trimming or shoeing, if they consider it would be dangerous to proceed.  They may also request that veterinary assistance is provided, and perhaps the horse be sedated.

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What you can expect from your farrier

Farriers are qualified professionals, regulated in law by the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975, and they are expected to abide by the Farrier & Apprentice Code of Professional Conduct.

As a customer you can expect your farrier to:

• Treat all horses humanely, with respect, and with welfare as the primary consideration.
• Take all reasonable care in using their professional skills.
• Adhere to the Farrier & Apprentice Code of Professional Conduct.
• Ensure that clear information is provided about the treatment of your horse and contact arrangements.
• Maintain proper standards including the use of appropriate equipment.
• Respond to your enquiries within a reasonable timescale.
• Keep within their own areas of competence, save for the requirement to provide emergency first aid.
• Work in conjunction with the advice of a veterinary surgeon, if applicable advise you when a second opinion or further professional advice may be required.
• Keep their knowledge, skills and behaviours up to date by undertaking regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Recognise that you have freedom of choice.

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