Welcome to the Farriers Registration Council at Your Horse Live Virtual April 2021, my name is David Hall and I wanted to take a moment of your time to offer greetings to you. The Council is delighted to have this opportunity to connect with equine owners through this event. You may know that Registered Farriers have continued to deliver essential equine hoofcare services during the lockdown periods, with the shoeing and trimming of equines providing equine owners with reassurance that their animals are receiving the care they both need and deserve.
We hope that the information set out below will be of interest to you. To find out more please visit our website at www.farrier-reg.gov.uk
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.
To get the best possible service for your horse from your farrier, please consider the following advice.
The environment should offer:
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:
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: