When discussing licensing and regulation of an industry in the United States, farriers often think of direct oversight — a government-approved agency to pass rules specific for the trade. This is a reality affecting a minority of farriers, such as certain states requiring track shoers to carry a license. However, for the majority of the industry, government regulation of the trade still doesn’t exist.
Why do I spend all this time away from my wife and kids going to clinics, pursuing certifications, competing in contests, riding with other farriers and spending time in my shop practicing?
Often, we get so wrapped up in the rigors of removing hoof and nailing shoes to a horse that we lose track of our place in the existence of this animal’s life.
South Carolina journalist L.C. Street wrote an opinion piece for Horse Network titled, “Your Farrier Is Not A God,” in which she laments the “undue pressure on the animal owner and elevates the farrier to a holier-than-thou position.” Jessica Lindner responded with a farrier’s perspective.
The first shoe I ever pulled off a horse took 45 minutes. My arms, hands, back and legs were screaming at me why are you doing this??? Beads of perspiration dripped into my eyes as my fingers gave their best death grip on tools that felt awkward and heavier with each passing second. Still, the shoe would not budge.
After spending millions of dollars during a 4-year quixotic campaign to criminalize the New York City carriage horse industry, an animal rights organization reportedly is waving the white flag. Or are they?
In language, the “serv” in observing has Latin roots meaning to “watching over.” When we as farriers look at horses, we’ve committed to a very detailed act. We need to teach ourselves to “watch over.”
When it’s time to open up and say, “Ahh,” who performs your annual health checkup? Apparently members of a New York City animal rights group visit their neighborhood mechanic.
American Farriers Journal is excited and honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publishing the hands-on magazine for hoof-care professionals. Learn more about our special edition, which comes out in December 2024.
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