Anatomy: structure of bones, joints in the horse’s leg

Physiology: tendons and ligaments and understanding of the hoof structure, how it grows and functions; blood circulation in the hoof

Pathology: a basic knowledge of disorders such as: bowed tendons, splints, thrush, laminitis, ringbone, side bone, and navicular

Gait and movement problems: Know all basic conformation or structural differences or various breeds and how they affect the way the horse moves. Know how conformation affects forging

Horseshoes and Nails: An understanding of how nails are sized. Knowledge of all types of horseshoes, factory and handmade, and for what they are used, both normal and corrective.

Part podiatrist and part chiropractor, the farrier ensures proper leg alignment with proper shoes, and diagnoses and treats foot ailments. The farrier is a front line provider of equine health care, and there is obvious satisfaction when an improvement in the condition of a ‘patient’s’ feet is noted. Farriers often act as liaison between the owner and veterinarians, alerting them to changes in horse health.

Farriery, though traditionally viewed as a ‘male’ profession, is seeing more women take up the craft. The freedom and flexibility of the job, the satisfaction of building a business and helping others, crosses gender lines.

If working every day with horses and owners appeals to you, a career as a professional farrier may be exactly what you’re looking for. And there’s plenty of opportunity in York Region.