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sun has only been up for an hour, but the truck is loaded with gear,
and on the way to the first farm. Today’s appointment book is filled
with horses’ names, treatment required, owner’s names. The schedule
is always subject to change: a loose shoe to adjust, a thrown shoe
to replace, or a developing limp may not be on the list but requires
a look. It’s a physically demanding but highly rewarding career
for an individual who enjoys ‘being his own boss’.
The horse industry is segmented into groups distinguished by
activities of the horses and in some cases, according to the breed.
Because each grouping has different trim requirements, and different
types of shoes, farriers tend to specialize their services and
skills on one type of horse so they can better serve the owners.
Typical equine
categories found in York Region: Thoroughbred
racing Polo ponies
Standardbred racing
Western and Rodeo
Hunters/Jumpers
Carriage and Driving
Dressage Work Horses
Event horses Recreation
Miniature Horses
Donkeys
Finding a qualified
farrier can be difficult and owners rely heavily on a farrier’s
reputation in the industry. Although
certification is voluntary at this point in time, the designation
indicates a high level of competence. Canada is affiliated with
the American Farrier Association, the organization responsible
for establishing certification
standards for the profession.
Stewart Bruce, who
operates Bruce Farrier Service, is a good example of the type
of individual suited to this profession. Full of energy and enthusiasm
for his chosen career, he displays a keen interest in animal health
care and owner education. He
explains his role this way: " Horses are four-legged athletes.
If you don’t have the right footwear on, they won’t be able to
perform the way you want them to." Shoes are designed to
support the horse and improve gait. Corrective shoes protect tender
feet, padded shoes protect the soles, ‘snow’ shoes prevent ice
balls from forming under the hoof, and toe or heel adjustments
can improve the direction of the footfall patterns. But there
is much more to the profession than shoes.
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Media Player Video - 2½ min.
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