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[Farrier Registartion Council Logo] [Farrier Registartion Council Logo] Welfare:
Your Horse and Your Farrier

Owners' responsibilties

Footcare and farriery are an essential part of the routine care of a horse. Without this regular maintenance, whether shoeing, or just trimming, a horse may not be able to lead a healthy life and its welfare may be jeopardized.

Farriers are qualified professionals, regulated in law by the Farriers Registration Council and are expected to abide by a Guide to Professional Conduct.

However, they cannot give a good service without assistance. Clients,horse owners and carers should help their farriers by providing the following:-

[Clean horse standing]

A clean, dry standing with good light
and non-slip surface
 [Secure safe ring for horse]

A secure safe ring to which
the horse can be tied with suitable breakable tie
[Protection from bad weather]

Protection from rain, wind and bad weather
 [Head collar/halter]

A properly fitted sound head/halter with a good rope of adequate length
[Assistant to Farrier]

Competent assistance on hand should the farrier require it
 [Safe shoeing area]

The client also needs to ensure that the shoeing area is safe for horse and farrier

Just as important as the physical surroundings is the nature and temperament of the horse. With the correct, gentle, regular and reassuring handling from a young age the horse will trust the farrier and be unconcerned by the shoeing process.

Clients should talk to their farrier about any problems to ensure that :-

  • The horse is used to being handled
  • If appropriate, a companion animal is close by
  • They discuss and agree with the farrier on the management of the horse if it becomes unruly. This may require veterinary assistance.

Health & Safety for all...

If a horse is unruly the farrier has a right to decline to shoe it or to discontinue if he/she considers it would be dangerous to do so. A farrier normally only uses the voice to control an animal but an owner should appreciate that as a last resort other action may be required in the interests of health and safety, particularly in life threatening situations.

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'The Farrier Registration Council'.
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