RIDERS considering taking off their horses’ shoes are reminded that barefoot trimmers are not regulated in the way farriers are – and that only the latter are legally able to put shoes back on if needed.
Should a farrier’s care fall short, the Farriers Registration Council can step in and hold him or her accountable, as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) can for vets, but there is no such provision for trimmers. There are trimming courses and qualifications on offer, but they are not required by law.
Master farrier Ben Benson, who has worked with the World Class Programme and is president of the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association, told H&H: “This needs to be said. It’s absolutely fine to take your horse barefoot, but make sure you’ve got the right people around you.
“That’s where farriers come in; we’re regulated and quality assured, and importantly for horse owners we’re legally required to be fully insured. If we do something wrong, we’re answerable in a court of law.
“There are very good trimmers, but they’re not regulated. Anyone could take a rasp and pair of nips and do it.”
Denne historien er fra June 01, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 01, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
