FABULOUS FARRIERS

If you have a great work ethic, a desire to operate your own business, and love being around horses, becoming a farrier could be the career for you!

- FRAN JURGA

There's a buzz in the barn; it's T farrier day! Everyone loves to see the truck come rumbling up the driveway. You recognize the rituals of your farrier setting up the anvil, positioning the tool box, donning the apron, and greeting and evaluating the first horse to be shod. Even the dogs are excited, anticipating hoof trimmings that may be tossed in their direction to chew on.

This could be a scene straight out of history, unchanged since the village farriers first took to the roads in forge-equipped trucks.

But one thing has changed: the farriers themselves. And they are continuing to change, in ways that are attracting more young people than ever to join their ranks for this rewarding career.

WHO ARE THE FARRIERS?

Farriers are no longer the village strongmen who swing heavy hammers from morning to night. They now come in all sizes, races, backgrounds, and genders; they speak with many accents.

Some don't shoe horses in the traditional sense, but rather find success trimming bare feet or using hoof boots and plastic shoes. Others are skilled in forging at the highest level. But the successful ones have a few things in common.

Because farriery is an unregulated profession, there are few statistics to share. There is also no common path for success, or even how to start. But we'll give you some ideas, and if you think you are cut out for this job, see if your parents will let you spend time riding with a farrier or shadowing one at a busy horse show to see what it's like.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?