The 'bizarre' lack of regulation of equine barefoot trimmers

Owners are reminded that farriers are regulated and held accountable for their actions

- ELEANOR JONES

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.”