Essay On Farriers

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According to the Farrier Guide, “. . . of the 700,000 who are employed in the horse industry, farriers represent 3.5 percent of the total population” (“Farrier/Horse Statistics”). Even though farriers aren’t a large percentage of the horse industry, they are one of the more important occupations. Tony McCoy, a northern Irish horse jockey, once stated, “Horses are like people - they have different personalities. They can be nice, friendly and hard-working, or awkward, difficult and lazy. If horses were people, some would be on the dole, and others would be entrepreneurs” ("Tony McCoy Quotes"). Since horses are a lot like people, farriers stay in tune with a horse's personality. Just like people, horses need tender love and care. As one prepares …show more content…

Most choose to become a farrier due to the experience one has from having horses on their property or while growing up as a family with horses. The United States and Canada do not require licensing in the farriery trade (“Qualifications”). Even though licensing isn’t a requirement, there are still training classes that one needs to take in order to understand how to properly shoe a horse (“Qualifications”). Being able to communicate with people is also very important. Many people who hire farriers need to know that their horse will be well taken care of and that the farrier knows what he/she is doing (“Qualifications”). You need to know how to communicate with people in order for them to be reassured that they hired the right person to work on their …show more content…

It’s a strenuous job that we do and we take our share of beatings. If you’re hurting enough, your income will be compromised” (“Elftman”).You must have a good physical health in order to enjoy being a farrier. Farriers are on their feet for most the day. Tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, and back stiffness are all health issues that a farrier may face (“Elftman”). Carpal tunnel is numbness is one’s hand or arm caused by a pinched nerve. Studies show that farriers usually work with their back bent at an average of 70 degrees for 75 percent of their work day (“The Farrier’s Work Environment”). But there are still more things that could harm a farrier. Some horses can be short tempered at times and can kick or bite a farrier or a farrier could be making a horseshoe and a piece of metal could hit them in the eye (“The Farrier’s Work Environment”). Heat exhaustion is also possible because of how hot the furnace has to be in order to make the steel or iron moldable (“The Farrier’s Work

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