A farrier is an equine-foot-care specialist who shoes horses. Farriers trim and shape horses' hooves using tools such as rasps and nippers, and they reshape, adjust and apply horseshoes.
Farriers who are skilled ironworkers and can create custom shoes are known as blacksmiths. Iron-working skills aren't crucial because most horses take prefabricated shoes. A farrier evaluates the way a horse walks and runs and considers the animal's hoof balance when adjusting or applying shoes. Some specialize in corrective trimming and shoeing of young horses and use compounds and glue-on shoes to correct the angle of the feet and ensure healthy growth. Horses' hooves typically require trimming every six to eight weeks to promote proper balance in the legs and feet.
