The blacksmith's profession is an old one stretching back hundreds of years. Horseshoes are either hand forged or from stock and both types of shoes are made from metal or aluminum and heated and shaped to fit the horses hooves perfectly.

Being a farrier involves some skills of a veterinarian in caring for the horses’ hooves and some of a blacksmith in making, applying and adjusting horseshoes.

Acting as veterinarians, farriers care for hooves by watching for signs of disease or other ill-health. They also watch for potential lameness issues, intervening before a problem occurs.

Farriers maintain hooves by keeping them trimmed. Using tools such as rasps and nippers they cut away the hoof material. It’s an important part of hoof care because it helps maintain foot balance by keeping the feet at the proper shape and length.

All Horseshoes Are Lucky, But Irish Horseshoes Are The Luckiest!