Frequently Asked Questions

 Have a question?  Then have a look here first to see if it's already been asked and answered.  If you can't find the answer your looking for then send your question to me by clicking here.

Q: Who are the main bodies involved in the governing and regulation of all UK Farriers?
A: The three bodies involved in UK Farriery are;

The Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) is the governing body that regulates all Farriers in the UK.  The WCF was first established in 1356 and still carries out the same roll today as it did then.  For more information on the WCF click here or on the crest.  The WCF website is very informative and well worth a look.

 

The Farriers Registration Council (FRC).  The details of all registered Farriers in the UK are held by the FRC who's website now has an easy to use feature allowing you to search for a Farrier by name or by area post code.  This can greatly help you as a horse owner to either check to see if your Farrier is registered or to simply find a Farrier in your area.  As with the WCF website, the FRC site is also worth a look.  To find out more about the FRC click here or on the FRC logo.

 

The National Farriery Training Agency (NFTA), formerly known as 'The Farriery Training Agency' or 'FTA' is responsible for overseeing the training of all Farriery apprentices in the UK.  If you would like any information on becoming a Farrier then click here to take a look or click on the NFTA logo.

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Q: Do you have to be qualified to carry out Farriery within the UK?
A: Yes.  All Farriers in the UK have to have attained at least the D.W.C.F qualification (Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers).  This is the minimum legal requirement to carry out Farriery in the UK.  If your Farrier is not registered then they are breaking the law!

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Q: How often should I have my horse shod?
A: It depends on each individual horse and the work you are doing with it.  As a general rule, most horses are shod at 6 to 8 week intervals. 

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Q: Do I need my horse shod as often if I'm not riding it very much?
A: Even if you are not riding your horse very much, it's feet still grow.  The average horse grows a sufficient amount of hoof over a 6 to 8 week period that it will needs them trimmed, even if the shoes aren't worn out.  Feet that are left to 'long' will lead to lameness in the horse.

 

 

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How To Tell If A Farrier Is Registered In The UK

• They will have a sticker in their van window with the current year on it
• They will have a registration card which will match the colour and year of the van window sticker which you are entitled to ask to see
• They will appear on the list of registered Farriers held by The Farriers Registration Council
• They are insured