Frequently Asked Questions

Use the 'Find a Farrier' section on the Farriers Registration Council website at www.farrier-reg.gov.uk where you can search by name or postcode. The results show what qualifications the farrier holds, and their contact details. There are shortages of Farriers in certain parts of the country. The FRC regularly update a 'Report on the Number of Farriers in Relation to the Horse population'. Clearly neither the WCF nor the FRC can force Farriers to live and work where the opportunities are, but the report is available to Farriers who may make a commercial assessment of where they are most needed.

A knowledge and understanding of farriery qualifications is of considerable importance to horse owners, veterinary surgeons, and, it should be added, Farriers. Of equal importance is an understanding of the fact that many conditions causing lameness can be successfully treated, or be more efficiently treated by a partnership of a veterinary surgeon and a farrier. There are three levels of qualification for Farriers. The initial qualification, which is required to become a Registered Farrier, is the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. This is the technical examination for completion of the Advanced Apprenticeship, and also the Recognised Examination required for registration with the Farriers Registration Council under the Farriers Registration Act. Farriers so qualified, and registered with the WCF, may use the letters DipWCF after their name. The Diploma supersedes the qualification Registered Shoeing Smith (RSS). The Diploma examination syllabus requires a candidate for the examination to make a limited selection of shoes and to fit them to a horse. It also requires him or her to have a sound knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the legs of a horse and of the commoner conditions causing lameness. Having held the Diploma qualification for at least two years, the farrier may then sit the examination for the Associateship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. This is an intensive practical and theory examination covering more advanced aspects of farriery, including remedial shoeing, which is not covered at the Diploma level. The candidate has to demonstrate a much deeper and broader understanding of the art and science of farriery. He or she is expected to be able to make a wide range of special shoes and have a full knowledge of materials such as plastics in the treatment of hoof conditions. Success in this examination allows the farrier to use the letters AWCF after his name. The AWCF supersedes the AFCL qualification. Finally there is the highest qualification, the Fellowship examination of the Company (FWCF). For this, as well as having knowledge of farriery to the highest level, a candidate must be able to present his knowledge to an audience in a lecture or paper form. It is reasonable to suggest that Farriers with the AWCF or FWCF qualifications should treat lameness conditions. It may be possible for those without the qualifications to be successful but higher qualifications indicate a greater level of knowledge and skill and those who have achieved these have demonstrated their commitment to acquiring them.

Yes. However all persons who shoe horses, including their own within Great Britain*, are required to be registered under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 first. Overseas applications for registration may be made by persons who have worked regularly and gainfully, for at least two (2) years, as a farrier in an area outside GB and who wish to gain the necessary qualifications to register with the FRC. Farriers from overseas may make an application on the grounds of qualifications held, and professional farriery experience gained, in their own or any other country.

If you require any further details please contact the FRC: https://www.farrier-reg.gov.uk/contact

Firstly it is completely natural for a horse to be without shoes, for they function very well on the whole unshod. However, it is not natural to ride, drive, and stable horses and also on some working surfaces you can have problems with grip, excessive wear and damage to the hoof capsule. Some of the points to consider are firstly our British Maritime Climate producing a lot of rainfall, thus making the feet softer than they would normally be in their natural environment, so they may wear a lot quicker than the hoof wall growth can replace itself, thus making potentially sore feet with lack of performance. Also with some hoof conformation, without correct heel support from shoes, heels can collapse causing potential long term lameness issues. Without shoes the white line is exposed which makes it prone to collect gravel, general debris etc. which in turn can cause seedy toe and lameness. Breed and type of horse are also major factors when considering horses unshod. Another thing to consider if the horse requires remedial help with poor hoof pastern axis a correctly fitting shoe and regular shoeing periods will prolong the longevity of your horses' soundness. One of the most important skills in farriery is trimming and balancing the hoof with the limb, the correctly fitted shoe applied after this process protects the trim and keeps the horse in balance a lot longer than if it was unshod. Good foot balance is the key to help promote healthy function and blood supply, good straight movement and soundness. However in some cases a compromise can be to have just front shoes, as two thirds of the horse’s weight are over the front limbs and three fifths when ridden. This can work very well with the hind feet being regularly checked when the front feet are attended to. First and foremost before making a decision, always consult your farrier for advice for he knows your horses' feet and the work that will be expected from your horse better than anyone.

Under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975, as amended, only: Registered Farriers, Approved Farriery Apprentices, Veterinary Surgeons or Practitioners, trainee vets working under supervision or persons giving first aid in case of an emergency to a horse, may practise farriery. You may only practise farriery on your own horses if you fall into one of these categories. For others to do so is a criminal offence which can result in a fine of up to £1000, plus legal costs and a criminal record. Farriery is defined within the Act as "any work in connection with the preparation or treatment of the foot of a horse for the immediate reception of a shoe thereon, the fitting by nailing or otherwise of a shoe to the foot or the finishing off of such work to the foot". This means in practice that trimming which is not going to result in the application of a shoe to the foot of an equine is not covered by the Farriers (Registration) Act and is therefore not regulated. However, horse owners should be aware that although, simple trimming and rasping of horses’ feet is allowed by lay persons under the Act to permit maintenance of foals’ and other unshod horses’ feet, it should not be attempted by anyone who is not qualified. Where more radical trimming and reshaping of horses’ feet is contemplated there is the potential for creating severe lameness. Experience has indicated this is particularly so where such 'therapy' is not undertaken by qualified Farriers or veterinary surgeons. It is recommended that owners should only carry out minor work on feet of a cosmetic or emergency nature and that any significant trimming should be carried out by a Registered Farrier or a veterinary surgeon who will have been properly trained and strictly regulated by a code of conduct.

This is a registered Mark that is owned and granted by the WCF. This title may only be used by qualified persons as detailed in the regulations for that Registered Mark. These regulations are summarised in the section on Master Farrier on this website.

Master Farriers must hold either the Associateship (including the AFCL) or Fellowship. Honorary Fellows may not apply, unless holding an AWCF or FWCF by examination.

Every show that awards the WCF Best Shod must make it clear in the schedule the classes that will be judged. You do not need to enter separately for the WCF Best Shod if you are entered into those classes. You will be approached by the WCF Judge to examine your horses feet during the judging of your class. It is not compulsory and if you do not want your horse looked at then you are at liberty to tell the Judge. If there is more than one class being judged, ie Hunter Weight classes, then there will be a best shod awarded in each class with the overall winner chosen from them.

The biggest problem for ponies and horses feet is the environment they are kept in. The northern hemisphere naturally has many changes in weather along with the seasons. Pony and horse owners will notice in times of extended periods of dryness or drought the feet become much harder and less prone to cracking and breaking up. Therefore, some ideas can be drawn from this. Feet should be kept as dry as possible, when we have very wet weather, or the environment is wet i.e. washing the pony frequently or dirty wet bedding, which causes the feet to up take excessive moisture the feet expand just like a piece of wood. Then the pony is put back into a dry environment i.e. a stable with wood shavings or dry dusty paddock the feet rapidly dry out and shrink. This sudden change between wet and dry is very detrimental to the pony's feet causing a break down in the hoof structure, the interlocking horn, the glue that holds the horn tubules together breaks down and the foot will begin to split and crack. When this happens a hoof hardener needs to be used every day for six weeks. Then waterproof the feet with an appropriate hoof gel, which puts a protective coating over the feet which has microscopic holes allowing the feet to breathe and maintain normal moisture levels and protect feet from environmental moisture, urine, fungus, and bacteria. Do not use products that contain petroleum oils or lanolin.

This question indicates that the regular farrier has been trying to correct an existing lameness problem. That the lameness has worsened after shoeing would require the farrier at least to offer advice, but most probably for him to return as soon as he is able to check the shoeing. If the cause is poor condition of the hoof wall, then this must be addressed by the farrier who may consult your veterinary surgeon with a view to improving this factor which may be causing the lameness. Should this not be the case, and as may be implied here, the horse has a persistent lameness, is it sure that the cause is "poor feet"? A proper and confirmed diagnosis should be made. Attempts to correct poor foot conformation such as shallow heels, flat feet, poor balance and alignment that the horse has adjusted to since its early days often do shift the stress points in the foot and associated structures, so a new area of pain arises. Feet with naturally poor conformation are best left not greatly disturbed, with veterinary diagnosis for any persistent lameness. Harsh though it may sound such horses are best not purchased in the first place. The best procedure here is to have had a veterinary surgeon perform a five stage Pre Purchase Examination (P.P.E.) so that the prospective purchaser can make an informed decision as to whether to buy the horse or not. That a horse has poor feet should be written down on the P.P.E. form and properly discussed. Ultimately the answer to the question here is to obtain a full veterinary examination and diagnosis.

A farrier who claims to be a ‘remedial’ farrier is likely to address ongoing conditions of pathology, and may substantiate that claim by means of holding a qualification or by passing an examination where ‘remedial’ farriery is a competence, such as the Associateship Examination. A farrier may, by a combination of self-teaching, home study or other professional activity, become competent in the practise of remedial farriery – and many holders of the DipWCF are just such. We note that holders of the DipWCF will have attained a broad base of farriery knowledge, skills and behaviours that set the conditions for the acquisition of further expertise once practising in their own right. Moreover we understand that the norm is that the farrier who normally treats an animal should be involved in delivering that animal’s treatment plan, where that farrier wishes to do so. The reason for this are self-evident; the farrier who attends to the animal regularly will know the animal’s feet and the client and, even if it becomes necessary to involve another farrier, the benefits of collaborative working should ensure the best outcome for the animal. There may also be an attendant learning and collaborative working benefit for those involved. Finally, Veterinary Practises and Insurance Companies are of course at liberty to employ Farriers of their choice to undertake ‘remedial’ farriery; we understand that for insurance purposes it is normal practise for a Vet to recommend treatment by a given farrier for a claim to be accepted for remedial work.

In order to legitimately claim to be a ‘remedial’ farrier the farrier must be able to substantiate that competence if challenged. Holding a qualification or examination pass certificate should constitute evidence of the competence. For the ‘self-taught’ farrier a minimum of teaching notes, study notes, records of cases and a well maintained and detailed CPD record is probably the minimum requirement. Not being able to satisfactorily substantiate the competence when challenged – perhaps where a course of treatment has failed or an animal has been damaged – would place the farrier at risk of legal action, for example from an owner or an insurance company, and if findings were made against the farrier in such proceedings the matter may, dependent upon the circumstances, be considered to be professional misconduct. Farriers are therefore advised to be accurate, and perhaps circumspect, in describing any competence they advertise or claim, including ‘remedial’ or other specialist farrier, and not exaggerate their levels of knowledge, skill and experience.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers is a City Livery Company that has its origins in 1356, when it was established as a Fellowship to oversee farriery within the cities of London and Westminster. Six hundred and fifty years later the Company still has the responsibility for securing adequate standards of competence and conduct among persons engaged in the shoeing of horses. The Company also actively promotes and encourages the art, science, training, and education of farriery. The governing body of the Company is the Court, comprising some 25 senior members appointed to meet the Company's responsibilities.

The Company promoted The Farriers (Registration) Act of 1975, which was further amended in 1977 and in 2002. The Act was introduced to prevent and avoid suffering by and cruelty to horses arising from the shoeing of horses (and other equines) by unskilled persons. It also prohibits the shoeing of horses by unqualified persons. Farriery is defined by the 1975 Act as "any work in connection with the preparation or treatment of the foot of a horse for the immediate reception of a shoe thereon, the fitting by nailing or otherwise of a shoe to the foot or the finishing off of such work to the foot". The Farriers Registration Council (FRC) was established as a result of the 1975 Act to register persons engaged in farriery and the shoeing of horses; and to prohibit the shoeing of horses by unqualified persons.

A person is entitled to be registered in Part 1 of the Register held by the FRC if he/she satisfies the Council that they: (i) Have completed an approved apprenticeship or approved course of training and passed a prescribed examination. (ii) Hold a qualification obtained in another European Economic Area (EEA) State, which demonstrates a level of knowledge and skill corresponding to that at (i), or demonstrate any shortfall by training with an ATF or successfully completing a prescribed examination. (iii) Hold a Certificate of Experience, issued in accordance with EC Directive 99/42 which shows that he/she has appropriate professional experience in farriery in another state of the EEA (note: this equates to a minimum of six years experience). (iv) Are registered in Part II or IV of the Register and possess appropriate experience in shoeing horses in accordance with EC Directive 99/42 or pass a prescribed examination. (v) Have completed a course of training in the British Army and passed a prescribed examination. (vi) Hold a qualification recognised by the Council from outside the EEA and have two years subsequent experience in the shoeing of horses.

The Council recognises the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (Dip WCF) as a prescribed examination for the purposes of (i), (ii) and (iv) above. In the case of Army Farriers, at (v) above, the Council recognises the Army Class II or IMFC as the prescribed examination. With regards to (vi) the WCF has reciprocal recognition of certain qualifications. The Diploma examination is also recognised as a Technical Certificate by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)(now OFQUAL). The award requires candidates to meet the standards of competence set by the WCF together with the Apprenticeship framework including the attainment of the NVQ (level 3) in farriery.

A farrier is perfectly within his rights to refuse to shoe your horses in a field, but a better approach would have been for the farrier to explain why. When shoeing a horse the farrier first trims the feet ready for the acceptance of a shoe, ensuring that the horse is perfectly level. This would not be possible in a field. Secondly, a field can be very exposed making shoeing difficult. Thus, the farrier should have encouraged you to make alternative arrangements, perhaps with a local farmer or stable yard, to allow your horse to be shod on a solid surface with some protection against the elements. You will no doubt agree that the ultimate aim is to ensure the continued welfare and comfort of the horse.

In this case, a great deal will depend upon the professional relationship that exists between you and you farrier. Most Farriers try to be helpful so, if a client asks "while you're here, would you trim this pony", the response will be to try to help out. Sadly, this can be the kind of thing that makes the farrier late for the next and subsequent appointments. Farriers are now tending to set out their Terms & Conditions so that farrier and client know and understand what each has to do. For example, if a date has been fixed the farrier might ask you to call the night before to advise you of the time of the appointment (anyone asking for additional work to be done would be invited to make an additional appointment). If the farrier is genuinely delayed, then it's easy enough to contact the client by telephone to advise of the delay (the wise farrier will have a full and easily accessible list of clients with mobile telephone numbers for just such an emergency). If your farrier continues to turn up late for appointments ask why, explain the frustration of 'hanging about waiting’, and suggest he calls you in future if there is likely to be a delay. Lateness is particularly galling for working owners who have to take time off work for a shoeing appointment.

If your question is related to Examinations or qualifications, including Master Farrier, please contact the Registrar at registrar@wcf.org.uk. If your question is related to the Craft of Farriery, including Competitions and Judges, please contact the Registrar at registrar@wcf.org.uk. If your question relates to the City Livery Company then please contact the Clerk at theclerk@wcf.org.uk.

The training of farriery apprentices in Great Britain is overseen by the three farriery colleges, under the regulation of the Farriers Registration Council. There are therefore, very close links between the work of the Worshipful Company, the Farriers Registration Council, and the Colleges. The normal period of training for an apprentice is four years and two months. The minimum age for candidates to start an Apprenticeship in Farriery is 16 years. There is no upper age limit.

Further details about the apprenticeship scheme are available from the Colleges (https://www.farrier-reg.gov.uk/farriery-school-contacts). To train as a farrier, an apprentice must be employed by an Approved Training Farrier (ATF). The ATF is a farrier who is able to fulfil the criteria laid down by the Farriers Registration Council in the apprenticeship framework. The role of the ATF is central to the concept of the apprenticeship in that he/she is responsible for the greater part of the apprentice training.

Apprenticeship training consists of two parts. Firstly, the "on-the-job" training with the ATF which takes up the majority of the time, and secondly the "off-the-job" training at a college. The Diploma Examination is then taken towards the end of the final apprenticeship year.

On passing the Diploma, a person is entitled to hold the Company's Diploma certificate, to be recorded in the Company's Register and to use the letters DipWCF after his/her name. Overseas candidates can make an application to the Farriers Registration Council on the grounds of specific qualifications achieved and/ or a minimum of two years regular and gainful farriery experience in another country. Those without recognised qualifications or experience will be required to complete a short period of training or an apprenticeship and obtain the necessary qualifications for registration purposes.

Higher Examinations are held twice per year in April and October. Details can be found on this website.

Past Papers for the DipWCF can be obtained from the Registrar. Please pay the appropriate fee and send in an application.

This information is supplied by the Farriers Registration Council as it deals with the regulation of Farriers and the administration of the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 in Great Britain. The Act was made on animal welfare grounds to ensure that only suitably qualified persons practice farriery.

In order to practice farriery in GB it is necessary to be registered with the FRC. Generally speaking, it is a criminal offence for anyone other than a registered farrier, veterinary surgeon or approved farriery apprentice to carry out farriery.

Farriers from overseas who have at least two years regular and gainful experience as a farrier ( ie it is their occupation but this can include time employed on a formal farriery apprenticeship) may apply for entry into the Diploma examination.

To receieve further details please contact theFRC.

Replacement certificates can be obtained from the Registrar. Please pay the appropriate fee and send in an application form.

Please visit the Company Archives section of the website.