by Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF Butler Professional Farrier
School
To view this article online, click here.
There has been a lot of talk lately about the difference
between amateur and professional farriers. Some organizations
define the difference as the amount of hours a farrier works
per week -- the implication being that those who don't shoe
"full time" are not professionals. Others define the
difference based on certification level or letters after
someone's name. The implication is that those without
certification are not as good as those who are certified.
Words are typically defined based upon perception and
experience, and can mean different things depending upon the
context in which they are used. For example:
The English word "amateur" came from a French word (which
came from a Latin word) that meant "lover." In English,
amateurs are so called because they do something for the love
of doing it, and not for pay. However, an amateur can also be
defined as one who does something without having any
experience or skill in it.
Skill can only be measured where there is a standard to
measure it against. If the person being measured or certified
doesn't meet the standard, they need to keep taking the exam
until they do the task perfectly. "Perfection" in Greek means
"progress toward completeness."
It is very difficult, if not impossible, for farriers to
determine their own skill level. However, many farriers
deceive themselves into believing they are more skilled than
they actually are, especially when working for a public that
lacks knowledge about the industry. These charlatans then are
free to pretend and practice above their true skill level,
often believing that the amount of money they make is an
indicator of their skill level.
Currently, there is no widely-accepted and consistent
standard that horse owners can use to measure the
effectiveness of a farrier's work on their horse(s).
Certification programs exist, yet the standards for
certification vary considerably between and among
associations. Plus, it is difficult to know if a farrier is
performing at the level at which he or she was certified. (The
most reliable certification available today comes from the
American Farriers Association certification exams.)
Horse Owners and Farrier Certification
Surveys
indicate that most horse owners care little about a farrier's
certification. They are much more concerned with the character
and business practices of the farrier. They want a person who
"acts like a professional." (Here the word refers to a level
of behavior rather than training or skill.)
The number of hours per week a farrier spends on the job is
immaterial to most horse owners. Many horse owners consider
farriers professional if they show up on time, are courteous
and clean up after themselves. They have an efficient,
attractive and portable shop or rig. They dress appropriately,
use appropriate vocabulary, and know the business well enough
to give good advice. And, they can get along with the trainer,
the barn help and the dog.
Principles of Professionalism
Professionalism is
determined by skill and competence, not time on the job or
certification level. A true professional understands and
applies foundational horseshoeing principles to every shoeing
situation.
A principle is a basic truth on which other truths and
theories can be safely based.
We titled our book The Principles of
Horseshoeing to illustrate that what is between its
covers includes the basic or foundational truths necessary to
achieve success in the horseshoeing process.
When principles are properly understood and applied,
farriers can have confidence in new and unfamiliar
circumstances appropriate to their skill level. With continued
practice of proper techniques using correct principles,
farriers' skill level will increase and they will build
prosperous businesses. As they progress up through the various
skill levels, it is important to recognize inadequacies and
strive to constantly improve. It is necessary to take the time
to practice and not look for shortcuts. Amateurs practice
until they can do it right - professionals practice until they
can't do it wrong.
In 1922, A.B. Mattinson, farrier in charge of the British
cavalry horses, in the book Hunting's The Art of
Horseshoeing, pg. 2-3, stated: "The value of horseshoeing
depends upon the manner in which it is done. Very seldom does
the owner appreciate the quality of the work. As a rule, the
price charged, or the distance from the forge to the farrier,
regulates the choice of a farrier. Such matters should not be
allowed to decide between one farrier and another. A bad or
careless workman may do such injury at one shoeing, as is all
out of proportion to the petty saving on his lower charges; in
no other trade is it more true, that the best is the
cheapest, even though this may not seem apparent until
grievous injury has been done."
It is the responsibility of each horse owner to do the best
for their horse(s). It is the responsibility of each farrier
to perfect his or her skills so they can make a professional
presentation. You must know your business well enough that the
client who employs you can feel confident in truly calling you
a professional farrier.
My recently published handbook, Horse Foot Care - A
Horse Owners Guide to Humane Foot Care, will
help horse owners select and work with a farrier more
effectively. The 92-page book covers basic foot anatomy and
diseases; what constitutes quality, humane horse and hoof
care; and other important topics such as tips on how to select
a farrier and how to evaluate the decision, cost and
responsibility of owning a horse. With this handbook as a
daily reference, horse owners will be more comfortable talking
about their horse's foot care needs with you, their trusted
farrier, and their veterinarian. This book is a great way to
educate your customers on practical and proper horse foot
care. Order several copies today at www.dougbutler.com as gifts of
appreciation.
© Doug Butler Enterprises, Inc. No part of
this information may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, photographing,
recording, or otherwise, for private or public use, under
penalty of law, without the prior written permission of the
author for the specific instance of use.
