The Art of the Farrier

By Monica Gonzalez Bruch

Stacy Dekoter is 26 years old and has been a farrier for over six years. Her journey started because she wanted to be able to trim her own horses and soon discovered that there was much more to this craft than just knowing how to hold tools.

“I'm sculpting the hoof to be its best by taking off all the material that prevents the foot from working as it should,” explains Dekoter as she works on Peter, a Percheron horse.  “The horse’s foot is the most sensitive part of his body. The rim of the metal shoe lifts that sensitive part off the ground so that the rocks aren't bruising the bottom of his foot, and he can't feel them.”

“When looking for a farrier, we always look for someone who has skills, passion but especially respect for horses,” explains Cheri Hamelin from Alberta Carriage Supply, who has hired Dekoter to trim and shoe Peter’s feet. 

Hoof trimming and shoeing are essential aspects of horse care. Proper hoof care is vital to a horse's comfort and good health, and shoes offer a simple way to protect them. According to the River View Vets website, the shoes reduce the stress that can strain the hooves, joints, and legs while contributing to the horse's balance.

Hamelin explained that it is very important that horses get regular trims. Untrimmed feet are prone to flaring, chipping and hoof defects. Maintaining healthy hooves is one of the best ways to give horses a healthy, long life. “Shoes are worn for protection, correction or traction. Peter needs shoes because we are taking him into the mountains. He is too big to wear boots, they are not large enough, and that is why he needs shoes.”

“I'll start (the trim) with knife work. Usually, I'll clean up the frog, which is the triangle-shaped soft part of the foot. Then, I'll generally clean and scrape the bottom of the foot. Make sure that the bars are straight. I'll trim the hoof and make sure that there are no flares. I don't want them to walk sore after the trim,” explains Dekoter.

 “The role of the farrier in the human-equine relationship is to provide the best hoof a horse can have and then provide that animal whatever is required to perform its job comfortably,” explains Jason Maki, the farrier at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, on the college website.

“I always want (the horses) to walk away more comfortably after I'm finished with their feet than before they came to me,” says Dekoter. “I'm trying to custom-fit those shoes to his feet so that he is as comfortable as I can make him.”

“Stacy is amazing. She takes the time necessary to ensure proper trimming and shoeing. Peter's feet have improved drastically since Stacy has been his farrier,” said Hamelin.

It doesn't seem common to see a woman farrier. According to Cowgirl Magazine, “Roughly 6 per cent of full-time farriers are women, and 10 per cent are part-timers. Female farriers are finding lots of success in the industry despite being the minority.” Dekoter explains that more women than men usually go to school to be a farrier. However, more men than women remain in the field for longer than five years. “Being a farrier is very hard, physically and emotionally, so not many people stick with it for long.”

“Farriers have the opportunity to make good money, operate their own business, and interact with horses all day long. The work is hard but can be very fulfilling,” explains Emily Fought on the Cowgirl Magazine website.

“It is art,” Dekoter says about the trimming process. “It fully occupies my mind and becomes a meditative exercise. There is a rhythm to it. I know where I'm going to start, and I know where I'm going to finish.”

Dekoter attended Old’s College, where she learned the basics of hoof anatomy, care, and trimming. Afterwards, she apprenticed with farriers John Lawson and Doug Neal. She now runs her own business called Acme Tack in Acme, Alta.

Horseshoes aren't a recent invention. Farriers have applied horseshoes to the bottom of horses' hooves for centuries. According to an article by Maureen Malone published on Mom.com, “Even in ancient times, horsemen in Asia made booties from plant material and hides to protect their horses' feet. By the 6th and 7th centuries, horsemen in Europe were nailing shoes to horses' feet. Horseshoeing was a regular practice by 1000 A.D.”