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Step 1
Talk to some of the other horse owners at your barn or to some of the trainers in your area, to find out which farrier they use. Referrals are hands-down the best way to find the perfect farrier and you'll find that horse-world gossip will tell you who always trims hooves too far and who refuses to use pads.
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Step 2
Interview several farriers to find out what they charge and how often they are available. Sometimes, a farrier will spread himself too thin and won't be able to come shoe your horse for weeks after he is due. There is nothing worse than trying to find a farrier on short notice.
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Step 3
Choose a farrier who has worked with the same breed of horse that you own. Trimming and shoeing a Percheron is much different from caring for a Thoroughbred and you won't want to deal with any mistakes.
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Step 4
Watch the farrier work to see how he handles your horse. You'll want someone who is kind, gentle and considerate and who follows your instructions regarding your horse. Some farriers are arrogant and will work with every horse the same way, which can cause problems with your training.
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Step 5
Give a farrier a "trial run" and inspect his work after he has gone for the day. Look for any signs of tenderness when your horse walks, any inflammation in the coronet band, or other signs of shoddy workmanship. If you aren't pleased with his performance, try out someone else.
