I have been involved in farrier education for the past 40 years in America and throughout the world. I have used various mediums in an effort to raise the standard of horse foot care. At one time I thought farrier registration would be a good thing for America.

I now have a different view and hope my unique experience will help you see more clearly why I oppose the regulation of farrier schools and farrier practices. I believe everyone has a right to their own opinions, but not a right to their own facts. I am opposed to regulation for the following reasons.

Currently proposed farrier registration and/or farrier school regulation:

1. Is un-American.
2. Won’t solve horse lameness problems.
3. Won’t raise the standard alone.
4. Doesn’t address farrier incompetence.

Farrier registration is un-American

The British farrier registration system took a long time to evolve until its passage by Parliament in 1975. It is in harmony with their socialist view of life. They accept the regulation of life by bureaucrats and the higher taxes that go with it. (Their tax rate is double or triple ours.)

A casual reading of British farrier history in The Farrier’s Craft, by Leslie Prince, published by J. A. Allen, will show anyone who’s awake that this is a system dominated by a few people of privilege. Most of our ancestors came to America because it was a place where there was economic freedom and equal opportunity to excel in the career of their choice.

I have observed…