The fabric of farriery is interwoven with risk.

The moment a horseshoer ventures alone into the world of the self-employed, the risk component skyrockets. It’s already a dicey proposition involving large animals that can run, kick and stomp without warning. Hot forges, heavy hammers, sharp knives and abrasive rasps only heighten the prospect of injury.

While it’s easy to wave off safety measures as inconvenient, cutting corners just to save time could prove costly. In the blink of an eye, the sounds of children playing near a barn can spook a horse and unleash a devastating chain of events that could result in a very uncertain future for you and your family.

Farriers from around the country lend their considerable know-how on the precautions they take each day to help improve their chances of avoiding serious injury while on the job.

Your Work Area

When arriving at an area where you intend to shoe, be sure to assess your surroundings. Is the surface slippery because of water, ice or mud? Are there shovels, horse blankets or trash cans nearby? Is there a loose piece of tin jutting from…