At some point in your career, you may want to become a specialist with a specific discipline or breed of horse. Becoming specialized in a breed or discipline is easier said than done. 

There are particular styles and nuances about the horses and the people associated with that group that can make it difficult to establish and maintain a thriving farrier practice that serves it. 

Trainers and owners tend to have differing opinions of how their horses should be shod and trimmed than a farrier might. Many of them have specific footcare qualifications that are required compete in competitions. They can be demanding for differing reasons.

With that in mind, we selected several farriers and other equine professionals to speak on what’s required to succeed in various discipline or breeds.

While not all owners and trainers share the same values and philosophies, the advice listed here can help you build a plan for succeeding within these disciplines. 

Dressage Horses By Steve Prescott (Hardeeville, S.C.)

Analytical

Dressage owners and trainers are of a different mindset than those of hunters/jumpers. The dressage rider is a very analytical person who is very concerned about perfecting the gaits of their horse. Because of that, they can be more difficult to please that those in other disciplines. They will ask a lot of questions and it can seem like they will pick you to death because they want to know how you as a farrier will improve a situation. It is a fun challenge.

They’ve…