Nothing can end a farrier’s career faster than a horse who suddenly decides he doesn’t want to be shod. We sent out an informal e-mail survey to farriers recently and asked them how they deal with unruly horses. The following is a sampling of some of the answers we received.

Don’t Take Chances

Last year I was shoeing a quiet horse, which I had shod before. It got a bad fright and ended up busting my jaw. I’m 5-foot-4 and female. I don’t use that as an excuse not to shoe naughty horses, but I draw the line at shoeing down-right dangerous ones. Even the quiet ones can cause damage, so why ask for trouble?

As most people have said, as long as it isn’t something I’m doing or that has been done to it in the past (pricking), then it is up to the owner or a horse trainer or breaker to make sure the horse is user-friendly or they pay extra for the education.

— Merran Cowper

Just Walk Away

I am 68 years old and have been at it since I was 15. My humble advice is to walk away from these dingbats. Walk away and you will be shoeing for a longer time. There are too many horses to shoe anyway. When you get hurt, Dingbat’s owner will just call another hero who has to prove he can’t be beat.

— Frank Vendituoli

Restraining Is Better Than Being Crippled

I built my practice on the promise…