By Susan Kayne
For Capital Region Independent Media
In the world of equine care, there are many professionals whose contributions are readily apparent—veterinarians, trainers, chiropractors, acupuncturists, dental practitioners, grooms, stable staff and caretakers, to name a few of the myriad service providers who deliver care and expertise to our equine friends. However, there’s one group of experts whose work is quite literally foundational to a horse’s well-being, yet often goes unrecognized: farriers.
At Unbridled Sanctuary, we’ve seen firsthand how these skilled craftsmen and women make the difference between pain and comfort, lameness and soundness, for our rescued equines.
The old adage “no hoof, no horse” couldn’t be more accurate. The domesticated horse, unlike its wild counterparts, relies entirely on human intervention for proper hoof care. The equine hoof is a marvel of natural engineering—a complex, living structure that contains bones, blood vessels and nerves, all protected by a tough outer capsule. The coffin bone, the lowest bone in the horse’s leg, sits mere fractions of an inch above the ground within this capsule. This delicate arrangement requires regular, expert maintenance to function correctly.
At Unbridled Sanctuary, we’re blessed to have access to some of the finest farrier talent in the country. My husband, Andrew Elsbree, is a certified journeyman farrier whose expertise has been crucial in rehabilitating many of our most challenging cases. Recently, we were also fortunate to have the assistance of Tim Felton, another outstanding certified farrier whose skills complement Andrew’s perfectly.
The work of a farrier goes far beyond simply trimming hooves or nailing on shoes. It requires a deep understanding of equine anatomy, biomechanics, and even psychology. Farriers must be able to assess each horse’s unique conformation, gait and hoof structure to provide the most appropriate care. They must also be skilled horsemen, able to handle a variety of equine personalities and keep their patients calm and cooperative during what can be a stressful procedure.
The physical demands of the job are immense. Farriers spend hours each day bent over, supporting the weight of horses’ legs, and working with heavy tools. The mental demands are equally challenging, requiring constant focus, problem-solving, and adaptation to each horse’s needs.
At Unbridled, we’ve seen the transformative power of expert farrier care in action. Take Arnie the Mule, for example. When he arrived at the Sanctuary, Arnie was suffering from severe canker, a painful and potentially debilitating condition of the hoof. Under the expert care of Andrew Elsbree, CJF, in consultation with veterinarian and farrier Dr. Stephen O’Grady, Arnie underwent extensive treatment. This included surgery, daily aftercare, and specialized trimming to eradicate the canker from his hooves. Today, thanks to this dedicated and skilled intervention, Arnie is comfortable, sound, and looking forward to many more healthy years ahead.
Fudge Ripple and Zelda, two of our older equine residents, present different challenges. Both suffer from age-related arthritis, and their hooves wear down quickly due to their specific conformation. Without proper shoeing, their arthritic bones would ache, and their feet would wear too thin for comfort. Our farriers’ expertise in crafting and applying the right shoes for Ripple and Zelda is crucial in maintaining their comfort and mobility.
Then there’s Miss Kitty (also known as Karen Sue’s Kitten), who arrived from the slaughter pipeline with severe hoof abscesses in her right hind hoof. This case required not just skill, but creativity. After opening the abscesses to drain, Andrew Elsbree, CJF, designed a special shoe with a medical plate to protect the damaged hoof and allow it to heal properly.
These cases illustrate the wide range of skills a farrier must possess. They must channel the mindset of a veterinarian to understand the intricacies of equine health and how it relates to the hoof. They must be part blacksmith, able to forge and shape metal to create custom shoes. They must be part sculptor, carefully trimming and shaping each hoof to achieve the perfect balance. And they must be part horse listener, able to keep their equine patients calm and cooperative throughout the process.
Among the talented farriers serving Unbridled Sanctuary is Jenna McCarthy, a young equestrian-turned-farrier whose natural aptitude for the profession shines through in every interaction. With her petite frame and signature pigtail, Jenna may not fit the traditional image of a farrier, but her skills and intuition are second to none.
Every few months, Jenna travels to Unbridled to care for the most sensitive and diminutive members of our herd. Her gentle approach and calming energy make her the perfect match for horses that might be nervous or hard to handle.
Jenna’s presence at Unbridled underscores a crucial aspect of farrier work often overlooked: the importance of matching the farrier’s energy and personality to the equine patient. This harmony between farrier and horse is just as vital as technical skill for a successful trimming, treatment or shoeing session. Jenna’s willingness to learn, her immense heart, and her innate understanding of equine behavior make her an invaluable asset to our sanctuary, especially when working with our most challenging cases. Her success highlights the multifaceted nature of farriery, where technical expertise must be balanced with patience, empathy and adaptability.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Imbalances in the hoof, whether due to improper trimming, poor shoeing, or lack of care, can lead to compensatory lameness throughout the horse’s body. The ripple effect of hoof problems can impact joints, muscles, and even internal organs. By maintaining proper hoof balance and health, farriers play a crucial role in preventing a wide range of health issues.
Yet despite the critical nature of their work, farriers often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. It’s a profession that requires extensive education, ongoing learning, and years of practical experience to master. The best farriers, like Andrew and Tim, are in high demand, often working long hours in challenging conditions to care for their equine patients.
At Unbridled Sanctuary, we’re committed to celebrating these unsung heroes of equine health. We’ve seen how the skilled and compassionate care provided by our farriers has transformed the lives of our rescued horses and mules. The calm, stress-free demeanor of our equines during their farrier visits is a testament to the exceptional horsemanship of these professionals.
For those considering a career in the equine industry, farriery offers a challenging but rewarding path. While the demands are high—both physically and mentally—so are the potential rewards. Top-tier farriers with the highest levels of education and skill can command six-figure incomes, reflecting the value of their expertise.
More importantly, farriers have the satisfaction of knowing that their work makes a direct, tangible difference in the lives of horses. Every trimmed hoof, every perfectly fitted shoe, contributes to the comfort, health and longevity of these magnificent animals.
So, the next time you see a horse moving freely and comfortably, spare a thought for the farrier who helped make it possible. These skilled professionals are the foundation—quite literally—of equine health and happiness. At Unbridled Sanctuary, we’re proud to work with some of the best in the business, and we’re committed to spreading awareness about the vital importance of quality farrier care.
Susan Kayne operates the horse rescue organization Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation, on the border of Albany County and Greenville.
