What Is a Farrier? What They Do and How Often You Need One

A farrier is a professional who trims and shapes a horse’s hooves and, when the horse needs them, fits and nails on horseshoes. Most horses need a farrier visit about every 4 to 8 weeks, and the right interval depends on the horse’s age, workload, the season and whether it wears shoes. This guide covers what a farrier does, trims versus shoes, how often to book, what the CF, CTF and CJF credentials mean, and how to find and work with one.

1. Assess the hooves
2. Trim and shape
3. Fit shoes if needed
4. Rebook in 4 to 8 weeks

What is a farrier?

A farrier is a specialist in horse hoof care. Purdue University’s equine hospital describes the job as shaping and fitting horseshoes, plus cleaning, trimming and shaping the hooves with tools such as rasps and nippers. Texas A&M’s veterinary college adds that a farrier can use an appliance to support a hoof, protect it, change the stresses on it or provide traction.

That is the farrier definition most owners need: someone who keeps feet trimmed and balanced and adds protection when the horse’s work or hoof wear calls for it. A farrier is not a veterinarian. Texas A&M points out that farriery is only part of correcting a hoof problem, and that a veterinary diagnosis matters too.

What is a farrier called today?

Farrier is still the standard title. You will also hear horseshoer, horse farrier or equine farrier, and all of them describe the same trade. The American Farrier’s Association (AFA) certification descriptions, as listed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET, use the plain phrase “horseshoeing experience” for the work.

What does a farrier do?

An equine farrier’s regular work is hoof maintenance. Hooves keep growing, and Texas A&M’s veterinary college says that a regular schedule of trimming and shoeing helps limit problems such as chipping and cracking. A typical farrier service covers four things:

• Trimming and shaping. Cleaning, trimming and shaping each hoof with rasps and nippers.
• Fitting shoes. Adjusting, reshaping and applying horseshoes when they are needed. Shoes come in different sizes, weights and designs for different horses.
• Protecting and supporting. Using a shoe or other appliance to support or protect a hoof, change the stresses on it or add traction.
• Working with your veterinarian. A Texas A&M farrier calls a veterinarian and farrier team the best route to resolving lameness in a horse.

Trim or shoes: which does your horse need?

Utah State University Extension says all horses need regular hoof care, but not all horses need shoeing. In its words, proper shoeing is proper trimming with the addition of a shoe applied for added hoof protection. Texas A&M says shoes are generally needed when wear exceeds growth, when the horse needs foot protection for its job, or when a tender-footed horse seems sore in its natural environment.

Your farrier and your veterinarian can tell you which fits your horse. For what to do between visits, see our guide to horse hoof care.

How often does a horse need a farrier?

The usual answer is every 4 to 8 weeks. That is the range Texas A&M’s farrier gives for trimming, and Purdue’s equine hospital recommends 6 to 8 weeks. Texas A&M adds that a hoof should not grow longer than three-eighths to half an inch beyond its trimmed length.

The range exists because growth and wear differ from horse to horse. The table shows what the two university sources say for different situations.

Utah State lists five things that change the schedule: the horse’s age (younger horses grow hoof faster), climate (slower growth in winter), nutrition, environment (soft pasture versus rocky ground) and exercise. Texas A&M puts growth at about half an inch a month for weanlings, three-eighths of an inch for mature horses and one-fourth of an inch for geriatric horses. Ask your farrier which interval suits your horse.

What do the CF, CTF and CJF credentials mean?

Texas A&M describes farriery as a loosely regulated industry, with very different educational backgrounds among farriers. Its farrier recommends choosing one with American Farrier’s Association certification, which is voluntary. Going by the AFA’s descriptions as listed by O*NET, there are three levels.

A credential shows that a farrier passed an exam, not how a farrier will handle your particular horse. Among the 106 farriers listed on Barnmap, credentials named in their own descriptions include the CJF (five mentions) and the CF (four mentions).

How many years does it take to be a farrier?

The university and federal sources behind this guide give no fixed number of years. The clearest benchmark is the AFA ladder: at least one year of horseshoeing experience before the first certification, the CF, and at least two years plus the CF for the CTF or CJF. Because backgrounds vary so much, ask any farrier about their training and experience.

How much does a farrier cost?

Few farriers publish prices. Of the 106 farriers listed on Barnmap, 24 publish a price on their own websites, nearly 1 in 4. The figures below are prices published by establishments and listed on Barnmap as of October 2026. Prices change, and Utah State notes that a fair price depends on the farrier’s experience, the horse’s cooperation and the work required, so confirm with the farrier before you book. Our guide to farrier cost goes further.

Three farriers publish a price per visit, from $75 to $200, with a median of $100. The table shows some of the 24 farriers that publish a price. A set price is listed per set of shoes, and what a set includes can differ, so ask whether the trim is part of it.

How much do farriers earn?

Barnmap does not track what farriers earn, and the sources behind this guide give no pay figures. The prices above are what a farrier charges for a job, not take-home pay, because they show nothing of the farrier’s costs, time or travel.

How do you find a farrier near you?

Barnmap lists 106 farriers so far across 35 states, with the most in Texas (18), California (6), Colorado (6) and Minnesota (6). Start with the farrier directory or go straight to your state: Texas farriers, California farriers, Colorado farriers, Minnesota farriers, Florida farriers, Georgia farriers, Virginia farriers, Ohio farriers, Kansas farriers, New York farriers, New Jersey farriers, Washington farriers, Michigan farriers, New Hampshire farriers, Utah farriers, Missouri farriers, Kentucky farriers, Tennessee farriers, Pennsylvania farriers, Maryland farriers, Connecticut farriers, Massachusetts farriers, Oklahoma farriers, North Carolina farriers, South Carolina farriers, Alabama farriers, Montana farriers, Indiana farriers, Wyoming farriers, Vermont farriers, Illinois farriers, Maine farriers, West Virginia farriers, Louisiana farriers or Mississippi farriers.

The chart shows the 16 states with three or more listed farriers; each of the other 19 states has one or two.

1. Decide what you need.

   A Texas A&M farrier advises deciding what matters to you and your horse, then looking for someone who meets those needs.

2. Browse the listings.

   Of the 106 listed farriers, 37 say they travel to the client and 15 advertise 24/7 emergency service.

3. Check credentials.

   Ask whether the farrier holds an AFA certification such as the CF, CTF or CJF, and what experience they have with your horse’s work.

4. Ask about price and what it includes.

   Confirm the price for a trim or a set of shoes and what the visit covers.

5. Ask your veterinarian.

   Some veterinary hospitals give farrier referrals; Purdue’s equine hospital, for example, does so by phone for its area.

For recommendations, see Barnmap Picks, and browse all our horse owner guides for related topics.

How do you work with your farrier?

Utah State University Extension lists what owners can expect from a farrier, and what the farrier can expect from you.

• Shows up on time when scheduled.
• Treats your horse patiently.
• Uses proper technique and skill for the work.
• Charges a fair price for the job.
• Answers questions and explains techniques.

Your side is simple: schedule early, pay promptly, and provide a clean, safe, well-lit and comfortable work area. Purdue’s equine hospital also tells owners to consult the farrier about hoof care recommendations.

If your horse is lame or you are worried about a hoof, call your veterinarian. The vet and the farrier work best as a team, and the diagnosis is your veterinarian’s job. For routine care between visits, read our guide to horse hoof care.

This guide is general information for horse owners, not veterinary or legal advice. Prices come from what establishments publish on their own websites, as listed on Barnmap on the date shown. How we check