Farriers who occasionally come to replace horseshoes might be a familiar sight to horse riders, but their job is often not fully understood even by those who ride. In this article, we will explore the detailed responsibilities and qualifications of farriers!
What is a Farrier’s Job?
Farrier’s Responsibilities
The hooves are essential not only for supporting the horse’s heavy weight but also for ensuring proper blood circulation. Regular care is crucial. If you’ve seen horseshoes being replaced, you’re familiar with a typical farrier’s work, which often involves hoof care during shoeing.
The name ‘farrier’ might make you think of someone who just attaches horseshoes, but their work is much broader! The real skill lies in hoof care during the removal and fitting of shoes. Addressing hoof angles to ease joint strain or avoid creating new issues requires delicate, precise work. Farriers constantly monitor many details, from hoof condition to joint and tendon health, quickly assessing and adjusting toe angles and nail placements based on their extensive knowledge and experience.
Farriers may work at large stables, like those affiliated with the JRA training centers, or operate independently as private practitioners. Those coming to riding clubs are often independent, self-employed specialists.
What About Horseshoes in Japan?
Horseshoes are now essential for horses, but when did they start being used in Japan?
Historically, Japanese native horses had tougher hooves than Western breeds, so horseshoes weren’t traditionally used. During earlier periods, horses were often kept in a semi-wild state without hoof protection. Records suggest that, even into the Edo period and postwar years, some regions used horseshoes, but widespread adoption was slow. Instead, horses used straw footwear called ‘umagutsu,’ similar to horse-specific sandals.
It wasn’t until the Meiji era that horseshoes became common. As Japan adopted Western culture, larger horses were bred for military and other purposes, and the skill of shoeing and the role of farriers spread domestically.
Do You Need Qualifications to Become a Farrier?
Is Certification Necessary for Work?
Returning to the topic of qualifications, in Japan, farriers held a national license until the 1960s. After that, the system shifted to private certification, with the Japan Sho-Getu-kyo-Kai now responsible for training and certifying farriers. During training, specialists learn hoof care, animal management, and metalwork, gaining broad knowledge and skills. Holding a certification can prove a certain level of expertise. Although not mandatory, many aspiring farriers obtain certification before entering the profession.
The main certifications are the 2nd, 1st, and instructor levels, issued by the Japan Sho-Getu-kyo-Kai. Advancing involves apprenticeship, exams, and qualification procedures, often taking several years. While some take many years to establish themselves, others start independently after just a few years. For example, some professional farriers in horse racing train for over a decade, while some riding instructors become independent sooner.
How Long and Costly Is Certification?
Time and Cost to Get Certified
To become a 2nd-grade certified farrier, you must attend training organized by the Japan Sho-Getu-kyo-Kai, which typically lasts about a year from April to February. Applicants must be over 18 and can enroll regardless of riding experience. The training includes coursework and practical exams, culminating in a final certification. The total costs are approximately 1.3 million yen, including fees for tuition (~¥840,000), materials (~¥420,000), housing (~¥35,000), and examination (~¥22,000). Despite the high costs, the program offers intense training combined with a supportive dormitory environment.
The process is demanding but rewarding, and many passionate individuals aim to become qualified farriers. For more details, visit the Japan Sho-Getu-kyo-Kai’s website!