Most folks nowadays aren't familiar with the term 'farrier.' The word is first used around the 15th century and is ultimately derived from the Latin 'ferrus' meaning iron. A farrier is a person who shoes horses (retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farrier). A farrier is also known as a horse's foot doctor. Reid's Livery's farrier and blacksmith, also, has over 20 years of experience and although the man has put in his fair share of hours, he is still able to perform the arduous task of shoeing and nursing horses' feet.
The overall health of a horse can be determined by the shape of his or her hooves. A very serious and common problem with the domesticated horse is founder. Permanent damage can result from this condition, also known as laminitis, which would be similar for a human having all their weight bearing down on their ankles with no cartilage or heels for support...very painful (retrieved from http://www.acreageequines.com/horsecare/horsecare5a.htm).
Fortunately, the professional staff at Reid’s Livery is familiar with the early stages of founder and knows how to prevent and treat the condition. Many horses have come to Reid's Livery in suffering and left a happy and healthy animal. More importantly, many owners and students are educated about this condition in order to prevent the condition from ever happening.
A man or woman wouldn't be a good farrier without, first, knowing the skill of a blacksmith. The knowledge of metals and the ability to heat, pound, and forge them into useful tools is very important for shoeing horses. You can also purchase homemade knifes, hoof picks, and candleholders forged from recycled horseshoes and rasps.
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