I am professional artistic blacksmith, knifemaker, toolmaker and swordsmith, but I would like to become farrier as well, however I´m not even sure if I can do it. I´ve seen how bad treated hooves can look like and how painful it must be for those poor horses and I am not sure if I can do it. I would be so worried that I will make more harm than good. Farriers are not just blacksmiths who forge horse shoes, they are doctors that can safe lives of horses. You have my respect. I love to forge horse shoes according to Grand Moon´s videos for example, but damn, each time, someone is asking me, if I "forge horses" as well, I have to tell this: "Sadly, no. I´m not good enough". Can´t even think about nailing horseshoes, what if I would put that nail in bad angle?
If you do not have horse experience, that is the first place to start. Horsemanship is probably the most important. Second an apprenticeship is also a must. 3-5 years with an experienced farrier. With an experienced farrier you will see several good and bad feet in that amount of time. That's where you build your confidence to do it on your own.
