Darby D. Holden
Farrier, Artist, Blacksmith
Farrier? Trimmer?! Horseshoer?
Setting a high standard for herself and for her farrier work, as evidenced by her strong work ethic and continuing efforts to improve her skills as a farrier, Darby takes particular pride in her dedication to constantly developing and improving her skill set and her craft. She regularly attends clinics and competitions to keep her skillset at its best.
So what's the difference between a farrier and a horseshoer? And what does a trimmer do?
A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of a horse's hoof and the placing of shoes to the horse's foot. A farrier uses the blacksmith's skills (fabricating, adapting, and adjusting metal shoes) and is informed by extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb, to address the care of a horse's feet.
The term "farrier" implies a professional horseshoer with skill, education, and training. Some people who shoe horses are untrained or unskilled, and may do more harm than good for the horse. People who do not understand the anatomy of a horse's foot will not trim the hoof correctly. An improper trim can cause serious problems for the animal, resulting in chronic lameness and damage to the hoof wall. Poor trimming will usually place the hoof at an incorrect angle, leave the foot laterally unbalanced, may cut too much off certain areas of the hoof wall, or trim too much of the frog or sole. Some horseshoers will rasp the hoof down to fit an improperly shaped or sized shoe, which can impair the movement of the horse and can damage the hoof when trimmed or rasped too short. A poorly skilled horseshoer can also make mistakes in the shoeing process itself, not only quicking a horse, but also setting the shoe on improperly, using the wrong type of shoe for the job at hand, shaping the shoe improperly, and often setting it on too far forward or back.
A trimmer is someone who trims excess hoof growth. Trimmers often do not do shoeing. However, many people who shoe horses are advocates of simply doing proper trimming and leaving a horse without shoes when possible.
The art of farriery is learned through years of doing, dedication, and determination to produce excellent work, and Darby's work reflects this. Trimming and/or shoeing to suit the individual horse and their job, she hand makes all of her horseshoes. For the majority of her work, Darby prefers to use a bar stock material known as "concave," which is manufactured in England. Concave steel provides a strong but light shoe which allows excellent traction and ease of release from most footings, and is the steel of choice for many working horses.
All horses need hoofcare.
When choosing someone to provide care for your horse you want someone who has experience with horses and the tools and skills necessary to provide your horse with whatever hoof care they need. This ensures you have someone who understands the anatomy, conformation, and movement of the horse, which are all vital to soundness.
Darby is an AFA certified Farrier, and a horseman. As a farrier, she can provide your horse with exceptional care. No matter what the horse needs, just a trim or to be shod all the way around, you will be more then satisfied with the attention and experience Darby brings to your horse's hoof care. Her experience from a lifetime with horses is nonpareil.
Her extensive background growing up and working in many aspects of the horse industry helps Darby understand what your equine partner is required to do and can help you decide what is the best for your horse's longevety and soundness, through proper hoof care.
Below: compare standard out-of-the-box shoe to Darby's handmade shoe. Notice the fit to the foot, returning purchase and break over.
