I want to be a farrier. . . .?

Question

My dad is a farrier and I think it is a really cool job. However, I am 5'2" and weigh 115 pounds. . .would my body be able to handle the strain of work like that?

Answer 1

Sure thing. I have seen many farriers about your height. Oh and you may want to learn how to cuss like a sailor. Haha

Naw really I don't think your size would be a handicap. Luck

Answer 2

Cool, go for it.

Answer 3

Hard back-breaking work, but iv'e seen many girls / women that can shoe their horses! But, as your dad will tell you, there is more to being a farrier that just slappin on shoes. Are you tough enough to do the job or are you gonna cry when you get bit or kicked? (it will happen)  I'll say "YES", I think you could do it! And I'm sure your father would be chuffed to teach you his trade! Good luck!

Answer 4

Well keep in mind that if you're young, you've still got some growing to do. However, I would imagine that keeping yourself fit and physically capable for the job is more important than your actual weight and height. It takes strain on all muscles in your body. Consider how your dad works.  to do his job he requires a lot of strength and a bit of enduring what would be uncomfortable positions if he were not in the shape to do them. Just exercise, strengthen your arms and legs and maintain a healthy, strong body and you can definitely do it.  

Answer 5

Lots of small women are vets and deal with big misbehaving horses. Its not how much you weight or how big you are, its how you use what you have to control the horses.  

Answer 6

Awesome!  Go for it!  It's not about your size, it's about your presence, I'm sure, bein a horsewoman, you know what that means :)

If you're really interested you should offer to help your dad out one day a week or (if you'd prefer someone else) hook up with another good farrier in your area to "help out" or "shadow," learn about how to handle different problems and get some hands-on experience.

Answer 7

I think not being so tall would be better. You wouldn't have to bend over as far and put as much strain on your back.

Good luck.

Answer 8

I have a female farrier.  She is looking for a way out (not making me happy) because the job is taking a toll on her physically.  Many farriers, even strong male types, develop back problems doing farrier work.  So, it would be dishonest to say you may not have problems with your small size.  Usually, you can use good body mechanics to equalize things, but as a farrier, it doesn't always work out.

I'm going to answer more as a former orthopedic nurse than anything, when I say that the positions you get into, and the nature of the work could result in lifelong back, knee, and other problems.  It isn't like doing one horse....to make a good living, it's horse after horse after horse...that is hard on the body.

ADD...since I posted, I had the opportunity to talk with a male farrier I know, who has a daughter who is also a licensed farrier.  His daughter only works on her own horses, and that is because he advised her not to do it for a living.  The reason he advised her this way was because he felt she would experience physical injuries that would impair her for life.  His advice to you was to go for it, but don't make it your livelihood.

Answer 9

I have no idea.

Answer 10

probably!

thats cool that you want to follow in your dad's foot steps!

farrier seems like a cool job too! i want to be a trainer tho =]