FARRIER Arlo Stephens has been looking after horses’ feet for 12 years and in that time he has learned quite a thing or two about his four-legged clients and the kind of world in which they live.

Working with horses means knowing more than how to trim and shoe, it’s looking after the overall health of their feet, which often involves corrective work and remedial treatment.

However, studying the trade is one thing, it’s quite another putting it into practice.

Before dealing with any horse, farriers need to understand the equine social world of which they’re a part, have respect for their clients and be fairly well be in control – you can’t push half a ton of horse around very easily and when they push you it hurts.

Arlo, aged 37, is based just over the Herefordshire border but visits yards not only across this county but in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire and regularly finds himself looking up at the lofty heights of a shire or handling a diminutive shetland.

Most horses are well mannered and don’t mind being shoed but there’s a fair number of stroppy ones that like to make a fuss, including those who have a real phobia about farriers.

Another consideration is that all horses have a flight instinct, which means that when a foot is held they have to be able to trust someone who is, in effect, blocking their way of escape in the event of any danger.

The farrier’s job takes physical strength, stamina, a good grasp of the craft, a genuine and thorough knowledge of horses and, according to Arlo, a natural affinity with the animal. “I really enjoy being a farrier and I think it’s because I just love being with horses,” he suggests.

“I find them fascinating and I don’t think you ever stop learning about them and their instinctive behaviour.”

Most caring horse owners value the advice of a good farrier because they know he – or she – will only have the interest of their animal at heart.

Arlo says that owners will often bring a foot problem to the farrier first before calling out the vet.

“Quite often if a horse is performing badly it’s because there is a problem with the foot but most farriers will check the way a horse moves too to see that there’s no injury elsewhere,” he explains.

“Farriers naturally check the horse’s leg, foot and hoof.”

His work involves cutting away any excess hoof growth and ensuring that the horse is balanced.

Arlo will often make his own shoes on site to perfectly fit the animal’s foot.

While training for his job, Arlo was apprenticed to world champion, Andy Martin, who, he says, taught him about being a farrier and much more.

“I was really fortunate to be taught by someone whose whole life was horses and who wanted everyone to be as good as he is,” he says.

“Also, I think because my grandmother kept horses and I was brought up with them and had them around me all my life, I learned to deal with them intuitively so I just know when things aren’t right.”

Learning to be a farrier is something that doesn’t end with the apprenticeship.

It means being alert to the attitudes and behaviour of an animal who may be feeling pain or discomfort but can’t tell you.

To contact Arlo, telephone: 07796406521.