Name: Lee Redmond

Job Title: Farrier

Base: Crookstown, Co Kildare

Types of horses you look after: Sports Horses and Racehorses

Areas that you cover: I cover a 20-mile radius from Crookstown in Co Kildare.

Your own Equestrian Experience: I grew up around horses, starting off in a riding school. From there, I went on to buy my own horse and went on to compete in show jumping, eventing and hunting. This was what drove me to choose farriery as my career.

Training or Education for your chosen career: I trained in the farrier school in RACE academy in Kildare town for four years and worked under a master farrier in Donegal, where I learned my trade.

Do you do refresher training to keep up with advancements in your trade? I continuously go to demonstrations and trainings on new and improved techniques and products for the horses.

How long did you train for as a farrier and did you serve an apprenticeship? I trained as a farrier for four years and under an apprenticeship, this was done in phases. This took in from three to five months in college in each phase and the rest of the year spent in tuition with the master farrier.

What you most love about your job? I love doing corrective work, as you can see the horse improving. I enjoy travelling to different yards and seeing a horse that you work with winning a race or competition. To know you played a part is a great sense of achievement.

How often would you recommend a horse’s feet should be looked at? Depending on the condition of a horse’s feet and the conditions they are kept under and the work they are doing, I would recommend six to eight weeks, some horses may need attention sooner, so it’s important to know your animal’s requirements. No two animals are the same.

Can you see advancements in shoeing since you first started? Yes, more modern materials are being used, as in glues and remedial pads, and technology is being used more widely now for preventative and correction needs.

Are people more aware of the importance of regular shoeing or care? Yes, owners are more informed now and are taking more care of their horses’ hooves.