Cole Henderson Farrier Service

Welcome to my corner of the web.  Enjoy your stay and feel free to look back often. I do try to make this one of those sites that frequently changes.

The idea is to add a new page every month or so on a hoofcare topic, but it depends how much time I have as to when these pages appear. All the information and advice here is free and, in most cases, given people way smarter than me. I’m just here to pass some bits along. Remember nothing on the web is a substitute for consulting your Veterinarian or Farrier with a problem.

You should also realise that Farriers do not just put shoes on horses. Over 50% of the horses we deal with go barefoot with whatever trim is appropriate. It may surprise you further to learn that most Farriers would say in an ideal world the best shoe for a horse is no shoe. Not every horse is best served by being shod and your Farrier can advise you on this. 

I believe that the long term soundness and usefulness of your horse largely depends on the quality of the hoof care your horse receives over its lifetime.  Every horse benefits from being on a regular trimming or shoeing schedule and not from waiting until a shoe eventually falls off before seeking help.  I also think that each horse, regardless of age, use or price, has an inherent dignity and is worthy of the very best care and respect.

With over 30 years of being involved in the horse industry, first as a pony trekking guide, horse owner, and later as a Farrier I am prepared to meet most of your horse’s hoof care needs. In fact my family go back as far as 1710 through eight consecutive generations of Journeymen Farriers and Blacksmiths (the Blacksmiths were the ones who didn't like horses). But I can't claim this make me any better a Farrier, I just have less excuse not to be.

I guarantee I will try to shoe or trim every horse better than the person who did it last time, especially if that person was me. My promise is to always treat your horse as I would my own personal horses. I do work with, and through your local Veterinarian and encourage you to call them as required. A Farrier may have horse knowledge but I am not a Veterinarian. I do endeavor to continue my farrier education through conferences and clinics.

I work from North Saanich to Sooke to Duncan and everywhere between. Prices shown on the site are for work in those areas. I do come out to Saltspring, Pender, Saturna and Mayne Islands but prices for those islands will reflect the time and travel involved.