Horses or ponies are shod every 4-6 weeks. If the horse or pony is unshod (if it is a youngster or not used for ridden work) it must have a trim and leveling every 8-10 weeks. Your farrier should be a qualified and registered farrier, and should advertise this fact with a sticker in his/her van. If you are unsure, contact the Farrier's Registration Council. It is illegal for anyone else other than a registered farrier to shoe or trim a horse's feet in the UK.

In the UK: The farrier should have any one of the following qualifications, the FWCF being the most highly skilled:

• DipWCF (Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers)
• AWCF (Associateship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers)
• FWCF (Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers)

In the USA:

• AFA (American Farrier's Association)

A set of four shoes and labour typically costs £50-£60 a set. This may be more or less if you have an unusually large/small/difficult horse or pony, or if it needs remedial shoeing. The owner should have the horse caught and ready for the farrier, and should be on hand to hold and quiet the horse.

The feet should be picked out using a hoof pick at least once a day, to remove any stones, mud and dirt and to check that the shoes are in good condition.

Feet should be kept clean and dry wherever possible, as wet, dirty conditions may lead to thrush and/or lameness.