Beyond the Anvil: Physical Health and Financial Resilience in Farriery

On September 27th, 2025, I’ll be speaking at the BFBA Farrier Focus - the UK’s leading event for farriers. This gathering brings together professionals from across the industry to share knowledge, sharpen skills, and strengthen our community.

This year, I’m honoured to present my lecture: "Beyond the Anvil: Physical Health and Financial Resilience in Farriery.”

Beyond the Anvil: Physical Health and Financial Resilience in Farriery

Why This Matters

Farriery is one of the most physically demanding professions in the equine world. Hours spent bent over, carrying tools, and working in awkward positions take a toll. Studies show that the majority of farriers will experience back pain, knee issues, or other musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries at some point in their career.

But it’s not just about the body. The closure of the Farriers Foundation has left a gap in financial safety nets for farriers. Without proper cover, a sudden injury can mean lost income, added stress, and uncertainty about the future.

What I’ll Be Covering at Farrier Focus

My talk is designed to provide practical, evidence-based strategies that farriers can use right away to protect both their health and their livelihood. Topics include:

• Protecting mobility and strength through simple daily exercises.

• Preventing common MSK injuries linked to farriery.

• Practical ergonomics: adjusting workflow to reduce strain.

• Financial resilience: exploring health cover and accident protection options now that the Farriers Foundation is no longer in place.

• Building a long, sustainable career in farriery by taking care of your body and safeguarding your income.

Why I’m Passionate About This

As a human sports therapist and animal physiotherapist, I’ve seen first-hand the physical strain farriers face. My goal is simple:

Prevent injuries through posture awareness, strengthening, and movement education.

Support recovery and career longevity with therapy, exercise, and practical body positioning strategies.

Ultimately, I want to help farriers stay fit, strong, and financially secure so they can thrive in a career they love for years to come.

Final Thoughts

If you’re attending Farrier Focus 2025, I’d love for you to join me on September 27th for this important conversation.

And if you can’t be there in person, stay tuned — I’ll be sharing key takeaways and practical tips here on my blog after the event.

Because beyond the anvil, it’s not just about the horses we serve — it’s about protecting the farriers themselves.