Farrier Negligence

Blackstone Solicitors provides comprehensive legal advice on matters relating to farrier negligence.

Understanding Farrier Negligence

Horse farrier negligence arises when a farrier, through a breach of their duty of care, causes harm to your horse. This can occur due to several factors:

  • Improper Trimming and Shoeing: Incorrect trimming techniques, inappropriate shoe selection or fitting, or neglecting to address specific hoof conditions can lead to lameness, discomfort, and long-term hoof problems.
  • Failure to Identify Underlying Issues: In some cases, a farrier may miss pre-existing hoof pathologies or infections, delaying necessary treatment and potentially worsening the condition.
  • Nail Punctures: Accidental punctures during nailing procedures can damage internal hoof structures, causing pain and lameness.
  • Unsanitary Practices: Poor hygiene during farriery procedures can increase the risk of infections in your horse.
  • Neglecting Balancing and Symmetry: Uneven trimming or improper shoe placement can lead to gait abnormalities and potential musculoskeletal problems.

Red Flags: Identifying Potential Farrier Negligence

While farriery is a skilled trade, some signs might indicate potential negligence:

  • Sudden Onset of Lameness: If your horse develops lameness shortly after farrier work, it’s crucial to investigate the cause.
  • Visible Hoof Abnormalities: Signs like uneven hoof wear, excessive bruising, or signs of infection can be red flags.
  • Changes in Behaviour: Behavioural changes like reluctance to move, kicking at the farrier, or displaying discomfort during shoeing can indicate pain.
  • Poor Quality Workmanship: Noticeable flaws in the trimming or shoeing, such as unevenness, improper fit, or protruding nails, can be concerning.

It’s important to note that not all lameness or hoof issues are directly attributable to farrier negligence. Consulting a qualified equine veterinarian for diagnosis is crucial before reaching conclusions.

We can provide all of the expert legal assistance you need and have considerable experience in this area of law and can advise you throughout the process.

Speak to our expert equine law solicitors today to find out more about how we can assist you. Call us on 0330 808 0849 or allow us to call you back by completing our online enquiry form.

Our Approach

We place huge emphasis on getting things done properly and efficiently. This is especially true when providing legal advice on farrier negligence.

Equine law is a specialised area of law that encompasses a wide range of legal issues relating to horses. It applies to all aspects of horse ownership, breeding, competition, and the equine industry as a whole. At Blackstone Solicitors, our team understands the unique challenges faced by horse owners, breeders, riders, and equine professionals across England and Wales.


“Sara Hughes Partner & Head of Residential Conveyancing has recently acted on my behalf on a matter and has been exceptional throughout the process despite the many shortcomings of other sides’ solicitors and them being inefficient, which caused issues. Sara remained patient throughout. She provided a first-class, professional service with a smile, enabling matters to be finally completed after enduring many frustrations along the way caused by the other solicitors. She is a credit to Blackstone and their team and I would not hesitate to use her again or recommend her to my contacts, friends and family.
Well done Sara and a big thank you.”

Robert Grindrod

Why Legal Help is Important

To succeed in a horse farrier negligence claim, you need to establish three key elements:

  1. Duty of Care: The farrier owed a duty of care to your horse, meaning they had a professional obligation to perform the work with reasonable skill and care.
  2. Breach of Duty: The farrier breached this duty by failing to meet the expected standard of practice in farriery.
  3. Causation: The farrier’s breach of duty directly caused harm to your horse, resulting in financial losses (e.g., veterinary bills) or emotional distress.

Blackstone Solicitors’ equine law team will handle all aspects of your claim, including:

  • Investigating the Case: We will gather evidence, consult with veterinary experts, and build a strong case to support your claim.
  • Legal Representation in Court (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, we will provide robust legal representation in court to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Blackstone Solicitors

While a handshake agreement might have sufficed in the past, the equine industry today demands a more formalised approach. Equine law is a specialised area that deals with a wide range of legal issues specific to horses. At Blackstone Solicitors, our team in England and Wales understands the unique challenges faced by horse owners, breeders, riders, and equine professionals.

At Blackstone, we can help to give you the very best chance of achieving the outcome you are looking for. Equine law can often be complex, and it is therefore imperative that you seek expert legal help to ensure any contract you sign, is suitable and correct.

Our Services

We provide various services for horse owners and those involved in the equine industry including advising on commercial agreements and making sure everything is completed thoroughly and without error and is in your best interests.

We can also advise on the following areas:

Get in Touch

Find out more about our services and how our equine law specialists can help you and your by getting in touch today. Simply call us on 0330 808 0849 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will call you back at a convenient time.

We are able to help individuals throughout the North West, the rest of the UK as well as internationally from our offices in Cheshire and London.

Get in Touch Today

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our Team

The award winning team is well known for their tenacious approach to their client's cases. Our highly regarded team is passionate about your success. All team members are incredibly academic and continuously strive for more.