The Farrier - Robbie Davis

Robbie is a Farrier based in Kilmanagh, Kilkenny. With years of experience and an expert in both hot or cold shoeing he is called upon by stud farms around the country. I spent a short afternoon with him in Bluegate Stud in Kilmanagh. Stable hand, Katie, was on hand to hold the horses and whisper comforting words.

Robbie has been passionate about horses since he was seven, spending every weekend jumping, hunting, and being around ponies. That early love for horses naturally led him to pursue a career working with them. After completing his Junior Cert, Robbie wasn’t quite 16 when he began a four-year apprenticeship in Wexford to become a farrier. During that time, he learned the skills needed to work with horses safely—without getting too badly injured!

Each year, he took his exams at the Irish National Stud in Kildare, where he honed his expertise in blacksmithing, shoemaking, hot shoeing, and even creative shoeing.

Here, you'll see Robbie's approach to shoeing a horse. He starts by greeting the horse and picking up its foot to check the angles, ensuring the hoof is balanced. Then, he removes the old shoe, trims away the excess sole, and levels the hoof. After carefully eyeing up the shoe to the hoof, he shapes it to fit perfectly. Once the shoe is ready, he nails it on, then brings the hoof forward to clench down the nails and rasp the hoof for a clean, smooth finish.

It was an absolute joy to watch Robbie at work, making what is undoubtedly a difficult job look effortless. His skill and passion shine through in every step, and it’s clear that he’s found his true calling in working with horses. Witnessing his expertise firsthand was a privilege, and it’s easy to see why he’s so well-respected in his craft.