NB certified farriers

[Scarlett 001]

I was just curious about NB certification for farriers. I heard that about a year ago they started a NB certification by Gene Ovnicek (the NB founder guy based in Colorado I believe). In order to really get the advantage of NB shoes, it is critical that they are applied following NB trimming and shoeing principles. Apparently if applied not according to the standards, you lose any advantages the shoes are supposed to have. I know some farriers are now picking up their NB certification (first batch of certified NB people was last year I think - although I may be wrong on this date). So now there is a way to guarantee you are getting someone who truly does NB as it should be done. Apparently this is not always the case of course. The success with NB shoes is only as good as the farrier applying them.

Got me thinking that in the UK, it might be hard to ever know if true NB principles are being applied, as I doubt anyone would travel to Colorado to get their NB certification. I am wondering how people in the UK (or North American prior to this certification program, which is still in early stages so lots of NB qualified farriers out there may not have official certification yet) know if their NB farrier is adhering to the principles of NB shoeing? Is their some UK standard or something or do you just have to hope for the best? I know some farrier schools include NB shoeing techniques, so maybe one would look out for farriers graduating from certain schools?

[laurenefb]

That's interesting.
For me, it's a case of trust, and believing what my NB farrier explains/is doing with the shoeing. Oh and also the effect which this style of shoeing is having on my horse.

[pstiller]

I know this is an old thread but I came across it so I will update.
There are now at least 4 Natural Balance certified farriers in the UK, several who are level 4 NB lameness specialists.
The Equine Digit Support System website's farrier referral list has those certified in NB noted as such. There are many other NB farriers however not yet certified who do terrific work.
Patty