Loading…

My back is killing me after shoeing sessions, looking for help | Farriers - HW Forums

My back is killing me after shoeing sessions, looking for help

Hey everyone! I've been working as a farrier for a few years now and the back pain is really starting to get to me. After just two or three horses, my lower back feels tight and sore. I had a long day yesterday with five trims and three shoes, and I could barely stand up straight afterwards. I've tried basic stretches and using a hoof stand more, but the pain still comes back. What do you other farriers do to protect your backs during work? I really want to keep doing this job without hurting all the time. Any simple exercises or tools that have worked for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

margaret_bennett36mo ago

When you mentioned your lower back feeling tight after just two or three horses, that's so common in trades where you're bent over all day. I've noticed a pattern where people in physical jobs brush off little aches until they become big, constant pain. It's like your body is telling you to change something before it gets worse. What helped a friend of mine in landscaping was adding real strength training, not just stretches, to build up his core and back muscles. For your work, maybe look into exercises that target those areas so you're not just flexible but actually supported. Starting that now could keep you shoeing horses without hurting for years to come.

lisa_murray6mo ago

Yeah that part about your body telling you to change something before it gets worse is so true. I mean, I see it all the time with guys who just push through. Like what @taylor_grant30 said, his friend couldn't even tie his shoes. It's not just about being tough, it's about being smart. Building up the muscles that actually hold you up while you're working makes a huge difference. Stretching is good but it's like putting a bandage on, you gotta fix the real problem. Starting that strength stuff early is way better than trying to fix a wrecked back later.

taylor_grant306mo ago

My buddy in demolition laughed off back pain until he couldn't bend over to tie his shoes. @margaret_bennett3 nailed it, he now does core exercises and complains way less.