A new study from Queen's University Belfast has found that many people in Northern Ireland are unaware that anyone can shoe horses without being registered, leading to concerns about horse welfare.

Farriery, the practice of caring for, trimming, balancing, and shoeing horse hooves, is not regulated in Northern Ireland, unlike in Great Britain where the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 applies. The Act does not extend to Northern Ireland.

The study, published in the journal Animal Welfare, surveyed 209 horse owners and equine industry professionals and included focus groups with seven farriers and five veterinary professionals. It found that 43% of respondents did not know there was no legal requirement for farriers to be registered, and more than two-thirds did not know how to check a farrier's qualifications.

Researchers said this lack of awareness could lead to inappropriate hoof care, causing pain, lameness, and longer-term welfare problems for horses.

The study found strong support for regulation, with nearly three-quarters of respondents believing it would improve horse welfare and 84% expecting farriery to become regulated in the future.

However, researchers cautioned that regulation alone would not solve the problem. Workforce shortages, inconsistent training, and limited collaboration between farriers and veterinarians were identified as key barriers.

Dr Grace Carroll from the School of Psychology said the study provides evidence to inform discussion on how farriery should be regulated, noting practical changes needed such as stronger training routes, clearer professional standards, and better ways for owners to verify qualifications.

Professor Gareth Arnott from the School of Biological Sciences said a publicly accessible register of farriers could support informed decision-making and strengthen trust between horse owners and farriers.

Dr Esther L. Skelly-Smith, also from the School of Biological Sciences and an equine veterinary surgeon, said high-quality farriery is fundamental to equine health and welfare, and the research helps ensure horses receive care from appropriately trained professionals.

The study concluded that improving access to qualified farriers and supporting consistent practice could reduce welfare risks, with education, structured training, and verification mechanisms identified as key facilitators.

In a separate development, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published an independent report recommending regulation of canine fertility services in Northern Ireland. The report by an Expert Advisory Group chaired by Professor Arnott identifies risks from unregulated services and makes 12 recommendations for veterinary oversight, welfare safeguards, and enforcement. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the department will consider the recommendations and engage with relevant bodies.