ABOUT US

At Hammer & Tongs, we are dedicated to the art and science of equine hoof care. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of horse anatomy, we provide expert farrier services tailored to each horse's unique needs.
OUR HISTORY
SERVICES

Our History

Hammer and Tongs is headed up by Hannes Snyman, an internationally qualified farrier. He completed his apprenticeship in 1999 under the then president of the South Africa Farriers Association, Andrew Timm.
Hammer and Tongs began in Nottingham Road in KwaZulu Natal but really started to thrive after being invited to join the polo community in Plettenberg bay in 2000. In 2017 he moved to the United Kingdom and completed his diploma in 2018 to officially join The Worshipful Company of Farriers.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers was begun in 1356 in the City of London to look after horse welfare given, they were the main form of transport at that stage. It is the oldest and most respected Farrier Exam in the world and is accepted as the Benchmark of success in Farriery. He has also completed the Certified Professional Farriers Exam through the American Farriers International Testing System in 2017.
He has been focusing on Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing Horses in the Cotswolds in the UK for the last 7 years and at the end of 2024 made the move back to the Garden Route in South Africa to join his family.

Hannes was privileged to have wonderful opportunities to learn in the UK from the many CPD and Farrier congresses he attended. He was also privileged to spend a few days with five-time British Olympic team farrier Hayden Price who shod “Valegro” to two Olympic Gold medals and he was blessed to have met Ben Benson, a three-time British Olympic team farrier. Ben was responsible for Hammer and tongs success in the Cotswolds, as he introduced Hammer and tongs to the area, and send many wonderful clients his way. Ben is a incredibly talented farrier and specialize in sport horses. Esp dressage and Hannes learned a huge amount from him.

Hannes is very passionate about the biomechanics of the hoof and how slight changes to the way he shoes a horse can affect equine movement and therefore success in their sport. The success of the equine athlete depends on its limbs and feet and proper farrier and therapeutic work can improve the longevity and welfare of the Horse. Hannes is currently hoping to complete the AWCF farrier exam in the near future.

He is passionate about nature and animal welfare and anything sporting that his young sons choose to do. If he is not at the side of a horse, he is at the side of the field, cheering his boys on.

Our History

Hammer and Tongs is headed up by Hannes Snyman, an internationally qualified farrier. He completed his apprenticeship in 1999 under the then president of the South Africa Farriers Association, Andrew Timm.
Hammer and Tongs began in Nottingham Road in KwaZulu Natal but really started to thrive after being invited to join the polo community in Plettenberg bay in 2000. In 2017 he moved to the United Kingdom and completed his diploma in 2018 to officially join The Worshipful Company of Farriers.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers was begun in 1356 in the City of London to look after horse welfare given, they were the main form of transport at that stage. It is the oldest and most respected Farrier Exam in the world and is accepted as the Benchmark of success in Farriery. He has also completed the Certified Professional Farriers Exam through the American Farriers International Testing System in 2017.
He has been focusing on Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing Horses in the Cotswolds in the UK for the last 7 years and at the end of 2024 made the move back to the Garden Route in South Africa to join his family.

Hannes was privileged to have wonderful opportunities to learn in the UK from the many CPD and Farrier congresses he attended. He was also privileged to spend a few days with five-time British Olympic team farrier Hayden Price who shod “Valegro” to two Olympic Gold medals and he was blessed to have met Ben Benson, a three-time British Olympic team farrier. Ben was responsible for Hammer and tongs success in the Cotswolds, as he introduced Hammer and tongs to the area, and send many wonderful clients his way. Ben is a incredibly talented farrier and specialize in sport horses. Esp dressage and Hannes learned a huge amount from him.

Hannes is very passionate about the biomechanics of the hoof and how slight changes to the way he shoes a horse can affect equine movement and therefore success in their sport. The success of the equine athlete depends on its limbs and feet and proper farrier and therapeutic work can improve the longevity and welfare of the Horse. Hannes is currently hoping to complete the AWCF farrier exam in the near future.

He is passionate about nature and animal welfare and anything sporting that his young sons choose to do. If he is not at the side of a horse, he is at the side of the field, cheering his boys on.

Our History

Hammer and Tongs is headed up by Hannes Snyman, an internationally qualified farrier. He completed his apprenticeship in 1999 under the then president of the South Africa Farriers Association, Andrew Timm.
Hammer and Tongs began in Nottingham Road in KwaZulu Natal but really started to thrive after being invited to join the polo community in Plettenberg bay in 2000. In 2017 he moved to the United Kingdom and completed his diploma in 2018 to officially join The Worshipful Company of Farriers.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers was begun in 1356 in the City of London to look after horse welfare given, they were the main form of transport at that stage. It is the oldest and most respected Farrier Exam in the world and is accepted as the Benchmark of success in Farriery. He has also completed the Certified Professional Farriers Exam through the American Farriers International Testing System in 2017.
He has been focusing on Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing Horses in the Cotswolds in the UK for the last 7 years and at the end of 2024 made the move back to the Garden Route in South Africa to join his family.

Hannes was privileged to have wonderful opportunities to learn in the UK from the many CPD and Farrier congresses he attended. He was also privileged to spend a few days with five-time British Olympic team farrier Hayden Price who shod “Valegro” to two Olympic Gold medals and he was blessed to have met Ben Benson, a three-time British Olympic team farrier. Ben was responsible for Hammer and tongs success in the Cotswolds, as he introduced Hammer and tongs to the area, and send many wonderful clients his way. Ben is a incredibly talented farrier and specialize in sport horses. Esp dressage and Hannes learned a huge amount from him.

Hannes is very passionate about the biomechanics of the hoof and how slight changes to the way he shoes a horse can affect equine movement and therefore success in their sport. The success of the equine athlete depends on its limbs and feet and proper farrier and therapeutic work can improve the longevity and welfare of the Horse. Hannes is currently hoping to complete the AWCF farrier exam in the near future.

He is passionate about nature and animal welfare and anything sporting that his young sons choose to do. If he is not at the side of a horse, he is at the side of the field, cheering his boys on.

Services

We offer general farrier services

We offer general
farrier services

01

Hot
Shoeing

This involves heating the metal shoe in a forge and then applying it to the hoof while it’s still hot, ensuring a custom fit. This technique allows for precision in shaping the shoe and ensuring it conforms perfectly to the hoof. It's often preferred because it provides a more durable, functional result than cold shoeing, with added benefits like having a more precise fitting and shaping that allow the mechanics of a shoe to be altered rather than just the shape.
02

Cold
Shoeing

Applying a keg shoe to the hoof without heating the metal. It’s typically used when a horse has a sensitivity to heat, or when hot shoeing is impractical or impossible. Cold shoeing can be a quicker and less intrusive process but may not always offer the same level of precision or fit as hot shoeing.
03

BAREFOOT TRIMMING

This refers to trimming the horse’s hooves to maintain a natural state, without the use of shoes. The goal is to balance the hoof and allow the horse to move naturally. Regular trimming helps maintain proper hoof health and can reduce the risk of injury, especially for horses that are not ridden intensively or are kept in natural environments.
04

Guided Adaptive Transition

This process involves a structured approach to transitioning horses from wearing shoes to being barefoot. It includes specific trimming techniques, regular monitoring, and support through the transition period, which can be challenging for the horse’s hooves. Assistance often includes advice on hoof boots to aid the transition and management of any discomfort the horse may experience.
05

Hoof Boot & Glue Shoe Consults

For horses that are transitioning to barefoot or need additional support but cannot tolerate traditional shoes, hoof boots or glue-on shoes may be recommended. These consultations focus on assessing the horse’s specific needs, recommending the right products, and providing guidance on proper usage and care.
06

Therapeutic Shoeing with Vet Collaboration

This involves working closely with veterinarians to design shoeing solutions that address specific medical or bio-mechanical issues in the horse’s legs or hooves. Therapeutic shoeing may include special shoes or padding that help correct lameness, relieve pressure, or promote healing in injured hooves and aid in supporting deviations due to conformation.
07

Diagnostic Hoof Radiograph Analysis

Radiographs (X-rays) of the hooves are used to assess the internal structure and health of the hooves. Interpretation of these images allows farriers to diagnose issues such as laminitis, founder, bone fractures, or abnormalities that affect the horse’s ability to perform. It ensures that any underlying conditions are considered when designing shoeing protocols.
08

Collaborative Treatment with MSK Specialists

This collaborative approach involves working with other health professionals who specialize in the horse's body, posture, and movement. The goal is to develop a com-prehensive treatment plan that addresses both the hoof and the body, correcting issues related to the musculoskeletal system, improving overall movement, and reducing pain.
09

Pre-Purchase Limb Exams & Farriery Consults

Before purchasing a horse, a thorough examination of the lower limbs (legs and hooves) is essential to assess their health, soundness, and potential risks for future lameness. Farriery consultations help determine if the horse requires special shoeing, trimming, or additional care to maintain healthy hooves.
10

Foal Trims, Conformation Analysis and trimming Plans

Foals require specific trimming to ensure their hooves develop correctly as they grow. We usually trim for as longs as possible before applying shoes. Conformation analysis examines the foal’s leg alignment, and any issues found can guide shoeing plans as the foal matures. Early intervention in hoof care can aid in preventing deviation in conformation.
11

Lameness Evaluation

Lameness evaluation is a diagnostic process where a farrier assesses the horse’s movement, looking for signs of pain, discomfort, or abnormal gait. It often involves per-forming physical tests, watching the horse move, and sometimes working with veterinarians to diagnose the cause of the lameness (e.g., injury, hoof disease, or structural issues).
12

Gait
Analysis

This involves observing and analysing how a horse moves, looking for irregularities or abnormal patterns that could indicate underlying health issues. A gait analysis can provide insights into problems with the hooves, legs, or back, helping to identify areas that may need therapeutic shoeing or other interventions.

SERVICES

We offer general
farrier services

01

Hot
Shoeing

This involves heating the metal shoe in a forge and then applying it to the hoof while it’s still hot, ensuring a custom fit. This technique allows for precision in shaping the shoe and ensuring it conforms perfectly to the hoof. It's often preferred because it provides a more durable, functional result than cold shoeing, with added benefits like having a more precise fitting and shaping that allow the mechanics of a shoe to be altered rather than just the shape.
02

Cold
Shoeing

Applying a keg shoe to the hoof without heating the metal. It’s typically used when a horse has a sensitivity to heat, or when hot shoeing is impractical or impossible. Cold shoeing can be a quicker and less intrusive process but may not always offer the same level of precision or fit as hot shoeing.
03

BAREFOOT TRIMMING

This refers to trimming the horse’s hooves to maintain a natural state, without the use of shoes. The goal is to balance the hoof and allow the horse to move naturally. Regular trimming helps maintain proper hoof health and can reduce the risk of injury, especially for horses that are not ridden intensively or are kept in natural environments.
04

Guided Adaptive Transition

This process involves a structured approach to transitioning horses from wearing shoes to being barefoot. It includes specific trimming techniques, regular monitoring, and support through the transition period, which can be challenging for the horse’s hooves. Assistance often includes advice on hoof boots to aid the transition and management of any discomfort the horse may experience.
05

Hoof Boot & Glue Shoe Consults

For horses that are transitioning to barefoot or need additional support but cannot tolerate traditional shoes, hoof boots or glue-on shoes may be recommended. These consultations focus on assessing the horse’s specific needs, recommending the right products, and providing guidance on proper usage and care.
06

Therapeutic Shoeing with Vet Collaboration

This involves working closely with veterinarians to design shoeing solutions that address specific medical or bio-mechanical issues in the horse’s legs or hooves. Therapeutic shoeing may include special shoes or padding that help correct lameness, relieve pressure, or promote healing in injured hooves and aid in supporting deviations due to conformation.
07

Diagnostic Hoof Radiograph Analysis

Radiographs (X-rays) of the hooves are used to assess the internal structure and health of the hooves. Interpretation of these images allows farriers to diagnose issues such as laminitis, founder, bone fractures, or abnormalities that affect the horse’s ability to perform. It ensures that any underlying conditions are considered when designing shoeing protocols.
08

Collaborative Treatment with MSK Specialists

This collaborative approach involves working with other health professionals who specialize in the horse's body, posture, and movement. The goal is to develop a com-prehensive treatment plan that addresses both the hoof and the body, correcting issues related to the musculoskeletal system, improving overall movement, and reducing pain.
09

Pre-Purchase Limb Exams & Farriery Consults

Before purchasing a horse, a thorough examination of the lower limbs (legs and hooves) is essential to assess their health, soundness, and potential risks for future lameness. Farriery consultations help determine if the horse requires special shoeing, trimming, or additional care to maintain healthy hooves.
10

Foal Trims, Conformation Analysis and trimming Plans

Foals require specific trimming to ensure their hooves develop correctly as they grow. We usually trim for as longs as possible before applying shoes. Conformation analysis examines the foal’s leg alignment, and any issues found can guide shoeing plans as the foal matures. Early intervention in hoof care can aid in preventing deviation in conformation.
11

Lameness Evaluation

Lameness evaluation is a diagnostic process where a farrier assesses the horse’s movement, looking for signs of pain, discomfort, or abnormal gait. It often involves per-forming physical tests, watching the horse move, and sometimes working with veterinarians to diagnose the cause of the lameness (e.g., injury, hoof disease, or structural issues).
12

Gait
Analysis

This involves observing and analysing how a horse moves, looking for irregularities or abnormal patterns that could indicate underlying health issues. A gait analysis can provide insights into problems with the hooves, legs, or back, helping to identify areas that may need therapeutic shoeing or other interventions.
Forging strong foundations.
Dedicated farrier since 2000.
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Forging strong foundations.
Dedicated farrier since 2000.
Quick Links
Home About Services Gallery Interesting Cases
Contact Information
Forging strong foundations.
Dedicated farrier since 2000.
Quick Links
Home About Services Gallery Interesting Cases
Contact Information
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