Western photographer Phyllis Burchett sees photo opps everywhere. While farrier Whitney Roberts was shoeing Phyllis’ horses, she asked Whitney if she could photograph her.
The result? Images of a powerhouse female farrier doing what she loves.
We spoke with Whitney about her experience as a farrier as well as her shoot with Phyllis Burchett. Here’s what she had to say:
CG: What is a typical day in the life of a farrier?
WR: It’s great; you get to be outside and work on horses. If that’s what you like.
CG: What’s it like being a female farrier?
WR: No different than being a male farrier, I guess. Some people do doubt you because you are a girl. Just got to prove them wrong.
CG: Farriers contribute greatly to the Western industry. What can non-farriers do to support farriers?
WR: Have the horses standing there waiting on us, and not try to tell us how to do our job.
CG: What would you say is your proudest moment as a farrier?
WR: When a horse walks in lame, but walks out sound.
CG: How did your photo shoot with Phyllis Burchett come to be, and how did it go?
WR: She called me to work on her horses and asked if she could take pictures. I said, “Of course,” and it went great. She does an awesome job and it was fun!
Whitney Roberts has her career in the bag; horseshoeing is one of the most lucrative careers in the Western industry. In fact, it’s at the top of our list of highest-paying equine careers.
For more information about farriers and horseshoeing, visit the American Farrier’s Association website.
