Project Feature - Farrier Shop

Creating an on-site farrier shop had long been a wish of the Spruce Meadows family. Farriers, working as they do, from the back of mobile trucks and trailers with portable forges, craft their age-old art in outdoor locations on call whenever and wherever needed.

Presenting a working space with public viewing was a top priority for Spruce Meadows. As ambassadors of the sport, engaging and educating the public is of ongoing importance.

At large events and tournaments, as many as 4 farriers toil tirelessly to provide equestrian horses the best footing possible to meet challenges of the course and weather conditions. In 2017 a site on the Spruce Meadows grounds was identified and David Baker Design was called to plan the long awaited space.

The design challenge, to create an industrial space fashioned in the classic  building style of the Spruce Meadows where heat, smoke, hard-working women and men interact safely and efficiently with equine energy while providing a vantage point for the curious public.

The result, a state-of-the-art Farrier Shop opened to great fanfare in the summer of 2018 to the satisfaction of owners, staff and fans alike. Now, the clash of hammers on red-hot steel rings out as farriers fashion custom shoes for the finest jumping horses the world over. Look for it on the Spruce Meadows site map and plan to visit the next time you attend tournament events!

“I’m delighted about this, (Marg) Southern said. “This is probably one of the nicest farrier shops in Canada. This is pretty special. Lots and lots of room for the horses, and lots of room for the farrier to be able to work with the horses. They’re not in any jeopardy of getting hurt because of the space they have.” - Calgary Sun