In Reunion, there are only seven farriers working. And yet there is no shortage of work, of the 2,000 horses and ponies listed on the island, 1,000 need to be shod at least once every 6 weeks. Shoeing is a practice that is almost essential for animal welfare, it helps relieve the feet of horses whose hooves are unsuitable for urban areas.
Published on November 15, 2024 at 12:02 p.m.,
updated November 15, 2024 at 12:03 p.m.
We knew the one who whispered in the horses’ ears, Eric Fontaine tickled their hooves. Hammer in hand, on his anvil, he makes the iron sing. The piece of scrap metal must be perfectly cut before being placed on Eva, the mare of the day.
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©Ophélie Maraval
As equine hooves are not designed to move on urban ground, it is necessary to provide them with protection. Precision work so that the shoe adapts to the hoof and not the other way around. A treatment that must be repeated almost 8 times a year.
We put shoes on horses that are working, not horses that are resting or upwind. When the horse is working, it is still preferable to wear shoes to protect its hooves. And at the same time, it also has better grip on competition grounds. If we don’t do this, the foot pushes and that can be dangerous for the tendons. These are his custom shoes.
Eric Fontaine, farrier
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©Ophélie Maraval
Before the new irons are installed, Eric first removes the previous ones using large pliers, then proceeds to trim them. The equivalent of a big manicure to remove excess horn from the horse.
The horse’s foot is like our nails, like hair, it’s keratin. It grows, so a horse needs to be shoed every five to six weeks. That’s about 1 cm per month.
Eric Fontaine, farrier
The iron is heated in an oven to 900 degrees for better modeling and adaptation to the horse’s foot. Still hot when installed, it gives off a large cloud of smoke. A heat which does not seem to disturb the mare which remains motionless.
It doesn’t hurt at all, the iron must be very hot. It’s weird but the hotter the iron, the less likely it is to burn. It only burns the superficial.
Eric Fontaine, farrier
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©Ophélie Maraval
Eric knows all these gestures by heart, each blow of the hammer is now done instinctively thanks to his 42 years of practice. A profession that is a bit part of its DNA, farriery is a family affair. He is the fourth generation to practice this profession.
I’ve been immersed in it since I was little, my dad was a farrier in Chantilly. He shoed racing horses for the large stables in Chantilly. We had horses at home. When I was very little I followed him everywhere so I ended up making it my job.
Eric Fontaine, farrier
Over time, Eric creates a real connection with the horses. A bond that makes working with the animal easier.
Horses are sponges, they pick you up straight away. He knows if you’re scared, who you are, they know it right away. There is this relationship that is created, the horse gives the foot before being asked. There is really a connection that is made together. When we shoe it, we know when it’s going to move, we’re not daydreaming, we’re connected together.
Eric Fontaine, farrier
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©Ophélie Maraval
Despite the love he has for his horses and the passion that drives him, working with animals weighing more than 400 kilos is not without consequences, the body inevitably takes a hit.
The mare leans on me, I have to support her. So physically in addition to the shoes, I support Madame, to put her shoes on. I admit that I stick out my tongue a little after 42 years.
Eric Fontaine, farrier
A passion that is starting to be too trying for Eric. At 53, he gradually began a reconversion into the creation of epoxy resin furniture.
Although he loves horses, the farrier prefers to retire slowly before his profession has an impact on his health.
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