My name is Alain Fabius and I started in the farrier trade in 1981.
My love of horses began when I first started working with them at the age of sixteen. Over time I became a barn manager and trainer. When I was eighteen I went to Oklahoma Horseshoeing School. After graduating I spent some time out west with different ranchers. When I returned I apprenticed with several experienced farriers for two years who helped me hone my skills.
In 1984 I started my own business, serving customers primarily in Westchester and Connecticut. In my decades of being a farrier I have shod many different breeds and serviced various disciplines from Reiners to Grand Prix jumpers. Through the years I have developed many long term relationships with owners, trainers, veterinarians, and horses. In partnering closely with them I have come up with creative solutions for complicated cases in these majestic animals. Horses can’t speak for themselves, so I have learned to study them in various situations and discern the first indications of discomfort and lameness. I have observed that horses are always communicating with us. We just have to open ourselves up to what they are saying.
A service approach and emphasis
I understand the importance of having a reliable farrier that you can count on. F.F.S. is a multi-farrier practice which ensures continuity of service. I understand that you can’t run a business, make a show, or enjoy riding your horse if he is lame or doesn’t have a shoe. With our dependable farrier service, you can rest assured that I have you and your horses best interest in mind. That is why I interview potential clients making sure I can meet or exceed expectations. FFS INC is focused on offering solutions to horse owners, vets, and horse trainers. Your success and happiness is our success and happiness.
Shoeing Philosophy
We live in exciting times. The twenty-first-century farrier has more information, tools, and opportunities than previous generations. With all these opportunities and resources there comes a bit of a challenge keeping up and sorting through everything. It has been said that “Farriery is part art and part science.” I whole heartedly agree and I am committed to staying up on cutting edge practices.
Old world farriery has many timeless things such as; aesthetics, tradition, integrity, pride, and satisfaction in a job well done. The foundational sciences that underpin farriery are timeless as well. They are anatomy, physiology, kinetics, horsemanship and metallurgy, to name a few. Current technology is adding to that foundational knowledge; e.g. epoxies, polyurethane, polymers, plastics and barefoot trimming methodologies.
Over the years, I have seen new science and fads in the industry. Sometimes what is presented as science is later disproved or discarded for better methods. Bruce Lee was not only a great martial artist, but a philosopher as well. He had a saying, “Add what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is your own.” Over the years, I’ve added things at the time that were considered controversial. Later, they became industry standards. I’ve also had to discard some things I was taught early on. What has developed over time is a passion for helping horses and their humans in this thing we call life…