
09/25/2025
farrinarian
far·ri·nar·i·an \ˌfer-ə-ˈner-ē-ən\
noun
A rare professional who somehow manages to be both a veterinarian and a farrier—basically the unicorn of the horse world.
“Call the farrinarian; he can fix the hoof and the horse attached to it.”
Informal: An equine specialist whose toolbox includes X-rays, hoof nippers, chiropractic tricks, and just enough duct tape to scare a Thoroughbred.
adjective
Describing an approach to horse care that merges medical science with the black-art of hoof wizardry.
“Her farrinarian solution involved equal parts science, sweat, and rasp.”
verb (farrinarianed; farrinarianing)
To diagnose, treat, and shoe a horse in one visit, usually leaving both the horse and owner wondering how one person knew how to do all that.
“The gelding was farrinarianed back into the show ring by Dr. Loe.”
Etymology
Blend of farrier + veterinarian; coined to describe equine overachievers who didn’t get the memo that you’re only supposed to master one impossible profession.