Should farriers know how to test hoofs for problems?
Yes, it’s wise for a farrier to have a hoof tester and know how to use it, if for no other reason than to find out if the horse has become lame due to a close nail. The hoof tester is a tool for determining sensitivity to pressure in the foot. Many farriers will do a hoof test as a courtesy or they may charge a small fee. It’s up to the farrier to decide whether or not he/she wants to do anything beyond the test itself in the way of diagnosis and/or suggesting a remedy.
