Women Farriers Keep Okanagan Horses Steady in Snow

In January 2026, CBC reports that the once male‑dominated trade of farriers in British Columbia’s north Okanagan has flipped, with women now making up the majority. The article follows Caitlin MacDonald, who spends winter months at Armstrong’s Caravan Theatre, shoeing 900‑kg Percheron draft horses that pull sleighs and work on remote logging sites. MacDonald custom‑fits each horse with green crazy carpet, hot‑pink snow pads, tungsten‑carbide cleats, and even antique corks for the largest animals. She also works with fellow farrier Jenn Thiele of Salmon Arm, who has earned journeyman certification and often steps in to help colleagues. Together they keep draft horses safe on icy trails, enabling logging, farm work, and carriage rides in Stanley Park.