How To Get A Job As A Farrier
Farriers are highly skilled craftsmen, who work with horses. Domestic horses need proper foot car and shoes to protect their feet on rough ground. Farriers make, fit, and adjust shoes to fit each specific horse’s needs. They file hooves and take care of foot problems such as fungus, splits in the hooves, and dry hooves. They make custom-made shows and adjust purchased shoes, to fit the stature, physique and health problems of specific horses.
Most Farriers work independently and some travel is required. Farriers may work set hours or according to the needs of the clients they serve. Most of their work is done outdoors or in mostly open, but covered, areas. Farriers, usually must purchase their own tools and equipment unless they work for a large established stable.
Horses are large strong animals. They have varying dispositions just like people. They may or may not cooperate. They may buck, bite, and kick. Occasionally a farrier will have an assistant, but most of the time they work alone.
Farriers must have good eye-hand coordination and excellent manual dexterity. They must be calm, kind, patient, and physically strong. They are constantly lifting and a great deal of their work is done while bending. They must be able to raise and hold up a horses foot, whether or not the horse is willing. Farriers must have good people skills as they deal with owners as well as horses. Farriers must understand horses, their anatomy, physiology, health, and varying dispositions. They must love horses.
Education
Those who wish to become Farriers should first get a high school diploma. You will then need to complete a training program in an accredited Farrier School. Any experience or education in the veterinary field would be an asset.
There are many excellent Farrier schools. For a list of some of the better known Farrier schools, in the U.S., go to:
http://www2.horseshoes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119&Itemid=155
Before deciding on a training program, it may be beneficial to get an opinion of an experienced Farrier. For a list of Farriers in your area, go to:
http://www.farriers.com/area6a.htm
Training programs last from a few months to several years. Take the best training you can afford. Once you have graduated from a training program, find an apprenticeship position where you will be working under the guidance of an experienced Farrier. This will help you to get needed experience, and to start making contact with potential clients.
Become a certified Farrier. Although certification is not necessary, it is a testament to your skill and experience. to become certified you must pass a written exam as well as show a hands-on demonstration of your competency.
For more information on a career as a Farrier, go to the American Farrier Association website at:
http://www.americanfarriers.org/
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