Farrier
Farriers look after horses' hooves. They make and fit horseshoes for all types of equine breeds from working animals to racing thoroughbreds.
- Typical hours40 to 48 a week
What you'll do
As a farrier, you could:
- talk to the horse owner about what work is required
- check the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems
- trim excess hoof growth and make sure the horse is properly balanced
- choose suitable shoes for the horse's size, foot condition and type of activity
- make horseshoes by hand or on a machine
- shape shoes, using a hammer and anvil
- fit horseshoes
- make final checks to finish
- keep a record of job details and equine foot care plans
Working environment
You could work at a client's business, at a riding stable or on a farm.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a farrier
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an approved apprenticeship
- training with the army
College
There are a small number of colleges offering a farriery access course . This prepares you for application to become an apprentice farrier.
This course lasts 1 year.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Farriery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an approved training farrier.
This takes around 4 years to complete and includes training on the job and periods of study at a college approved by the Farriers Registration Council.
You will need to find an approved training farrier who is willing to take you on as an apprentice.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Other routes
You could join the army as a soldier with the Household Cavalry .
After 2 years as a mounted ceremonial trooper, you would be eligible to apply for a place with The Forge, the regiment's team of farriers.
Career path and progression
With experience, you may choose to take a higher education qualification in farriery.
You may be able to work with larger stables, horse breeders or mounted regiments in the police or army.
You could also work in equine hospitals, with vets or in the farriery suppliers business.
You could become an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and employ and train apprentice farriers.
Registration
- you must be registered with Farriers Registration Council
Guides for this industry
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