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Overview of the Apprentice Farrier Role
What is a specialist in equine hoof care called? A Farrier! As a farrier you are responsible for balancing, trimming and shoeing horses’ hooves. The perfect combination of blacksmithing and basic veterinary practice, farriers are dedicated to the health and comfort of horses through professional hoof maintenance. As an apprentice not only will you study to be the best in your field, but you will get on the job experience and paid on your way to becoming a fully qualified level 3 Farrier.
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Entry Requirements
Let us cut to the chase and show you how to qualify for your new career in as a Farrier. The entry requirements are as follows:
- 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English, Maths and Science
- English and Maths level 2 will have to be achieved before your end point assessment.
Course Breakdown
This a breakdown of all the things you will learn on your way to becoming a fully qualified level 3 Farrier.
Knowledge
- Health and safety: Learn to maintain a high level of health and safety, whilst understanding the safe handling of tools and equipment used in a farriery.
- Breed Identification: Equine Breeds will become second nature to you as you will be able to identify a range of different breeds.
- Control of Equines: An understanding of how to control Equines will be formed for ease when trimming and shoeing.
- Anatomy, Physiology and Equine Biomechanics: Grow to understand the anatomy and physiology of the limbs on the equine becoming a real savant.
- Ability to produce a thorough foot care plan: No matter the breed, type, or shoeing material you will be able to create the perfect plans for the equine’s needs.
5 Practical Skills you’ll learn as an Apprentice Farrier
- Removing an Equine shoe
- Making/ reshaping the shoe for the individual equine
- Trimming and prep of sole, frog and bars
- Producing Clenches from nail tips whilst complying with health and safety guidelines
- Working with different breeds on equine.
4 Main Behaviours required of a Farrier
- Self development
- Professionalism
- Adaptability
- Adherence to legal and ethical frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a level 3 Farrier Apprenticeship?
Typical duration to gateway is 42 months.
How much do Farriers in the UK get paid?
On average as represented by Jobble.org the farrier makes £30,070 a year, that’s around £14.86 and hour.
What is an apprentice, Farrier?
Hopefully after reading this article, it is no longer a question. But to summarise you will have hands on experience practicing several techniques common to the trade such as cleaning feet and removing and applying shoes to an equine.
Find out more
Check out other apprenticeship qualifications here!
Watch this video for more insight into a day in the life of a Farrier