farrier

Everything you need to become an Apprentice Farrier

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Farrier filling Horse shoe
Filing horse hooves by Jonathan Bean

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.

Books on a shelf
Studying by Christin Hume

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

  1. Removing an Equine shoe
  2. Making/ reshaping the shoe for the individual equine
  3. Trimming and prep of sole, frog and bars
  4. Producing Clenches from nail tips whilst complying with health and safety guidelines
  5. Working with different breeds on equine.

4 Main Behaviours required of a Farrier

  • Self development
  • Professionalism
  • Adaptability
  • Adherence to legal and ethical frameworks

Read moreEverything you need to become an Apprentice Farrier