The art and craft of horseshoeing used to be passed on from master to apprentice, but today there are schools, books, DVDs and other opportunities and tools available for learning. That hands-on approach of learning from a master can still be the most effective way of learning. If you went to shoeing school or are considering a school, an apprenticeship can be a valuable educational experience.

The benefits of training with an established farrier include:

• Discovering if this career is for you.
• Working on a variety of horses.
• Receiving hands-on training. 
• Obtaining a daily evaluation of your work. 
• Learning a particular aspect of horseshoeing.
• Developing a sense of the overall footcare industry.
• Getting started with methods that work rather than having to learn through trial-and-error.

What Would You Like To Learn Today?

As with many things in life, there are many choices:

• Do you want to be a generalist, or would you rather specialize in a particular type of footcare work?
• Is there one breed or discipline that’s predominant in your area? 
• Do you want to shoe show horses or backyard horses? 
• Are you already established, but seeking to branch out? Getting to those answers can take some time and effort, but it will help you focus on the type of skills you need and whom you should learn them from.

Best Way To Learn Is How You Learn Best

The majority of people are identified as primarily “visual” learners, meaning they learn best by watching something being done. Other…