Since ancient times, farriery has been considered the master craft. It is difficult to learn, requires the application of many skills and must be consistently practiced over the course of a career.

There are three types of people who want to learn this craft: people with no horse experience, people with limited horse experience and people who were raised in the horse business.

Persons With No Previous Knowledge And No Experience With Horses

People who have no previous knowledge and experience with horses are usually at a disadvantage as farrier students. American farrier schools are so concentrated that extensive hands-on equine experience is advisable before you enroll. Very rarely will a student be able to successfully start in the farrier business without it.

Learn how to behave around horses. Strengthen your body. Learn the horse’s nature so you can safely work around it and not endanger your classmates while in farrier school. Many long hours must be spent studying and working with horses to make up for lost time.

Volunteer to work at entry level jobs at a local stable, if they will take you. Be aware that the liability issue is of great concern today. You must assure your mentor that your intentions are honorable. Eventually, they won’t be able to get along without you.

Everyone must pay the same price. At first, you don’t know what you don’t know. Experience is gained slowly, even if you are a good observer and a willing learner.

Volunteer to work for…