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Horse shoeing schools prepare students to become professionals in the horse industry and training programs typically involve a rigorous hands-on element so that students can gain the practical horseshoeing skills they need. Programs may require students to stay on site for a portion of the program where they work side-by-side with master horse shoeing professionals and learn how the business works. Attending horse shoeing school can be a very rewarding yet challenging experience, and students can choose from several levels of training to advance in their career.
What is Horse Shoeing School?
Horse shoeing school is an intensive training facility that helps men and women gain the basic to advanced skills in horseshoeing for employment. Schools are equipped with special equipment and resources so that students can become independent workers or business owners and train in a place where they gain the hands-on experience they need from master instructors. Some schools offer all the tools and educational materials for purchase, while others may require students to purchase their equipment independently. Financial assistance is available for students who meet certain criteria.
One of the biggest benefits of attending a horse shoe school is the networking opportunities available. Many provide students with discounted tickets and access to area horse shows and other events related to the horse industry. This gives students a chance to better understand the industry and make the most of their experience.
Horse Shoeing Training Programs
Since horse shoeing training involves a large amount of hands-on activities and projects, students are typically offered three different levels of training where they can clock in a certain amount of hours and move through each level to complete the program. Introductory horseshoeing programs provide essential information about the anatomy and physiology of horses, horse shoeing shop safety protocol, and basic horse handling skills. The next level of the training program offers more in-depth training in areas of business practices, forging skills, horse handling and trimming, and practicing various skills on a learned horse. The advanced levels of a horsehoeing course typically involve independent study and practice and continued practice with a learned horse.
Horse Shoeing Schools: Classes and Courses
Schools give students a chance to learn how to make and fit shoes for horses. Well-trained and skilled Farriers help to trim horses' hooves, prepare the shoes, and nail the shoes to the horse's hooves.
The most common classes and courses available include:
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Horse Handling and Safety
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Forging Skills
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Farrier and Client Relations
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Farrier and Veterinarian Relationst
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Farrier Industry History
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Anatomy & Physiology of Horses
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Gait Analysis
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Business Practices
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Identifying Types of Shoes
In addition to classroom instruction, students who wish to complete a horse shoe training program will need to log in a certain number of working hours to learn several practical skills and gain hands-on experience with working with horses. Horse handling and putting shoes on a horse typically make up the majority of hours of a program.
Enrolling in Horse Shoe School
Enrollment and admissions requirements vary by location, but most schools will accept students with at least a high school diploma or GED. Students are typically responsible for paying all tuition, housing costs, horse shoe equipment fees and books and supplies before the training session begins. Depending on the level of training, horse shoe training programs typically run between six to twelve weeks with total hours ranging between 250 to 575. Students who successfully complete courses at horse shoeing school may be awarded a certificate or diploma.
Job Options After Horse Shoe School
The position of a Farrier is the typical job option after graduating from horse shoe school, but many graduates also pursue other positions in the horse industry or focus on creating their own business. Graduates may find work as a:
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Horse Shoe Business Manager
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Horse Shoeing Trainer
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Farrier Supervisor
Employment Prospects and Salary Information After Horse Shoeing School
Salary.com reports that the median salary for a typical Farrier in the United States is $19,878. This may vary considerably depending on the location of the horse stables and the skill level of the Farrier. The majority of Farriers choose to live near the horse stables or farm that they work in, and may be needed on an on-call basis.
Job prospects remain steady for Farriers who can secure work at an area farm or horse stable and continue to improve their skills and knowledge about their industry. Highly skilled Farriers who can train and handle different types of horses typically enjoy the most success in the industry.
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