Equestrian careers: Farrier

So, you want to work with horses but have no idea where to begin. It would be an exaggeration to say that there are an infinite amount of careers available in the equine industry, but safe to say there are many more than you might imagine. In this series of ‘how to’ articles, we take a look at a few and see if we can inspire you and point you in a new and previously unexplored direction.

What does it involve?
Farriers shouldn’t be confused with blacksmiths – both work with metal, but farriers specialise in treating horses’ feet and only they are permitted to fit them with horseshoes. The craft of farriery has been around for hundreds of years, and is a very hard and physical career. A skilled farrier will have sound practical and theoretical knowledge, be able to shoe all types of feet including defective ones, make shoes to suit all types of work and working conditions, and be able to create shoes that can correct faulty limb action.

What qualifications do I need?
You must work as an apprentice for four years and two months, employed by an Approved Training Farrier (ATF), a Registered Farrier who has been approved by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) to train apprentices. The odd two months is a probationary period, during which time the ATF will assess your ability with horses. In order to be eligible to join the Register of Farriers you must pass all college assessments, get an NVQ Level 3 in Farriery (an advanced apprenticeship will also require Level 2 Key Skills), pass the exam to get the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, and complete the full four years and two months hands-on training.

Where do I start?
You must have a minimum of four GCSEs, grade C or above (anticipated grades won’t be accepted), including English Language and Maths, and hold a Forging Certificate. (The Farriery Training Agency (FTA) provides information on this, which includes a forging exercise booklet.)

Or

You must have NVQ level 2, Communication level 2 Key Skills, Application of Number level 2 Key Skills and hold a Forging Certificate.

Or

You must successfully complete an Access Course, which includes units of NVQ at level 2, Communication level 2 Key Skills, Application of Number level 2 Key Skill and a hold a Forging Certificate.

Who can I contact to find out more?

• The Farriers Registration Council – 01733 319911, or www.farrier-reg.gov.uk
• The Farriery Training Agency - 0845 1188387, or www.farrierytraining.co.uk
• Herefordshire College of Technology - 0800 0321986, or www.hereford-tech.ac.uk
• Myerscough College (Preston) - 01995 642211, or www.myerscough.ac.uk
• Oatridge College (Edinburgh) - 01506 864800, or www.oatridge.ac.uk
• Warwickshire College - 0800 783 67 67, or www.warkscol.ac.uk

Photo: Steven Lilly