Have a genuine interest in caring for horses and excellent horsemanship skills. Have knowledge of horse anatomy and veterinary care and advise horse owners if there is a problem that requires veterinary attention. Travel to your clients’ homes or businesses to change horseshoes, clean and trim hooves, and provide therapeutic shoes for lame horses. Be able to accommodate your clients’ schedules and work weekends, odd hours, and in bad weather. Have excellent communication skills and business sense. Learn how to forge horseshoes, weld, and fabricate. Be able to work a physically demanding job that requires daily standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, and lifting. Have a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle to visit your clients and bring your tools along with you. Live in an area with a large population of horses.
What is the most challenging part of your job? How many clients do you visit each week? What is a typical day like for you?
You might also want to consider programs that pair business courses with the farrier coursework in order to increase your chances of running a successful business when you graduate. Find a list of farrier schools in the U. S. at https://professionalfarriers. com/farrier_schools. php.
Horse anatomy Veterinary care Shoeing horses Making tools Welding
A four-year apprenticeship with an Accredited Training Farrier (ATF) is required to work as a farrier in the United Kingdom. During the apprenticeship, you are required to complete coursework and take exams. [7] X Research source If you choose not to attend a farrier school, you could potentially become a farrier in the United States after completing an apprenticeship with an experienced farrier. [8] X Research source
In the United States, the American Farriers Association offers 3 levels of certification: Certified Farrier (AFA CF), Certified Tradesman Farrier (AFA CTF), and Certified Journeyman Farrier (AFA CJF).
Farriers are typically self-employed and run their own farrier businesses. [11] X Research source
If you need financing to start your business, a business plan is essential.
License your business if necessary. Depending on your state’s laws, you may need to obtain a license for your business as well. [15] X Research source
Health insurance is extremely important for farriers. Don’t opt for the bare minimum insurance options if you can help it. It is likely that you will need to use your insurance at some point, so paying a bit more every month is better than having to pay a lot more out of pocket if you get seriously injured. Disability insurance will provide you with some security in case you are injured and cannot work for a while. Liability insurance provides some protection for you in case one of your customers is injured or if their property (including the horse) is damaged by you or as a result of your work.
You may want to work as an assistant to an experienced farrier until you have enough clients of your own to support a business. Do your best to maintain good relationships with your clients, such as by showing up on time for your appointments and listening to your clients’ needs. Build relationships with local equine veterinarians so you can refer clients to each other.
Stay up to date on new developments within your trade. Subscribe to industry publications. Attend clinics, conferences, horse shows, and other equine events. Take advanced courses and challenge yourself to apply for advanced certifications as well.
