A Registered Farrier who has undergone further training in order to employ, train and supervise Apprentice Farriers to gain approval from the National Farriery Training Agency to become an Approved Training Farrier or ATF.
ATFs are responsible for teaching and instructing an apprentice in the theory and practical areas of the farriery profession.
Farriery is a regulated profession under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975.
Approved Training Farriers work as Registered Farriers but also employ, train and supervise the work and professional behaviour of Apprentice Farriers.
The level of supervision is the responsibility of the ATF and can range between:
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Direct Supervision - The apprentice is working in the same area as the ATF and is being observed
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General Supervision – the apprentice is working in the same premises as the AFT, who can be located quickly and easily
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Under Direction - the apprentice is working alone using his/her own initiative but the ATF has discussed the shoeing plan prior to work being undertaken
An ATF will support their apprentices to achieve each stage of the Farriery Apprenticeship:
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Mandatory college assessments
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NVQ Level 3 in Farriery
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Farriery Advanced Apprenticeship requirements including Level 2 Key Skills
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Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers Examination
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The period of training prescribed by the Farriers Registration Council (currently four years and two months)
ATFs work closely with:
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College tutors, assessors and verifiers
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Field Officers
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Horse owners
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Vets
Farriers working hours vary from week to week, depending on the needs of their customers and usually include weekends. They do most of their work during daylight hours; however, they may also provide emergency cover which can be at any time of the day or night.
They travel between different customers' workplaces, such as farms, riding stables, and livery yards, to carry out their work. A driving licence is necessary as is a vehicle suitable for carrying around a mobile workshop of stock and tools.
Farriery is hard, physical work. It involves bending, lifting and walking, and sometimes working outdoors in all weather conditions.
ATFs will often spend additional time with their apprentices in the forge to provide practical training in shoe and tool making.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live:
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Starting salaries for an Apprentice Farrier may be around £6,200 a year
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Qualified Farriers may earn £16,000, or more
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Very experienced Farriers may earn up to £30,000 or more
Farriers usually charge an hourly rate or negotiate a fee for a whole appointment.
- Determine footcare and shoeing plans for the equine
- Obtain contracts to supply land-based products and/or services
- Handle animals
- Demonstrate skills and methods to learners
- Instruct learners
- Give mentoring support
- Give learners individual guidance to help them plan their learning
- Design learning programmes for learners
- Develop learning materials
- Assess performance in the workplace against agreed standards
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Work in a team / with others
- Work on your own
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Instruction / Training Skills
- Decision Making Skills
- Self-motivated
- Ability to communicate with peolpe at different levels (employees to company executives)
- Flexible working
- Mobility
To become an ATF you must:
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Have been qualified as a Registered Farrier for at least 4 years if you hold the Diploma Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF)
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Or 2 years if you took the Associateship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF) after gaining the DipWCF
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Complete the ATF course
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Complete a shoemaking assessment
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Complete the L11 Course
ATF Course
The ATF Course covers the information required to prepare someone for the responsibility of becoming an ATF and includes:
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Legal responsibilities
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Health and Safety
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Business considerations
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Structure and timings of the farriery apprenticeship
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Equipment
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Level of supervision and role of apprentices
Shoemaking assessment
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A practical test to produce 2 shoes within a specified time
L11 Course
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This course is a nationally recognised qualification
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It is formally known as enable learning through teaching and demonstration
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It focuses on methods of training and delivery relevant to farriery
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Prospective ATFs are expected to demonstrate a skill to a learner in the forge
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They are assessed on their ability to instruct and provide feedback
To become an ATF you will need to have been qualified as a Registered Farrier for a minimum of 4 years before applying to the National Farriery Training Agency.
To become an ATF you will need to have been qualified as a Registered Farrier for a minimum of 4 years before applying to the National Farriery Training Agency.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail farriery@lantra.co.uk
Industry Information
You can find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Publications (some may be priced):
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Forge and Farrier
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Forging Exercise Book for Farriery Apprentices - NPTC/City & Guilds
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List of Approved Training Farriers - NFTA
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Guide to Farriery Apprenticeship - NFTA
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The Forge