Farriery is a skilled profession and Registered Farriers are capable of shoeing all types of equine feet and making shoes to suit all types of work and working conditions. The majority of Farriers are self-employed so business skills and customer care are important. Farriery is a regulated profession under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975
To prepare a horse's foot and fit a shoe, Farriers:
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check the horse's leg, foot and hoof
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discuss and agree the horse’s shoeing requirements with the owner
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cut away excess hoof growth and make sure the horse is balanced correctly
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choose the most appropriate shoe for the horse relating to its size, foot condition, activity, work and working conditions
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fit the shoe and complete any finishing off work
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adjust the shape of the shoe if necessary using the relevant tools
Horseshoes are made either by hand or machine and can be fitted hot or cold. Their shape can be adjusted by the Farrier, using a hammer and anvil. Farriers need practical skills to shoe both normal and defective feet and make shoes suitable for all types of work and working conditions.
They work closely with horse owners and vets. They sometimes have to discuss foot treatments with them and devise corrective measures to compensate for any faulty limb actions.
There are around 2,500 registered Farriers in the UK. Most are self-employed, working for a variety of clients and there is an ongoing demand for work.
Clients include farmers, racehorse owners, private horse owners, the owners and managers of riding schools and stables, animal attractions and the military police. There may also be the opportunity to train as a Farrier within the Army through the Army's own specific training route.
Qualified Farriers are registered with the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) which can provide a list of all registered Farriers.
As most are self-employed, time is spent organising appointments with customers and finding new customers when necessary. They order stocks and tools used for the job and carry out general book-keeping and administrative work.
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.
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.
- Assess the condition and farriery requirements of the equine
- Determine footcare and shoeing plans for the equine
- Produce basic shoes
- Produce and maintain tools
- Handle animals
- Fit shoes
- Trim feet
- Restrain horses using specified methods
- Sell and market your sales and marketing help the business
- Maintain and operate mobile gas and coke fired forges
- Business and Selling Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Work on your own
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Financial Management Skills
- Self-motivated
- Flexible working
- Mobility
To become a Farrier a four-year and 2 month Advanced Apprenticeship with an FRC Approved Training Farrier (ATF) must be completed.
Advanced Farriery Apprenticeship
Before starting an Apprenticeship all candidates are required to undergo, at their own expense a medical examination which must be recorded on the form provided by the NFTA. The approximate cost of such a medical is £75. The medical is intended to ensure that you are physically fit to undertake the training and must include an eyesight test including a test for colour blindness, though colour blindness will not exclude you from an Apprenticeship.
Candidates need to write to Approved Training Farriers to find one who is willing to propose the candidate to the Farrier Training Agency and offer paid employment for the Apprenticeship period. There are around three hundred ATFs on the FTA list. It may be necessary to move to another area to find employment with an ATF.
The Farriery Apprenticeship Scheme takes four years two months to complete, while the trainee Farrier is in paid work with an Approved Training Farrier. It starts with a two-month probationary period, when the ATF assesses the candidate's ability to cope with the work.
As well as planned periods of work with the ATF, training includes periods of block release college-based study to learn the practical skills and techniques required to become a registered farrier. The training takes place at NFTA-approved colleges in England. These are:
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Herefordshire College of Technology
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Myerscough College in Preston
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Warwickshire College
The training also leads to a Level 3 NVQ in Farriery and the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. On successful completion, newly-qualified farriers can register with the Farriers Registration Council.
Further information on the Farriery Apprenticeship can be found on the Apprenticeship website
Other training
The FRC and FTA provide opportunities and advice for Farriers to continue to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
It is important to:
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have a genuine interest in horses, their care, behaviour and welfare
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enjoy working for different types of customers in a variety of different locations.
To become a Registered Farrier a four-year and 2 month Advanced Apprenticeship with an FRC Approved Training Farrier (ATF) must be completed.
Candidates must:
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be at least 16 years old
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have four GCSEs grades (A-C), including English language and maths
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hold a Forging Certificate
Candidates cannot apply directly for an Advanced Apprenticeship in Farriery, but mustbe proposed by an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) who has agreed to employ them for the period of the apprenticeship.
There are 15 forging exercises to do for the Forging Certificate. The National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) provides information on this, including a forging exercise booklet for Farriery apprentices. Candidates should contact the National Farriery Training Agency (NFTA) for full information, including the FRC Approved Training Farrier list.
Work experience or voluntary work at riding schools, stables or on a farm, is valuable, as is horse ownership and riding skills.
Candidates may wish to gain the Forging Certificate through studying for a Farriery Access Course, information on the colleges running these courses is available from NPTC.
The success of self-employed Farriers depends on them getting enough customers for full-time work. It is also important to build a reputation based on customer satisfaction and recommendation to other horse owners.
Permanent employment may be available in larger riding schools, stables, and horse breeders. There may be promotion opportunities to senior Farrier or to a management position. Overseas work may sometimes be available, especially within the horse breeding and racing field.
One option for career progression is to become an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and be able to employ and train apprentice Farriers.
To become an ATF you will need to have been qualified for a minimum of 2 years and undertake the ATF course through the National Farriery Training Agency.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers in the Farriery industries 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 http://www.forgeandfarrier.co.uk/index.htm
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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