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Farrier

Do you want to become a Farrier? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Farriery is a skilled job, requiring sound knowledge of the theory and practice of shoeing horses. Farriers check a horse's leg, foot and hoof and undertake any remedial work necessary before fitting the most appropriate shoe for its size, foot condition and type of activity or work.

Most of a farrier's work is in daylight hours, including weekends, but actual hours vary according to the needs of their customers. Farriers go to their customers' premises to work, travelling between the different locations and carrying a mobile workshop of tools and stock with them. The work is hard and physical, often outdoors in all weathers.

Salaries range from around £8,500 a year for apprentice farriers, to as much as £50,000 or more for very experienced farriers, respected within their trade. Most farriers are self-employed.

A farrier should:

• have practical experience of, and enjoy working with, horses
• have physical strength, stamina, good manual skills and co-ordination
• be able to work alone, organise appointments and carry out administrative tasks
• have a full driving licence and an appropriate vehicle for a mobile workshop.

It is important for a farrier to:

• want to work with horses
• enjoy outdoor life, working alone and travelling between workplaces.

Farriers can only enter the trade through an Apprenticeship in Farriery and must be registered with The Farriers Registration Council. There are around 2,500 registered farriers in the UK, working for horse owners including farmers, riding schools and stables, mounted police and private owners. The Farriery Training Service (FTS) provides full information on the apprenticeship scheme. There is no upper age limit to become a farrier.

The apprenticeship scheme lasts four years and two months, whilst in employment with an Approved Training Farrier. It covers the practical skills and techniques needed to become a registered farrier. The scheme includes 23 weeks of off-the-job training at one of the four FTS-approved colleges in England and Scotland.

As most farriers are self-employed, success depends on providing a good service to existing customers and encouraging new customers amongst horse owners in the area. Permanent employment is sometimes available with large stables, horse breeders, and mounted police and army regiments.

 

 

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