Farrier
Farrier
A farrier specializes in the hoof care of equine, such as horses, ponies, mules and donkeys. Typically, farriers clean, trim and shoe horses’ hooves.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?:
- Trim horse hooves using utensils such as rasps and nippers
- Clean hooves and remove excess hoof walls and dead sole
- Observe hooves for signs of disease or poor health as well as lameness problems
- Intervene before a potential problem occurs with a horse’s hooves by alerting veterinary personnel
- Perform basic therapy on horses’ lower limbs
- Fabricate or purchase horseshoes to fit horses as requested by owner and/or tailored to the horse’s duties (riding, racing, working, etc.)
- Remove old shoes and replace with new ones, either via hot or cold shoeing
- Adapt and adjust through blacksmithing to ensure the right fit, if shoes are fabricated
- Purchase and utilize tools and supplies necessary for farrier duties, which typically include an anvil, anvil stand, nippers, forge stand, pullers, hammers, blades, tongs, rasps, gloves, knife sharpener, apron, hoof care accessories (nails, staples, pins), and premade horseshoes
- Maintain a calm and caring demeanor to effectively work with and comfort horses
- Perform grooming activities as requested or desired
- Handle billing and record keeping for clients, if self-employed
- Remain relevant with the trends of the equine industry
Recommended High School Courses:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, animal science, industrial technology, welding, business and mathematics.
Education/Training Required:
A high school diploma is required to become a farrier. Additional training may be sought by attending farrier training or a collegiate farrier program. Optional farrier certification is available through farrier associations. Knowledge or a degree in equine science or animal science may be helpful, as well.
A career as a farrier often requires different elements, including veterinary knowledge, blacksmithing, and business. Some level of veterinary education would be beneficial to spot disease or problems with hooves. Knowledge of welding or fabrication would be helpful, as well. If running your own farrier practice, business knowledge will come in handy. Most importantly, an apprenticeship or job shadow with an established farrier is recommended to learn this skilled trade.
Future Job Market Outlook:
Typical Employers:
Farriers are often self-employed, working full time or part time and visiting farms and horse breeders to care for equine hooves. Large stables, horse breeders or horse racing companies may also employ farriers.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- American Farrier’s Association
- American Association of Professional Farriers, Inc.
- Guild of Professional Farriers
- American Association of Equine Practitioners
- Equine Science Society
- State and local farrier or equine associations
Average Annual Full-Time Salary:
$42,000
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Salary data is provided by the AgCareers.com Compensation Benchmark Review™.
These salaries should be considered as examples and are provided for educational and exploratory purposes.
The salary information provided should not be used as a benchmark. Actual salaries are influenced by numerous
variables including but not limited to demographics, size and scope of the role, level of experience,
qualifications, and education of the worker.
