Job Description

A Farrier is a skilled craftsperson who shoes and looks after horses hooves.  They will use a variety of tools to trim and shape the hooves, they will fit horseshoes to the hoof if required and will generally make sure that the horse is comfortable and that the hooves are in good condition.  They are often self employed and will do work for veterinary surgeries, equine hospitals as well as individuals.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

Apprenticeship

You could get into this work by doing an advanced apprenticeship in farriery.

This will take 48 months to complete and includes periods of college study and training on the job, with an approved training farrier.

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• City and Guilds Forging Certificate

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Other routes

You could join the army as a soldier with the Household Cavalry.

After 2 years as a mounted ceremonial trooper, you'll be eligible to apply for the Forge and join a team of farriers.

More information

You must be registered with Farriers Registration Council.

You'll find more details about training and working as a farrier from the Farriers Registration Council and the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association.

Career Path and Progression

You may be able to move into a permanent role with large stables, horse breeders, or mounted regiments of the police or army.

You could work in equine hospitals, with vets or in the farriery suppliers business.

You could become an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and employ and train apprentice Farriers. 

You could also move into lecturing or provide a consultancy service.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Blacksmith
• Horse groom
• Veterinary nurse
• Veterinary physiotherapist
• Vet

Required Skills

• Physical strength and stamina
• Have patience in handling animals 
• Good practical skills
• Good communication skills
• The ability to keep accurate records

Salary Range

£16,000 to £30,000