Twenty-Four-Week Intermediate Farrier Course
The twenty-four week course is our minimum recommended training for those looking to further their education with an apprenticeship. It will expand your understanding of the study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, equine movement. It will provide you with a larger understanding of conformation and its effect on the developmental phases of young stock and the adult working athlete. Through this study, you will learn to trim and flat-shoe horses to achieve and maintain limb and foot balance.
24-Week Intermediate Farrier Course
The 24-Week Intermediate Farrier Course is designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to begin a professional career in farriery. This program represents the minimum level of formal training recommended for individuals intending to pursue employment or apprenticeship opportunities within the industry.
The course focuses on the development of essential farrier skills and provides students with a strong working foundation in hoof care, trimming, balancing, and the shoeing of sound horses. Students learn the principles of equine limb anatomy, hoof structure and function, biomechanics, gait analysis, and equine conformation as they relate to maintaining soundness and proper movement.
Instruction includes the safe and proper use of farrier tools, hoof trimming techniques, balancing methods, and the shaping and application of manufactured and handmade shoes using the forge. Students are introduced to the principles of metallurgy, basic shoe fabrication, and elementary shoe modifications commonly used in everyday farrier practice.
Academic coursework emphasizes distal limb anatomy, biomechanics, hoof balance, and the relationship between conformation and movement. Students also receive introductory instruction in common causes of foot-related lameness and the selection and application of shoes appropriate for maintaining soundness in healthy horses.
The practical portion of the course is heavily focused on developing efficiency, consistency, and competency in trimming and shoeing horses to an acceptable professional standard. Through demonstrations, guided instruction, and repetitive hands-on application, students work toward mastering the foundational skills expected of entry-level farriers.
While the 24-week course provides substantial practical and theoretical training, its primary objective is to establish a solid foundation in fundamental farrier practices rather than advanced or specialty applications. Students seeking more comprehensive training in therapeutic shoeing, advanced fabrication, performance horse applications, and business development are encouraged to continue into the 36-Week Career Track Farrier Course.
Students enrolled in this course are responsible for completing assigned readings and homework. Each student is required to provide a laptop computer or comparable device, as portions of the coursework and assignments require computer use.
Please note: Students enrolled in the 24-Week Intermediate Farrier Course are not eligible for Career Services.
Prerequisite: High School Diploma or equivalent
Intermediate Farrier Course Outline
| Training Area | Engagement Hours |
| Lecture/Class | 24 |
| Cadaver Leg Trimming | 28 |
| Live Horse Trimming | 380 |
| Demonstrations | 24 |
| Shop Forging | 280 |
| Shoeing Feet and Horses | 188 |
| Review | 12 |
| Examination | 24 |
| Total Clock Hours | 960 |