How to Become A Farrier / Horse Shoer

Becoming a farrier / horse shoer is a great job for those who want to work with horses and have a profitable business. It is physically challenging and requires a lot of bending over and working with horses that may not be entirely used to having their legs handled. Most farriers end up having back problems after several years of shoeing horses.

Things You'll Need

• Desire to become a horse shoer
• Physical ability

Instructions

1. There are many reputable horsehoeing schools and most of these offer financial aid. Make sure the school you select uses live horses only (not legs from the slaughter house) The school you select should also recommend and teach towards American Farrier Association certification. The courses are anywhere from 4 - 10 weeks long and cost from $4,000. - $5,500. (including room and board)

2. Research the school you are interested in and see what is included in the cost. Some schools the tuition includes all the tools you will need to start your horse shoeing business.

3. A good school will teach anatomy of the horses leg, corrective shoeing, forge work, and correctly trimming the hoof in preparation for shoeing as well as the other topics you will need to be a successful farrier.

4. Some horseshoers are highly specialized and only work with certain types of horses such as race horses or gaited horses. Other farriers specialize in corrective shoeing and work closely with veterinarians. Good horse shoers can make $500. - $1,000. a day

5. Nearly anyone can finish the course. The learning part is easy. The challenging part is the physical demands that horseshoeing requires. It does not pay only shoeing a couple of horses since your back will stop aching about the time it takes to shoe the horses again. If you choose to go to horseshoeing school, it should be a career choice. Do your homework and choose the best school for the money. Study about horses especially anatomy and physiology. Learn as much as you can about how horses travel and how to improve the way they travel.

6. As a small business, you may be eligible for low cost loans or even grants to start the business.

Tips & Warnings

• Must like horses and not mind hard physical work

• Select a school with the best reputation of turning out quality horseshoers. Do not skimp on your education.

• Horseshoing is very hard on the back

• You risk being injured

Resources

• Minnesota School of Horseshoeing
• Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School
• American Farrier's Association