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Farrier

Alternative titles for this job include

Farriers look after horses' hooves. They make and fit horseshoes for all types of equine breeds from working animals to racing thoroughbreds.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 variable

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an approved apprenticeship
  • training with the army

College

There are a small number of colleges offering a farriery access course. This prepares you for application to become an apprentice farrier.

This course lasts 1 year.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Farriery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an approved training farrier.

This takes around 4 years to complete and includes training on the job and periods of study at a college approved by the Farriers Registration Council.

You will need to find an approved training farrier who is willing to take you on as an apprentice.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Other Routes

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

After 2 years as a mounted ceremonial trooper, you would be eligible to apply for a place with The Forge, the regiment's team of farriers.

More Information

Registration

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a farrier, you could:

  • talk to the horse owner about what work is required
  • check the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems
  • trim excess hoof growth and make sure the horse is properly balanced
  • choose suitable shoes for the horse's size, foot condition and type of activity
  • make horseshoes by hand or on a machine
  • shape shoes, using a hammer and anvil
  • fit horseshoes
  • make final checks to finish
  • keep a record of job details and equine foot care plans

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, at a riding stable or on a farm.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you may choose to take a higher education qualification in farriery.

You may be able to work with larger stables, horse breeders or mounted regiments in the police or army.

You could also 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a farrier right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Farriery (Introduction to) City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate

  • Provider: HEREFORDSHIRE, LUDLOW, AND NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Hereford
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