How to Become a Farrier with Online Study

Are you passionate about horses and interested in working with your hands to provide specialised care? A career as a farrier might be your calling. Farriers play an essential role in the equine industry, maintaining and protecting horses' hooves for comfort and better performance. Although a lot of the work is hands-on, starting with an online horse care & equine psychology course can give you foundational knowledge in horse anatomy and behaviour to truly succeed as a farrier.

What Does a Farrier Do?

A farrier specialises in caring for horses' hooves, balancing their anatomy, and fitting them with appropriate horseshoes. They assess each horse's unique needs, clean and trim hooves, and shape or fit shoes to provide comfort and support.

Day in the Life of an Farrier

Examining and assessing the hooves to identify any abnormalities
Cleaning, trimming, and shaping hooves to improve their condition and balance
Selecting, shaping, and fitting horseshoes based on the horse's activity level and hoof structure
Consulting with owners, trainers, or veterinarians to address specific concerns
Maintaining equipment and tools used for hoof care

Farrier Skills

To thrive as a farrier, you'll need more than just an interest in horses – the role demands a well-rounded set of soft skills and hard skills.

Farrier Soft Skills

Communication and empathy
Patience and physical stamina
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Time management and business skills

Farrier Hard Skills

To be the best farrier you can be, understanding horse anatomy & animal behaviour is non-negotiable. That’s where a reputable equine course comes into play. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Hoof Anatomy and Balance: Learn the intricate anatomy of hooves, how balance affects movement, and techniques for improving hoof health.
Trimming and Shoeing: Master the art of trimming and shoeing, including how to select appropriate shoes for various disciplines and shape them to fit.
Tool Handling and Maintenance: Understand how to use and maintain farrier tools safely, such as nippers, rasps, and hoof knives, to perform high-quality work.
Equine Behaviour Management: Develop techniques to keep horses calm during the farriery process to ensure safety and successful trimming.
Business Skills: Learn essential business skills for managing client relationships, scheduling appointments, and handling finances effectively.

How Much Can You Earn as a Farrier?

According to Labour Market Insights, farriers in Australia typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on their experience and specialisation. Skilled farriers who work with elite or competition horses can earn even more.

Specialised courses, like equine psychology, for example, not only enhance your skills but also add credibility to your practice, making it possible to ask for higher fees for your services.

Farrier Employment Outlook (2024)

Farriers are always in demand as every horse needs regular hoof care. There are plenty of opportunities for work in stables, racing, and private practice, with solid prospects for skilled farriers to thrive in the industry.

How to Become a Farrier in Australia

Getting started as a farrier requires the right mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Here's how you can learn to become a farrier in Australia:

Online Courses: An online horse care course with Online Courses Australia provides the basics of horse anatomy, hoof care, and behaviour management. You'll study how to balance hooves, identify common issues, and select the right shoe styles based on horse activity and hoof condition. These flexible modules let you learn at your own pace, giving you the essential foundation before diving into practical training.
Micro-Credentials: Specialised micro-credentials, like equine psychology, can give you a leg up in the industry and help you stand out in the crowd.
Volunteering: Seek out opportunities to volunteer with experienced farriers or at stables to gain practical experience. Observing how experts handle different horses, select shoes, and use tools can be invaluable in developing your skills.

Start Your Horse Care & Equine Psychology Course Today

Equip yourself with the foundational knowledge for a successful farrier career with an online horse care course. Learn about hoof anatomy, care, and practical techniques through Online Courses Australia.

A Curriculum Tailored to Help You Thrive

Our comprehensive courses cover everything from hoof balance to trimming methods, ensuring you're prepared to excel in hands-on farrier training.

Learn at Your Own Speed

With flexible scheduling, study part-time or full-time to match your lifestyle. Start building your path to becoming a farrier today with Online Courses Australia.

Horse Care & Equine Psychology Course Info Pack Download