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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Animal Systems pathway.

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Farriers learn their trade by self-study, attending a training program or through an apprenticeship. There are no licensing requirements. However, the American Farrier's Association (AFA) has a voluntary certification program and offers a formal apprenticeship program.

There are several farrier schools in the United States. Courses range in duration from six weeks to one year.

"Stick your toe in and test the water before you make a commitment," suggests Danvers Child of the AFA. "Find a good farrier and travel with them for a month or so. If you still like it, enroll in a respectable training program -- not a two-week course -- and get the basics in hand."

After that, Child suggests apprenticing for at least a year and a half.