Farrier

As a farrier you'll:

• talk to the horse owner about what work is required
•  check the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems
•  cut away 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

• 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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

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

With experience you may be able to take higher level qualifications, for example a Diploma in Higher Education or a degree 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.