Course Outline

Initially MFS will be offering an 8 week course with a low student to teacher ratio. The course will consist of a balance of both theory and practical applications. At the conclusion of the course the student will be evaluated on their knowledge as well as their ability to shoe a live horse.

The emphasis of the school will be farrier science and will give in depth information on the following topics (and more):

- Horse Handling
- Anatomy of the hoof
- Trimming & Shoe Selection
- Shoeing Evaluation
- Breed/Type Shoeing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Safety
- Public Relations

The farrier must be willing and able to work hard under trying conditions. He or she should be well conditioned with good eyesight, hand-eye coordination and a good sense of balance and angle related to the conformation the animal.
Some skills will develop with education and practice but, a basic “feel” for animals is essential.

According to the American Farrier's Association (the most recognised farrier certifying organization in North America) there is an excess of 10,000,000 horses in the US alone. These horses should be shod or trimmed every 6-8 weeks, year round, so there is a sizeable demand.

The successful farrier should be able to choose where he would like to work, what specialized kind of work he would like to do, if any, and how much time he wants to practice his art. This should not imply that a career as a farrier is an easy, get-rich-quick profession.

The heavy physical labour, constant danger and demand for a high level of physical skill, coupled with an ability to think, reason and recall information makes the profession most demanding on an individual.