Advanced Farrier Training: Certificate

Description

This nine-month program is offered in three blocks of three months each and prepares students to work competently as qualified farriers. Students may complete one or two training blocks, leave the program to gain work experience, and return to finish the remainder of the program. The program aims to meet the continuing demand for qualified farriers in British Columbia.

Student Profile

Students come from all over British Columbia and from other parts of North America. They have had experience working with horses and have decided to become self-employed farriers. They are of all ages; some are recent high school graduates, while others plan to make this trade a second career. Both women and men have succeeded in the program and in this trade.

Physical fitness, strong knees and a healthy back are essential for a successful career in this trade. Students who may have concerns with the physical, intellectual or emotional demands of this program should contact the Program Coordinator at 604.598.6177 to discuss required skills and competencies and a Disability Advisor at 604.599.3233 to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

The program accommodates a wide range of students, from those just entering the trade to those with several years of experience who wish to upgrade their skills and knowledge. With the permission of the instructor, experienced farriers may also enter the program for short periods to hone and extend their skills and knowledge.

Career Opportunities

This is a demanding occupation and a large measure of individual initiative is required to make it a success. The rewards of being self-employed, meeting people and doing a meaningful and satisfying job are significant. Financial remuneration is comparable to many other trades.

Students who complete the Basic Level of the program will be able to assist a qualified farrier in minor tasks. Those who complete the Intermediate Level will be able to undertake most tasks of the trade under the close supervision of a qualified farrier. Those who complete the Advanced Level will be able to perform most jobs with minimal supervision. Students who complete all three levels of the program may be able to operate independently and become self-employed. However, until graduates have had several years experience in the trade, they will probably need to refer complicated tasks to farriers with more experience.

Admission Requirements

The following program admission requirements apply:

BC English 12 with a minimum grade of 'C' (or equivalent) or Completion of KPU's Trades reading test with a minimum score of 80%
Students must submit two references verifying experience in handling horses

Curricular Requirements

This nine-month program is offered in three blocks of three months each. The course work for each block is divided into three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students may enter the program at any level in September, January or April. Thus each class will contain students at each of the three levels. The program includes the following courses:

Basic Level
	FARR 1121	Introduction to Farriery	2 credits
	FARR 1122	Introduction to Equine Anatomy	2 credits
	FARR 1123	Introduction to Equine Management for Farriers	2 credits
	FARR 1124	Introduction to Forge Work	2 credits
	FARR 1125	Introduction to Horse Hoof Trimming	2 credits
	FARR 1126	Introduction to Forging Horseshoes	2 credit
Intermediate Level
	FARR 1221	Intermediate Farriery	2 credits
	FARR 1222	Physiology of the Equine Leg and Hoof	2 credits
	FARR 1223	Equine Hoof Trimming	2 credits
	FARR 1224	Intermediate Horseshoe Forging	3 credits
	FARR 1225	Intermediate Horseshoeing	3 credits
Advanced Level
	FARR 1321	Advanced Farriery	2 credits
	FARR 1322	Equine Disease and Lameness	2 credits
	FARR 1323	Farrier Podiatry	3 credits
	FARR 1324	Advanced Horseshoeing	5 credits