Offered at Langley

Start date: September, January, or April - 9 months, (offered in three-month blocks)

Description

This program 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 BC.

Career Opportunities

Opportunities for qualified farriers (those with advanced training) are good, especially in the interior and northern regions of the province. This is a demanding occupation and a large measure of individual initiative is required to make it a success. The rewards of being one's own boss, 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 jobs to farriers with more experience.

Student Profile

Students come to this nine-month program from all over BC. 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 encounter difficulties with the physical, intellectual or emotional demands of this program should contact the coordinator of the Farrier program to discuss the required skills and competencies.

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.

Admission Requirements

Students entering the program will have met the general Kwantlen admission requirements. They must submit two references verifying experience in handling horses. A Farrier student should be in good health and have average weight for his/her height.

Content

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. Students will require appropriate steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses, and current tetanus immunization.

The program includes the following courses:

Basic Level

FARR 1111 Introd. to Horseshoeing

FARR 1112 Introd. to Equine Anatomy

FARR 1113 Introd. to Horse Husbandry & Handling

FARR 1114 Introd. to Gaits and Forge Work

FARR 1115 Introd. to Horse Lameness

FARR 1116 Introd. to Specialized Horses

Intermediate Level

FARR 1211 Intermediate Horseshoeing

FARR 1212 Intermediate Equine Anatomy

FARR 1213 Intermediate Horse Husbandry and
Handling

FARR 1214 Intermediate Gaits and Forge Work

FARR 1215 Intermediate Studies of Lameness

FARR 1216 Intermediate Specialized Horses

Advanced Level

FARR 1311 Advanced Horseshoeing

FARR 1312 Advanced Equine Anatomy

FARR 1313 Advanced Horse Husbandry and
Handling

FARR 1314 Advanced Gaits and Forge Work

FARR 1315 Advanced Studies of Lameness

FARR 1316 Advanced Studies of Specialized Horses

Costs

Students pay approximately $1200 (2001 prices) for tools which must be purchased by the end of the first week of classes. A list of supplies will be provided.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Certificate in Advanced Farrier Training.