Farrier
Make horseshoes and attach them to horses' hooves. Care for the animals' feet and identify any health problems.
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£540
Average
Monthly
£2,340
Average
Yearly
£28,080
Average
1,200
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would make horseshoes and attach them to horses’ hooves. You’d care for animals’ feet and identify any health problems with their legs and feet.
You’d work mainly with horses but also with donkeys and mules. You’d need to have an interest in horses and understand their behaviour.
You would:
Discuss and agree the horse’s shoeing requirements with the owner
Check the horse's leg, foot and hooves
Cut away any excess growth on the hooves and make sure that the horse is properly balanced
Choose the most suitable type of shoe for the horse's size, foot condition, type of activity and working conditions
Make horseshoes by hand or machine
Adjust the shape of the shoes, using a hammer and anvil
Fit the horseshoes
You may also work with veterinary surgeons and equine hospitals to provide corrective shoeing and surgical farriery.
As a farrier, you would use some of the same skills as a blacksmith, though blacksmiths can only fit shoes to horses if they are registered as farriers.
Most farriers are self-employed, so you would need to organise your own bookings and order your own stock and tools. You would also need to keep accounts and promote your business.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- social conscience
- building relationships
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- taking initiative
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-
Design and Manufacture
-
Practical Metalwork
-
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
You need an advanced apprenticeship with an Approved Training Farrier (ATF). You need at least five National 5 qualifications (SCQF level 5).
Qualifications and experience that show work with horses, animals and the rural environment, such as:
Skills for Work Rural Skills (SCQF level 4)
National Progression Award in Horse Care (SCQF level 4/6)
National Certificate in Horse Care (SCQF level 5)
A farrier must be registered with the Farriers' Registration Council (by law). In order to register you must first complete an advanced apprenticeship with an Approved Training Farrier.
A driving licence is usually required.
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