Farrier schools are a highly recommended way of learning horseshoeing techniques and starting a career as a farrier. If you are wondering how to become a farrier, you can check out our guide!
While you are not required to attend a farrier school to actually be a farrier, it will greatly increase your opportunities and potential income.
The small amount of time and financial investment you make into a farrier school is well worth it. Farrier salaries in some areas can be very high, and the more you improve your skills and education – the more you can earn.
Below are some of the top farrier schools we could find based on reviews and sentiment around the web. These schools have been around for a long time and many offer a variety of programs to meet all kinds of personal needs.
Farrier Schools With IAPF Memberships
The below schools are actually members of the International Association of Professional Farriers. Because of this association, we would consider these to be the best farrier schools in the USA.
Having educators that are part of the association signifies their dedication to their craft which ultimately means a stronger educational opportunity for you.
Arkansas Horseshoeing School
Dardanelle, AR 72834
One of the most well-known horseshoeing schools, Arkansas Horseshoeing School has a great reputation in the industry. They have traditional courses ranging from 8-24 weeks with prices that range from $6,900-$15,900. They also have an advanced course for those that have already completed a prior course.
They offer help with finding apprenticeships after the program is completed.
Website
Butler Professional Farrier School
Crawford, NE 69339
Butler Farrier School offers a 6-week program for $4,950 and a 12-week program for $8,900. They also offer a 1 week customized program for existing farriers who are looking to improve certain areas. They do offer on-campus housing as well for an additional fee.
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Cornell University Veterinary Medicine
Ithaca, NY 14853
Cornell offers 2 farrier course options, general and advanced. The General farrier course is a 16-week program that is offered 3 times a year and costs $8,000. The Advanced farrier course is for those that are already working as a farrier and would like to improve techniques or pursue AFA certification. This course is 1 week and costs $500.
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E.L.P.O. Farrier School
Penrose, CO 81240
The Equine Lameness Prevention Organization (ELPO) offers an 8-week farrier course that costs $8,000. They also offer housing for an additional $1,000 and the opportunity to purchase a farrier tool package.
Website
Five Star Horseshoeing School
Minco, OK 73059
Five Star Horseshoeing School offers 4 programs ranging from 6-24 weeks and ranging in fees from $9,750 – $18,750. Fees include tuition, books, supplies, and hand tools.
Website
Minnesota School of Horseshoeing
Ramsey, MN 55303
Two programs are offered at the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. The total cost for the 24-week program is $18,250 and for the 12-week program is $8,750. Fees include tuition and tools.
Website
Oklahoma Horseshoeing School
Purcell, OK 73080
At the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School, you have the option of a 2-week horseshoeing school program that is abasic course, an 8-week professional course, and a 12-week advanced horseshoeing & blacksmith course. Fees range from $2,100 to $7,500 for the courses. On-campus housing is provided for free of charge.
Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School
Ardmore, OK 73401
Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School offers a 6-week horseshoeing course for $7,500. The fee covers tuition, books, tools, and supplies. Housing is provided at no cost.
Website
Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
Plymouth, CA 95669
Pacific Horseshoeing School offers an 8-week program that costs $6,500. Housing is available for an additional $70 per week – it will go up to $90 per week for 2023.
Website
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, VA 24061
This 12-month program is for those that are already farriers and are looking for a more advanced program. To apply to the program you must have already completed at least 6 weeks of a farrier course and have a full set of farrier tools. Tuition is $20,000 for the program and off-campus housing is available in the area at an additional cost.
Website
Additional Farrier Schools
The farrier schools below are additional options, but they do not have membership in the IAPF. This does not mean they are not worth it though, so it is OK to consider them. Be sure to do your homework though!
Casey & Son Horseshoeing School
LaFayette, GA 30728
Website
Farrier U
Dade City, FL 33523
Website
Heartland Horseshoeing School
Lamar, MO 64759
Website: www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com
Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH 45764
Website: www.hocking.edu
Iowa State University Equine Farriery Courses
Ames, IA 50011
Website: https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/equine/farrier
Kentucky Horseshoeing School
Richmond, KY 40475
Website: www.kentuckyhorseshoeingschool.com
Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing
Gadsden, AL 35904
Website
Merced Community College
Merced, CA 95348
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Mesalands Community College
Tucumcari, NM 88401
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Mission Farrier School
Snohomish, WA 98290
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Montana State University Farrier School
Bozeman, MT 59717
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Oregon Farrier School
Salem, OR 97305
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Pratt Community College
Pratt, KS 67124
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South Carolina School of Horseshoeing
Aiken, SC 29805
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South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
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Sul Ross State University
Alpine, TX 79821
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Texas Horseshoeing School
Scurry, TX 75158
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Troy Price Horseshoeing School
Uniondale, IN 46791
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Wyoming School of Horseshoeing
Cheyenne, WY 82007
Website
Typical Farrier Science or Horseshoeing Program Courses
What you actually study in each of the schools above will be different. But, there are some general expectations for most of the programs of what you can expect to learn. If you attend an 8-week horseshoeing program you may still cover a lot of courses outlined below, but they may not go as in-depth as a 12 or 24-week program.
Below are some of the most common topics you will learn about in a farrier program.
- Introduction to farrier science
- How to handle a horse
- Equine anatomy
- Hoof trimming
- How to use a forge and anvil
- Basic horseshoeing
- Handmade shoes
- Lameness
- Treating lameness
- Business management
Farrier Scholarships
Below are some farrier school scholarships we were able to find if you need financial help.
