Pre-Farriery Programme

Course Aim

Farriery is the shoeing of horses and similar animals. A farrier is a skilled craftsperson who is able to make shoes for all types of horses’ feet according to the needs and welfare of the animal. A farrier is not a blacksmith but needs training in forging in order to make or modify the shoes correctly.

Course content

  • First Diploma in Horse Care (Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Horse Care)
  • NPTC Level 2 Certificate in Forgework

Work placement

Students spend five weeks working in an approved equine work placement, in order to improve their horse care skills.

Career opportunities

Successful students can progress to the Modern Apprenticeship in Farriery, ultimately sitting the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and becoming a registered farrier or study for the Extended Diploma in Horse Management.

Graduate's View: Stephen Harte

Stephen Harte

“I thoroughly enjoyed studying this course.  We had a full day of forgework each week.  It was hard work but I really enjoyed learning how to shape the metal.  Alongside the forgework qualification I studied for a Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care and within this I had the opportunity to complete my work placement with a farrier. This gave me the opportunity to improve my forging skills before the forgework exam.  Now that I have completed the course, I hope to get an apprencticeship with a farrier.”

What Next?
Fact File

Course Location:

Enniskillen Campus

Course Duration:

One year, most of which is spent at Enniskillen Campus, with a minimum of five weeks being spent on an approved work placement.

Entry requirements:

Normally two Grade Cs or three Grade Ds at GCSE or equivalent including English and Mathematics.

Normally a minimum of 40 hours equine industrial experience is also required.

Course Manager:

Sharon McLaren

Contact Details:

sharon.mclaren@dardni.gov.uk

enquiries@cafre.ac.uk

Telephone:

028 6634 4842

Text Phone:

028 9052 4420

Progression:

Successful students can progress to the Modern Apprenticeship in Farriery, ultimately sitting the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and becoming a registered farrier or study for the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management.

Heating the irons