The Southeastern U.S. has a number of schools that specialize in horseshoeing. These schools cater to future professional farriers as well as horse owners who just want to learn enough to properly trim and shoe their own horses. Many schools offer some level of certification, as well as flexibility in scheduling so more people can access their programs.
Florida
Carolina School of Horseshoeing, LLC offers two types of classes: a two-week basic course on trimming, and a four-week course in horseshoeing. The school teaches classes in Florence, SC, as well as Ocala FL, and is geared towards anyone wishing to learn the basics of farrier work. Students range from horse owners who want to trim their own horses to those looking to take up farrier work as a career. The classes are hands on, and cover anatomy, shoemaking, forge work, corrective trimming and shoeing, and lameness issues. A certificate is issued after completion of the four-week course.
For more information on fees and schedules, see www.carolinaschoolofhorseshoeing.com
Farrier U, by Emmet Stevens Horseshoeing, has two intensive hands-on courses:
The two-week course introduces horse owners and potential farriers to the basics of trimming and hoof care. Topics include anatomy, hoof balance and basic shoeing knowledge.
The four-week course is designed for those interested in pursuing a career as a farrier. There’s a maximum of three students per course to accelerate learning and provide as much hands-on experience as possible. This course covers tool basics and forge work, flat and corrective shoeing, anatomy, lameness issues and business education. Students will receive a certificate upon successful completion. Part-time courses are also available.
To find out more, visit www.emmetstevenshorseshoeing.com
The Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry offers several types of course designed for people interested in natural holistic hoof care:
The three-day course features lectures on functional anatomy and hoof dynamics, as well as common hoof disorders. It’s geared towards horse owners and caregivers looking to create hoof care protocols for their charges. Classes take place in a variety of locations.
Five-day practical courses provide an in-depth study of the hoof, beginning with classroom lectures on applied equine podiatry and finishing with basic trimming.
The Institute also has a Diploma program, which combines the online study of biomechanics and lameness/gait analysis with practical training in alternative trimming and shoeing methods. Online classes are also an option.
See www.appliedequinepodiatry.org for information on class schedules, locations and fees.
Alabama
Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing provides a combination of classroom lecture, forge work and field training in eight-week sessions. The course is designed for potential farriers, but two-week sessions are available for horse owners looking to learn how to trim and flat shoe their own animals. Courses cover anatomy and conformation, gait analysis, corrective and pathological shoeing, business education and horse handling. Graduates will receive a diploma on completion.
For more details, check out the website: www.horseshoeingschool.com
Georgia
Casey and Son Horseshoeing School has 10-, 30-, or 60-day courses with flexible attendance options. The 10-day course provides an introduction to basic shoeing, while the 30-day session adds instruction on corrective shoeing, lameness, horse handling and business education. The 60-day course is built for those interested in becoming professional farriers and provides more advanced training in corrective shoemaking and shoeing techniques. A further course in specialty shoeing is also available for graduates of the 60-day course. After completing this course, farriers can apply for Journeyman level Farrier Certification. All classes combine hands-on practice with in-class instruction.
Their website contains details on schedules, curriculum, and fees: www.caseyhorseshoeing.com
South Carolina
South Carolina School of Horseshoeing provides two- and six-week courses that combine lecture, lab demonstrations, field tours and hands-on practice. All students learn the fundamentals of anatomy and biomechanics, as well as shoeing basics. The longer course gives additional instruction on forge work, shoe shaping and corrective shoeing. Class capacity is limited to five students and certificates of completion are awarded.
See scschoolofhorseshoeing.weebly.com for further information.
Contact the schools’ program directors for a more detailed overview of what they offer. When deciding on a school, talk to instructors and graduates whenever possible to make sure the school will be the perfect place for you to start your new career as a farrier.
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