How much money do farriers make a year

A farrier is equipped with knowledge and the specialized training necessary to clean and trim horses' hooves in preparation for shoes, and to properly fit the horseshoes to the hooves.

A skilled farrier understands how to fit shoes to all types of horses, including temperamental horses, working horses, and horses that require special shoes to correct foot or gait problems. While a farrier's job doesn't require a great deal of physical strength, the work is physically challenging and repetitive.

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Farriers must possess the specialized training and skill to ensure that a horse stands and walks comfortably; thus, knowledge of equine physiology and anatomy is critical. Farriers often work alongside veterinarians when horses have injuries or unusual physical problems. Some horses are difficult and don't enjoy having a farrier work on their feet, but an experienced farrier learns how to work with horses in a calming, non-confrontational manner.

A farrier's earnings vary dramatically depending on expertise, experience and geographical region.

Some farriers may shoe a large number of horses in one location, completing several horseshoeing jobs in a day. A large job may require a farrier to spend more than one day onsite.

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Other farriers may work in rural areas, shoeing only one or two horses at a time with considerable travel involved. Supply and demand affects a farrier's salary, as the only farrier in a large geographical area can charge more than farriers with a lot of competition. Most farriers are self-employed and as such, as responsible for equipment and other costs, bookkeeping, advertising and appointment scheduling. Most farriers attend a farrier school -- either a private school or a training program in conjunction with a university or community college -- which generally requires a minimum or six weeks or as long as six months.

Farrier school teaches basic anatomy and physiology, horse handling, and working with a blacksmith's forge. After completing training, farriers typically gain practical experience by working with an experienced farrier for about a year.

Some farriers continue with advanced education, which provides the knowledge to perform more complicated jobs that draw higher pay. The American Farrier's Association provides several progressive levels of certification, including AFA Farrier, Certified Farrier, Tradesman Farrier and Journeyman Farrier.

The Association also offers two advanced, specialty endorsements available to Journeyman Farriers -- Therapeutic and Educator. Educational programs and training materials needed to prepare for certification are available. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer.

She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.

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Dyer Training and credentials increase a farrier's earning potential. Requirements While a farrier's job doesn't require a great deal of physical strength, the work is physically challenging and repetitive.

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Salary A farrier's earnings vary dramatically depending on expertise, experience and geographical region. Considerations Some farriers may shoe a large number of horses in one location, completing several horseshoeing jobs in a day. Training Most farriers attend a farrier school -- either a private school or a training program in conjunction with a university or community college -- which generally requires a minimum or six weeks or as long as six months.

References 6 Occupational Outlook Quarterly: Farrier American Farrier's Association: Five Tenets Arkansas Horseshoeing School: Why Become a Farrier? Career Opportunities are Great in Horseshoeing American Farrier's Association: Education Committee American Farrier's Association: About the Author M. Suggest an Article Correction.

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