OLDS, Alta. – Student farriers get a galloping start during their year of training in Olds.
The Advanced Farrier Science Certificate program selects 16 students annually to learn how to become farriers.
Fourteen weeks of basic instruction are followed by four months of practical experience under the eye of an accredited practitioner.
“It’s an intense program, but it provides the skills to become a successful farrier that can serve the equine industry,” said Dean Sinclair, head of the program and a Kelowna, B.C., farrier.
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Crafting custom fitted horseshoes from steel bars teaches students skills from equine handling to blacksmithing. Beyond shoeing horses, the trade requires a background in anatomy, equine physiology, horsemanship, welding and basic business skills.
“Often the farrier sees the horses far more frequently than the veterinarian. They are first to notice health problems and feet are a major issue in equine health. A good farrier is more than somebody who shoes your horse,” said Sinclair.
The Olds teaching facility is ranked No. 3 among 60 accredited programs in North America.
“This is great place to learn their craft,” said Sinclair.
Student Sarah McMillan of Dryden, Ont., said the program gives her the skills and the confidence to enter the field.
“They keep us very busy. You practise, practise, practise and you get very good at the skills they teach us,” said the student.
Student Pablo Schravesande of Mexico City said he plans to take home the skills he acquires in Canada.
“A great program, with instructors that really know the business. You come out with a start in your career, I think, second to none,” he said.
Tools and protective clothing cost students about $2,500 while tuition and other fees cost about $4,000.
Sinclair said the college is considering converting the program to a two year course by 2009.
