Kentucky Horseshoeing School

12 Week Basic Farrier Course:
This course is designed for those who want to trim and shoe their own sound horses. Individuals will receive training in fundamental horseshoeing skills using factory made shoes. This course will be a prerequisite for those who want to shoe horses for the general public. It is not, however, intended to train an individual to enter the field as a full-time, professional farrier.

In this course, individuals will learn to assess and maintain basic equine hoof health through basic trimming and keg shoeing skills. The course teaches students how to use and maintain farrier tools, how to trim a horse in balance, and how to shape and nail ready-made shoes without the use of a forge. Some basic forging techniques will be covered, such as hot seating, forging toe clips and punching nail holes in factory shoes.

Basic forging instruction may also be included if the student has completed the necessary prerequisites. The course covers proper horse handling as well as intermediate anatomy and physiology, equine biomechanics and basic shoe modifications. Students in this course are responsible for assigned readings and homework. Students are allowed four days for absences during the Twelve Week Course.

24 Week Intermediate Farrier Course:
The twenty four week course is our minimum recommended training for entry-level farriers. It will introduce you to the study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, equine movement, and will provide you with an understanding of conformation and its effect on the developmental phases of young stock and the adult working athlete. Through this study, you will learn to trim and shoe horses to achieve and maintain limb and foot balance. You will go beyond basic shoeing of sound horses with ready-made shoes to gain a working knowledge of shoe building, including remedial and therapeutic shoes. In addition to learning how to use your tools, you will learn to make a variety of farrier tools, particularly forging tools, coordinating the skills gained both in forging and welding.

Students will learn how to recognize and evaluate equine lameness and acquire a strong foundation to help you sort fact from fiction in the field of farrier science. You will also learn aspects of the equine and farrier industries that will inform you of regional breed and sport populations which will help you to make decisions regarding the start of your business.

Students in this course are responsible for assigned readings and homework. Students are allowed six days for absences during the Twenty-Four Week Course.

36 Week Career Track Farrier Course:
Research in the field of vocational education has shown, without question, that there is a direct correlation between the amount of time spent training in a formal educational situation and the level of success achieved by the individual trainee. More education = More success. The feedback we have received from former students, horse owners and practicing professional farriers, supports that notion. Therefore, we have developed what we feel is the premier farrier training course available in America. This course includes classroom theory, hands-on practical training, and a structured apprenticeship program which, combined, give the student the maximum chance for success as an entry-level farrier.

The Professional Farrier Course is a performance based curriculum designed for those students with high expectations. This course builds on our basic training course with intensive study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, lameness assessment, general horseshoeing, blacksmithing, communication and business practices. In addition, this professional training course includes dedicated sections in welding, tool making, and therapeutic shoes.

This course is divided into 2 modules. Module 1 covers classroom instruction plus lab and workshop instruction.
Module 2 is a structured, paid, apprenticeship coordinated with an American Farriers Association Certified Journeyman Farrier. Graduation takes place upon the student’s return to campus, once the student has completed written, oral and practical examinations.

During this course you will also learn how to interpret radiographs and to communicate with owners and veterinarians in a professional manner while formulating your treatment strategies. In this process you will learn communication and business skills that are critical to your business success. Students planning to enter the KHS Farrier Apprenticeship Program are required to complete the Thirty-Six Week Career Track Course. Because each student placed in an Apprenticeship carries the recommendation and reputation of KHS with him or her, it is our mission to ensure that the student receives the most comprehensive and extensive training possible. This course is designed specifically to prepare the student for that purpose. As in all of our courses, students are responsible for assigned readings and homework. Students are allowed ten days for absences during the 36 Week Course.

Although not recommended, individual students may choose to opt-out of the Apprenticeship component of this long course. In that event, that student will take their exams upon completion of the 36 week residential training module.

Modeled after 20 years of educational experience together with observation of and cooperation with the world’s finest
farrier training programs, KHS firmly believes that this Career Track program is unmatched in the industry today.

Students can be assured that upon completion of our Career-Track Course, they will be prepared to develop a new business competitive at the highest levels within our industry.