Can anyone suggest a Farrier School

[Jenny shoes]

Hello,
I have been working part time with a local farrier for the last few months and really enjoy it, the problem I am having is that as busy as he is he really doesnt have the time to give his full attention to teaching me.
The school he attended is now closed, so he suggested I come here and ask if anyone could reccomend a school. Thanks for any advice you can give.
Jen

[Dances with Hooves]

Depends how you want to shoe.

Best school for traditional long toed shoeing with handmade shoes is by far Chris Gregory's Heartland Horseshoeing school.

Best school for Natural Balance shoeing is Mark Plumlee's Mission Horseshoeing school.

[Jason Maki]

Oh then the best school for dub toed, unshapable machine made shoes is Mission School?
I object your honor, the tone and timbre of the statement was leading and prejudiciary!
George, you should right commercials!
Jason

[Phil Armitage]

Holly cow George, "long toed" what the heck do you mean by that?
Do you even know Chris Gregory?

Back to the subject. A couple of new graduates from the Colorodo School of trades are rideing with me, which I think Chris started is a good school from what I heard. They went for 4 1/2 months and it is very indepth.

Mitch Taylors Kentucky School is good.
Danny Ward's school is a good one.
Cornell in NY is also a good one.

There are many more good schools and you can find them on this site of just do a Google search on Horseshoeing schools.


On the subject of learning, building your skills and experience. Be patient, do not expect to be paid and consider yourself very fortunate if anyone lets you ride with them. I have learned from experience that it is a risk to let someone ride with you. I take that risk, because someone took that risk on me. Just watching another farrier work and asking questions in the truck is a great way to learn. As you learn more and get better at each task most farriers will let you pull shoes and finish maybe do a trim now and then. All the things you need to go on your own can be learned and practiced by rideing with another farrier, shapeing shoes, putting on pads, studs, useing power tools properly, learning not to break drill bits and taps. Working steel hot and cold, catching horses, holding horses, how to run a buisness, schedule your day, what materials to stock, how much to charge and much more.

Bring a note pad and pen take notes, drives me nuts when I have to repeat myself because the student is not listening or takeing notes. This is no different than going to any trade school. Also make yourself usefull even if your not paid, clean up, pickup manure, hoof clippings nails, pad pieces, set up and breakdown the anvil and forge and his/her tools. Be usefull and don't say ****** things in front of there customers.

If your not invited back to ride along, maybe you broke one of the suggestions I offered.

Good luck and hope your dreams come true.

[Gary_Miller]

I like the program they have at Walla Walla Communty College in Walla Walla, Washington. The have several programs depending on what you want. I would recommend the two year program when your done you will have an Associates Degree In Farrier Science and have been under enough horses to take your AFA Journeyman test.

Gary

[J.H. shoeing]

Jen

I believe that Dusty Franklin in Oklahoma is opening a shoeing school. You can look his phone number up in the AFA directory. Dusty is an AFA examiner and I heard him mention opening a school.

When I ask about it, he advised that he was going to start classes this spring. It will be very in depth. You would need to talk with him about the details but he advised that he was going to have two classes a year about 5-6 months long with a maximum of 5 students, if I remember right.

Jeff

[SlowShoe]

have been under enough horses to take your AFA Journeyman test.


You need to be shoeing for 2 years though. ..I think?

[Gary_Miller]

You need to be shoeing for 2 years though. ..I think?
If you take the Associates Degree program you would have been shoeing for two years.

Gary

[SlowShoe]

If you take the Associates Degree program you would have been shoeing for two years.

Gary

I meant for the AFA Journeyman's test.

[Dianne Lemmon]

Jason,

1. Chris Gregory's Heartland Horseshoeing school ( take his 7 month Journeyman's Course for best results), you will be under probably more horses than any other school. I can personaly recomend his teaching methods. He is motivationg and encouraging, and probably one of a handful of Farriers who are not only CJF's (and a FWCF!) but also has a masters degree in Education.

(Note: If you guys think you know it all try taking his first weeks anatomy exam!)

I took his AFA Certification prep course this September and had a blast relearning and learning. (Not to mention I passed the 2 parts of the exam I took with the only preparation being his class.)

2. Cornell University's Farrier program, intensive program in a fantastic clinical situtation. Yes there is a waiting list. Again your under lots of horses with the patience and guidance of Mike Wildenstein, need I say more?

3. Danny Ward's Eastern School (Is he still running this program), shorter
course but what a great mentor and teacher Danny is.

My recomendations are based on personal experience as I have spent time with these instructors, taking classes, seminars, or working with them.

Dianne Lemmon CF+2/3

[Rick Burten]

If you take the Associates Degree program you would have been shoeing for two years.Gary

IIRC, The clock doesn't start until after graduation, whether it is a two week, two month or two year program.

[c_w_three]

On the subject of learning, building your skills and experience. Be patient, do not expect to be paid and consider yourself very fortunate if anyone lets you ride with them. I have learned from experience that it is a risk to let someone ride with you. I take that risk, because someone took that risk on me. Just watching another farrier work and asking questions in the truck is a great way to learn. As you learn more and get better at each task most farriers will let you pull shoes and finish maybe do a trim now and then. All the things you need to go on your own can be learned and practiced by rideing with another farrier, shapeing shoes, putting on pads, studs, useing power tools properly, learning not to break drill bits and taps. Working steel hot and cold, catching horses, holding horses, how to run a buisness, schedule your day, what materials to stock, how much to charge and much more.

Bring a note pad and pen take notes, drives me nuts when I have to repeat myself because the student is not listening or takeing notes. This is no different than going to any trade school. Also make yourself usefull even if your not paid, clean up, pickup manure, hoof clippings nails, pad pieces, set up and breakdown the anvil and forge and his/her tools. Be usefull and don't say ****** things in front of there customers.

All excellent points. This person who also wants to learn has questions:

What do you expect to hear from, or know about, someone before you'll let them ride with you?

When you do let someone ride with you, what do you need to see before you'll let them ride with you again? What convinces you to take that risk?

Where do you draw the line between "being useful" and "getting in the way?" I've had the opportunity to ride with someone a few times in the past several weeks. Sweeping up bits and pieces and fetching things in and out of the truck is a no-brainer - I can do that without getting in the way. But I also assumed that I should keep my hands off of tools and horses unless explicitly instructed otherwise. When I'm with a professional (any profession), I assume that he/she has an established way of doing things, it may not obvious to me what that way is, and I don't want to get in the way of that. It bothers me when someone handles my tools without asking or being told, and I expect that someone else would feel the same. Reasonable assumption?

Many thanks.

[Gary_Miller]

IIRC, The clock doesn't start until after graduation, whether it is a two week, two month or two year program.
The current study guide states "Candiates for the AFA Certified Journeyman examination must have at least two (2) years of shoeing experience and must have successfully completed the AFA Certified Farrier level."

Since there is nothing in the study guide or on the AFA web site that I could find that states when this two years experiance starts it open for interpitation.

Since experiance starts the first day of a class, or the first time you nail on a shoe. A two year farrier program in which you are regularly getting under horses could fullfill this prerequisite. Could it not?

Gary

[Rick Burten]

Gary

Your best bet is to call the AFA office and ask them the question.

However, as a tester, it has always been my understanding that the clock starts when you graduate from whatever formal program you have attended.

To that end, I offer this, from the Certification Study Guide, pp5: " AFA Intern Classification" "The basic, entry-level component of the AFA's Certification Program, this classification provides a way of evaluating the knowledge and skill of farrier students, recent graduates of farrier-training programs, or people who have begun working as a farrier without formal training....."

and

pp7: " ......this level (IC) is primarily intended for students graduating from formal horseshoeing training or progressing in an extended apprenticeship. Subsequently, no minimum time of prior practice or experience in hoofcare is established for this classification."

The other levels of certification require mininums of experience as a farrier. It is important to note the use of the phrase "as a farrier" since an individual enrolled in a training program is not considered a farrier, rather, a student.

Now, we can argue the semantics of this till we are blue in the face, but the fact remains that if someone signs up for a certification examination and that person just got out of school, whether the school is 2 weeks, 2 months or 2 years in length, s/he is not going to be allowed to test for any certification at all. S/he will be allowed to test for the IC, which is considered a "classification" rather than a certification(Certification Study Guide, Chapter 2, pp7, introductory paragraph.

[Gary_Miller]

Rick
I have sent an Email of to Jeff at WWCC for clairification on what level their two year graduates are being allowed to test. From information on their web site it looks as if its the CF level and not the CJF level.

From WWCC web site:
"Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Farrier Science
Students wishing to improve their farrier skills have the option to continue studies into a second year for a total of six eleven-week quarters. The student can study advanced shoeing techniques with emphasis on trimming, fitting, nailing, and advanced forging. At the end of this second year the student can receive an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences Degree and can take the American Farriers Association Certified Farrier examination."

I will let you know what Jeff says on his reply back.

Ether way I still think that from the course work offerd that WWCC would offer an excellent choice in a school.


Gary

[Jenny shoes]

Hello,
Thanks for all of the responses to my question I have ruled out a few of the schools mentioned here, and as I am really new to the whole bussiness so I dont recognize alot of the names that have been mentioned.
In regards to the AFA and certification, do I need to have a certificate from them to be in this business? I didnt see any of the farriers in my area listed on the website. Also I noticed that in the AFA bylaws that there is different membership levels, regular member, associate member etc. I belive it says a regular member is a farrier past or present then it goes into certificates, my question is how do they know if your a farrier or not? I mean I could register my horse as a regular member ? Do you have to provide proof of some sorts that your that you are a farrier to join?
I am sorry about all the questions but I am finding this all very confusing at the moment.
Thanks for putting up with my questions.
Jen

[Rick Burten]

[QUOTE=Jenny shoes]
>In regards to the AFA and certification, do I need to have a certificate from them to be in this business?

No. The certification program is a means to test you knowledge and skill against a standard.

>I didnt see any of the farriers in my area listed on the website.

That means that they are not members of the AFA.

>Also I noticed that in the AFA bylaws that there is different membership levels, regular member, associate member etc. I belive it says a regular member is a farrier past or present then it goes into certificates, my question is how do they know if your a farrier or not?

Because they trust you to tell the truth.

>I mean I could register my horse as a regular member ?

I suppose you could try. But why would you want to spend the money? He wouldn't be eligable for any of the benefits other than the magazine.

> Do you have to provide proof of some sorts that your that you are a farrier to join?

No. The AFA welcomes people of all persuasions. Vets, trainers, owners, farriers, non-horse owners, etc.

>I am sorry about all the questions but I am finding this all very confusing at the moment.

No need to feel confused. Look into as few or as many schools as you think necessary, pick the one you want to attend, enroll, attend and graduate. Then find a mentor to work for/with and begin to apply what you have learned at school. Alternatively, you can go it alone after graduation, but you put yourself behind the eight ball right from the start.

Joining any farrier organization is a decision of choice. At a minimum, you should join your state organization and attend every clinic they offer. You will then begin to establish a network and from that, the availability of information, help and comrades-in-arms will grow. As you are able, you will want to begin to attend additional clinics, seminars, conferences and I would hope that in time you would see the absolute benefits in both joining the AFA (and in time, the Guild of Professional Farriers) and standing for their certifications.

Of course, just participating on a regular basis here on the forums will give you access to a veritable cornucopia of knowledge and advise, with a liberal dash of opinion thrown in just because we are who we are. :D

[Phantom Farrier]

Rick,

I sense that you really like the magazine - me too.

Phantom

[Rick Burten]

John

PF has continued to improve the quality of its contents. While it ain't the Journal or Hoofcare and Lameness, it is getting better.

Of late, the series by Mitch Taylor has been really good. I must however admit that I don't spend a lot of time reading the 'how to' articles on forging roadsters and the like.

[Phantom Farrier]

Rick,

I'm with you there - not big on heavy forging - it's a young thing, not that you are that old, but I am.

Phantom :)

[Dianne Lemmon]

Rick,

I'm with you there - not big on heavy forging - it's a young thing, not that you are that old, but I am.

Phantom :)

John? Jack Benny class this year? ; P

Deesly

[Phantom Farrier]

Deesly,

They would have to bend the rules some - I'd have to lie a lot to qualify for the age requirement for the Jack Benny class. Maybe next year!

Phantom :)

[Dianne Lemmon]

Phantom,

Ya know Boss, it's pretty scarey it's been over 20 years since that overweight shy girl walked into your shop...

Just wanted to say thanks for giving me the chance.

Deesley

[Phantom Farrier]

Deesley,

Thanks for the kind words - you were a fine student, keep up the good work!

Phantom

[calshoer]

Oh then the best school for dub toed, unshapable machine made shoes is Mission School?
I object your honor, the tone and timbre of the statement was leading and prejudiciary!
George, you should right commercials!
Jason
Jason Maybe you should attend the four day hands on clinic "Soundfest" there next year. You would then see in person that there is no "dubbing", plenty of shoe shaping, (yes NB shoes are very shapeable) as well as lots of other shoes used too, and (OHMYGOD..SURPRIZE) Mark teaches lots of forging including how to make handmades.
Oh PS Jason, it isn't that George should "right" commercials, it is "WRITE" commercials :D
Patty

[Jason Maki]

Especially since what he was "righting" could be considered wrong by some... :rolleyes:
I may do that, it just depends what "sounds" I will be hearing at the NBapallooza... :D
Take a look at the "square toes or round thread", that poor bugger should have yelled **** he was dubbed so bad! I know this is not NB protocol, but many squared toed shoe users do just that .
Jason

[ShoeingintheNW]

Having just graduated from the Farrier School in Walla Walla I might be biased. :) Here's what I think though, Upon graduation from the two year program you will:
A) Have a AAAS in Farrier Science. it doesn't make you a good horseshoer but it seems like a degree of any kind impresses people.
B) Have a chance at funding. You can get student loans, be available for grants, work study etc. How many people struggle through schools because they're basically out fo work for 3 to 6 months.
C) Jeff Engler is an exceptional farrier. His list of credentials is noteworthy (Highpoint man on the AFA team anyone?)
D) You will shoe horses EVERY DAY at the school (it slows down in the winter months but speeds up in the spring so I think it averages out.
E) Work in one of the FINEST shoeing fascilities this side of the hemisphere
(I just repeat what I've heard the AFA testers say at the school)
F) Many clinitians are brought in over the course of the year. In the past Bob Marshall, Don Gustafson, and many others.

If you go strait through the summer session also you're done in a year and a half (roughly)

He incourages all his students to test for the AFA certifications. Anyone that pays attention can pass the intern test at the end of the first year. I saw that happen many times. with an aggressive work ethic you can be ready for the certified test. (Evidence of one young man who graduated from the course last may)

Anything else you want to know about it, I'm always open to a PM. I would suggest calling Jeff at the school or go to WWCC.edu and find it on the site map.

Caleb

[Bill Adams]

Yah,
what Caleb said, and they have these young wippersnapers who come out of that school and enter the contest at last years NCC and whip all the more mature entrents.
Plus Jeff can do all this with just using one eye.

[KimpleHorseshoeing]

Danny Wards was a great school, good base of anatomy, all shoeing on live feet, and a great shop...plus coal forge i went 3 years ago...I hacked around cold shoeing and trimming on and off for a couple years when i got out. The school was a great beginning but the best thing i've done was get into an apprenticeship with a good horseshoer...I've learned tons in the last year. The best teacher i've had are the hundreds of feet i've trimmed in the broodmare barns he works in.