Cornell University Farrier Course

GENERAL FARRIER SHORT COURSE

Course Description:

This course is designed for persons who have demonstrated an interest in farriery and who have independently acquired some of the basic skills of the farrier trade.

The 16-week Short Course will provide students with general classroom and practical knowledge of related anatomy and the fundamental aspects of shoeing and fabrication of shoes.

Three sessions are offered each year beginning in January, April and September. The time schedule for each 16 week session with 40 hours per week of course work is as follows:

5 hours in Anatomy of the horse's foot
15 hours in Theory of corrective shoeing
400 hours of forge work
220 hours in trimming feet, fitting and nailing shoes

REQUIREMENTS

Farriery is a physically demanding profession. Applicants must be able to lift 75 pounds and be in reasonable physical condition for the work.

It is the responsibility of each student to provide themselves with the following equipment necessary to participate in the course:

Steel toed shoes, Apron, Safety glasses, Hearing protection, Driving Hammer, Rounding hammer, Knife, Tongs, Shoe puller, Shoe Stamp, 3 pritchels, Nippers, Rasps with handles, Pull offs, Creaser, Clinchers, Clinch block, Clinch cutter

Proof of current Health Insurance is required upon acceptance to the course. Documentation that the student has and will maintain health insurance while enrolled in the course must be provided along with the deposit. A copy of the valid insurance card clearly showing name, effective date and expiration date or a letter from the insurance company stating that coverage will be in effect for the duration of the course will be accepted as proof of insurance.

Proof of current rabies vaccination is required upon acceptance to the course.

TUITION:

Tuition is $5,500 (which will change to $6,500 on January 1, 2004). A deposit of $2,000 is required within two weeks of notification of acceptance. The remaining balance is due prior to beginning course work.

ADVANCED FARRIER COURSE

Course Description:

A one week course is available to practicing farriers with at least two years of experience and to active veterinarians interested in the latest advances in farriery techniques.

This course will also provide advanced training for those interested in pursuing certification through the American Farriers' Association.

Scheduling and availability for this course is flexible and is determined by the instructor in cooperation with the applicant. Space is limited. The advanced course runs concurrently with the 16 week short course.

The tuition for this one week course is $250. Please contact the course instructor, Michael Wildenstein, at (607) 253-3127, or by E-mail, for further details.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A non-refundable $10.00 application fee must accompany the application.
References and a written statement as to why you are interested in participating in the Farrier Short Course also must be included in the application.
A personal interview with the instructor is required prior to acceptance. This may be in person or by phone and is the applicants' responsibility to arrange.
Acceptance is probationary during the first two weeks of instruction. Satisfactory performance and adherence to the Guidelines for the Farrier Program as outlined on reverse of this form will allow the student to complete the course.
Applications for admission to the Farrier Short Course will be accepted up to 60 days prior to the beginning of the next session. Notification of acceptance will be sent approximately 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the next session.
Preference is given to those who have a demonstrated history and proven desire to make their living working with horses.
Due to limited facilities, only 3 applicants may be accepted for each session. There is no waiting list. If not accepted, the applicant may reapply.
Accommodations and transportation are the responsibility of the student. Rooms are available within a reasonable distance of Cornell and there are many wonderful restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

GUIDELINES FOR FARRIER PROGRAM

The working day begins at 8:00 a.m. Preparation to cease work should be underway at 4:30 p.m. The shop normally closes at 5:00 p.m.
When the work load so requires, shop hours may be changed at the discretion of Mr. Wildenstein, Resident Farrier.
Lunch period is one hour, usually noon to 1:00 p.m., unless the work load dictates otherwise.
Breaks for coffee at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. are permitted. Be conservative with time spent on these breaks as it is your training time.
Cleanliness of the shop is a priority. Each evening at the close of work, the shop must be clean and tidy. All refuse buckets must be emptied and washed if necessary. The floor must be carefully swept. Coal buckets should be refilled. All switches operating machinery must be turned of or disconnected. Lights should be turned off and doors secured.
Near the conclusion of the session it will be necessary to remove everything including stock from the shop to permit careful cleaning of the entire area. Necessary painting must be done at this time as well. These are duties and responsibilities of the farrier students.
Daily maintenance of the restroom facility is a duty and responsibility of the farrier students. This should be a part of the daily routine of cleaning the shop.
Any work outside of scheduled hours is by permission only . Permission is granted by Mr. Wildenstein with the consent of the Director of the Hospital. In the event that after hours work is done, responsibility for shop cleaning is similar to that at the close of the day.
Classroom and library work is a responsibility if you wish to gain as much as possible from this experience. The extent of this opportunity is directly related to your interest and preparation.
Parking permits are required, and are available from the Traffic Bureau and are the responsibility of the student.
Keys for the shop are issued and must be returned at the end of the session prior to receiving any certificate of accomplishment.

To apply for enrollment in one of the the Cornell Farrier Courses, please fill out the Cornell University Farrier Course Application Form.

If you need to contact the course instructor, you may do so by writing to:
Farrier Courses
College of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.

Phone: (607)-253-3127.

Or send a direct E-mail.

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