How to Become a Farrier: The UK Apprenticeship and Career Guide

What Does Becoming a Farrier Actually Mean?

Becoming a farrier means combining blacksmithing skills with animal care — specifically looking after the hooves of horses. Farriers trim, shape, and shoe hooves to keep horses healthy, balanced, and performing well. It’s physical, specialist work that requires precision, patience, and confidence around animals that weigh half a tonne. Whether you're working with racehorses, riding school ponies, or retired field companions, your job is to prevent discomfort and correct imbalances — often before a horse shows visible signs of lameness.

How Does It All Work?

In the UK, becoming a farrier is a legally protected profession. You must complete an approved apprenticeship and be registered with the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) to work legally. The main route is through a four-year apprenticeship that combines practical, on-the-job training with academic study.

To start, you’ll need to find a qualified, registered farrier willing to take you on as an apprentice. This isn’t just a casual job — it’s a structured training programme approved by the Worshipful Company of Farriers and overseen by the FRC. You’ll also attend one of the UK’s recognised farriery colleges (like Myerscough College or Herefordshire and Ludlow College) on a day- or block-release basis.

During the apprenticeship, you’ll learn anatomy, forgework, equine behaviour, hoof trimming, and corrective shoeing techniques. You’ll be assessed through coursework, practical exams, and a final Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF), which qualifies you to register as a professional farrier.

Understanding the Life of a Farrier

Being a farrier is demanding, physical work. You’ll be on your feet most of the day, working outside in all weather. Each job means crouching or kneeling next to large animals while using sharp tools and red-hot metal — it takes strength, skill, and a calm, confident approach.

No two horses are the same, and no two hooves are identical. You’ll need to assess each case carefully, decide on the best trim or shoeing technique, and adjust as needed — often on the fly. You’ll also be communicating regularly with horse owners, vets, and trainers, especially if a horse has ongoing health or lameness issues.

Farriers are usually self-employed or work in small partnerships. That means early starts, a van full of tools, and a packed schedule of yard visits. You’ll be running your own diary, managing your business admin, and keeping on top of insurance, invoices, and health and safety obligations.

Possible Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Farrier

The biggest advantage of becoming a farrier is working closely with horses every day. If you love animals, enjoy physical work, and like solving practical problems, it’s a job that’s incredibly satisfying. Once qualified, you can be your own boss, earn a good income, and work across a wide variety of equestrian settings — from racing yards and eventing stables to small hobby farms.

On the downside, it’s not a career for anyone looking for an easy ride. The work is physically taxing and occasionally dangerous. Horses don’t always behave, and injuries do happen. Apprenticeships are competitive, and the qualification takes time and serious effort. You also need to maintain high standards throughout your career — poor farriery has real health consequences for horses.

Summary

Becoming a farrier in the UK is a specialist path that blends blacksmithing, equine care, and self-employment into a hands-on, respected profession. It takes a four-year apprenticeship, a willingness to work hard, and real dedication to animal welfare. But if you’re passionate about horses and enjoy using both brain and muscle on the job, farriery offers a fulfilling, independent career with deep roots — and real long-term value.