Career Research Project

By: Fionna Nystrand

Career Information/ Description
Farriers, also called horseshoers, trim horses' hooves and
attach protective and corrective shoes made of metal,
rubber, or other materials. They help equine athletes
achieve their highest level of performance, protect working
horses from chipping their hooves on stones and other
surfaces, and help horses overcome physical problems in the
legs and feet that might otherwise make a horse unsound.
Education/ Training Requirements
● A high school diploma is required and the following courses are recommended:
agricultural education, animal science, industrial technology, welding, business
courses, and mathematics.
● Additional training may be obtained attending farrier training or college farrier
programs.
● Optional certification is available through farrier associations.
● A degree in equine science or animal science is usually required.
Skills/ Experience
● Veterinary knowledge, blacksmithing, and business.
● Some level of veterinary education is helpful in order to
identify disease or health problems with hooves.
● Welding and/or fabrication is helpful in order to make
the horseshoes.
● Horsemanship and several years of riding experience is
beneficial to give additional insight into horse gait and
care
● Good communication skills in order to work effectively
with owners
Salary
As of May 1, 2023, the average Farrier salary in New Jersey is $27,638.
Salary ranges can vary depending on the city and other factors, including
education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you
have spent in your profession; and usually fall between $22,354 and
$33,365.
Job Duties
● Trim horse hooves
● Clean hooves and remove excess hoof walls and dead sole
● Observe hooves for signs of disease or poor health
● Perform basic level of therapy toward horses’ lower limbs
● Fabricate or purchase horseshoes to fit horses
● Remove old shoes and replace with new ones
● Purchase and utilize tools and supplies (including: anvil, anvil stand,
nippers, forge stand, pullers, hammers, blades, tongs, rasps, gloves, knife
sharpener, apron, hoof care accessories (nails, staples, pins), and pre-made
horseshoes
● Grooming activities as requested or desired
● If self-employed, handle billing and recordkeeping for clients
Pros/ Cons
Pros: Cons:

❖ Flexible schedule ❖ Work can be inconsistent

❖ Self- employment is ❖ Lack of health benefits

possible

❖ Meaningful business ❖ Job can be physically

connections and demanding
relationships

❖ Daily physical activity ❖ Takes time to see

results and make money

❖ Do something you truly ❖ Big time commitment

love
Opportunities for Advancement
With experience you may be able to:

● work with larger stables, horse breeders or mounted regiments in the

police or army
● work in equine hospitals, with vets or in the farriery suppliers
business
● become an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and employ and train
apprentice farriers
 Career Search/ Available Jobs
★ Barn Manager/Rider
Someday Stables
Whitehouse, NJ 08888
Expected Working Hours: 5 days a week, 40 hours per week. Days dependent on horse show
schedule. Vacation: 10 days paid per year Travel: Travel to horse shows required.Estimated
$43.9K to $55.6k

★ Farrier/Equine
Sure Shod Farrier Service
Bradford, PA
50K a year

Full-time
Typical Day in the Life of
● Driving to different farms each day to trim & shoe
horses, provide care to legs, feet, and hooves.
● Meet with vets to discuss to discuss care plans and help
administer care to sick horses
● Meet with horse owners to discuss what work is needed
Works Cited
Salary.com, Site built by: “Farrier Salary in New Jersey.” Salary.com,

www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/farrier-salary/nj. Accessed 15 May 2023.

“Farrier | Career Profile | AgCareers.com.” Www.agcareers.com, www.agcareers.com/career-profiles/farrier.cfm.

“42 Pros & Cons of Starting a Farrier Business.” Www.starterstory.com,

www.starterstory.com/ideas/farrier-business/pros-and-cons.