Twenty-Two Week Career
Track 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, work-study and a structured internship program which, combined, give the student the maximum chance for success as an entry-level farrier.

The 22-Week program is designed to produce comprehensively trained, entry-level farriers that don't need years of experience to develop a reputation as a qualified craftsman. This is a performance-based curriculum designed for the student with high expectations. It will take you through an in-depth 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 diagnose and treat equine lameness and acquire a strong foundation to help you sort fact from fiction in the field of farrier science. 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. You will also learn aspects of the equine and farrier industries that will inform you of regional breed and sport populations that will help you to make decisions regarding the start of your business.

Students planning to enter the KHS Farrier Internship Program are required to complete the Twenty Two-Week Career Track Course. Because each student placed in an Internship 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.

Students in this course are responsible for assigned readings and homework.