Program

Associate of Technical Study in Farrier Science and Business

Hocking College offers one of only a few farrier science associate degree programs in the United States.  The Farrier Science and Business program offers a unique combination of farrier skills and business management. You can have the best of two worlds - working around horses and owning your own business. You will learn the newest and safest techniques for shoeing horses as you develop skills on both gas and coal forges. Learn corrective farrier skills as well as shoeing for performance. Classes such as care and handling, gait analysis, and nutrition provide you with a solid background in horse care.

Many farriers are self-employed. The business portion of this program provides you with not only basic business skills such as management and accounting, but also marketing and brochure development and business skills specific to the equine industry. You will also develop a business plan to get you started in establishing a successful farrier business.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Technical Study in Farrier Science and Business:

• Operate and maintain basic farrier equipment; 
• Demonstrate a variety of forging techniques;
• Perform proper shoeing techniques;
• Develop a plan to establish a farrier business;
• Apply business skills as they pertain to the equine industry;
• Identify, maintain, and use safety procedures with horses, tack and related equipment;
• Perform safety inspection procedures in daily operations;
• Properly feed/water horses, groom/bathe horses, and clean stalls;
• Communicate professionally with coworkers and with the public;
• Provide basic horse health care including preventive health care; and,
• Properly identify feeds and feeding requirements of equine at all ages and levels of performance.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

The Farrier Science and Business program provides you with very specialized skills.  Employment may be found in all areas of the equine industry, such as at a dude ranch, in the race horse industry or in private stables.  Graduates are also prepared to establish their own farrier business.

Entry-level salaries in the farrier industry may range from $25,000 - $100,000 annually.

Occupation Profile