Overview
Do you like working with horses? Sheridan College’s Farrier Science Certificate provides hands-on, real-world training to students. You will learn from enthusiastic faculty and leading industry professionals, preparing you for a career as a farrier working with horses.
In the Farrier Science program, you will develop knowledge and skills in the current techniques required to maintain horse hoof and leg health, as well as troubleshooting common foot and shoeing problems. You will practice horseshoeing, experience forging metal, and gain a fundamental understanding of horse anatomy and physiology to further train you as an entry-level farrier.
Why Sheridan College?
- You will also have the opportunity to interact with a variety of equine veterinarians within the region and attend farrier clinics.
- Learn in a hands-on classroom with small class sizes and one-on-one instruction.
- The Farrier Science Certificate is an accelerated, affordable program, allowing you to work with qualified farriers and learn new skills in advanced workshops.
Careers & Industry Outlook
Farriers have opportunities to assess leg health and common foot problems. They change horseshoes on a variety of horses from work horses and rodeo horses, to show horses and racehorses. With ranches and rodeos popular throughout Wyoming and surrounding states, including Nebraska, Montana, and South Dakota, farriers and their unique equine skillsets are in demand.
Industry Projections
- According to the American Horse Council, the horse industry supports 2.2 million jobs with over 6.65 million horses in the U.S.
- Traditional work horses add $2.6 billion in direct value to the economy as well as supports 86,223 jobs according to the American Horse Council
Careers and Opportunities
Many farriers are self-employed, creating and running their own businesses. To prepare for your work as a farrier, you will take the following courses at Sheridan College:
| Introduction to Farrier Science |
| Equine Anatomy & Locomotion |
| Practical Farrier Science |
Curriculum
Certificate
Farrier Science Certificate of Completion will provide training in sound principles and applications of farrier science. Students will develop knowledge and skills in the current techniques required to maintain horse hoof and leg health. A fundamental understanding of horse anatomy and physiology will be applied throughout the program. Upon completion of the certificate, students will be prepared as entry-level farriers and encouraged to complete the American Farrier Association’s (AFA) Farrier Classification examination.
Program Outcomes
- Explain horse anatomy and physiology.
- Demonstrate techniques required to maintain horse hoof and leg health.
- Troubleshoot common foot and shoeing problems.
- Apply knowledge of the farrier trade to the selection and construction of farrier tools and supplies.
- Practice horseshoeing according to established professional standards for individualized horse care in various practice settings.
Scholarships
We make it easy. $3.7 million in scholarships awarded annually.
Financial Aid
Let us help you navigate the numerous financial aid opportunities available.
Faculty
Our Agriculture Department faculty are enthusiastic, well-liked, and approachable. They will make sure you learn the foundational skills to pursue higher education or find a job following graduation. Sheridan College’s strong relationships with local and national industries in range land management, wildlife management, and agriculture present students with unique opportunities to expand their college experiences.
World-Class Facilities
The Sheridan College Agriculture programs are thriving and require additional space to serve students. The Mars Agriculture Center provides the College with a 16,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art building with top-notch learning environments for a variety of disciplines within the Sheridan College Ag Department.
The farrier barn is a large, heated space with non-slip flooring to accommodate a dozen live horses. There are 13 shoeing stations equipped with forges, anvils and tools needed to trim and shoe as well as additional space to learn.
The livestock barn is a 4,000 sq ft learning space that houses the colleges livestock. It includes 8 pens that allow livestock to access both the inside and outside. Pens are adjustable allowing for animals to be housed in one larger pen when they first arrive providing comfort or housed in individual pens which is necessary when students conduct feeding trials to calculate feed efficiency.
The new science labs support small laboratory classes in plant science sciences, soil science, animal science, and genetics. They are equipped with a variety of modern technological tools used in these areas of science.
Over 2.5 acres of field lab space, featuring hop vines, orchard, vineyard, and rangeland plant spaces as well as free range chickens. The hops are harvested every year in collaboration with our local Black Tooth Brewing Company.
Related Programs
Your path doesn’t stop here—discover related programs that open new doors and broaden your career potential. Sheridan College is here to help you find the best fit for your journey.