Farrier's Job Profile
The farriers have the major job responsibility of making and fitting the shoes for horses. The skills that are used by them are similar to those possessed by blacksmiths but the blacksmiths do have permission to shoe the horses unless they are listed and registered as farrier.
The farriers have to undertake cleaning, trimming and shaping the hooves of horses for keeping them healthy and also for preparing them for the new horseshoe. They always have to stay alert and keep looking for cracked hooves, punctured feet and hoof infection. Appropriate treatment is provided by them. In case of serious injuries, the farriers have to work with veterinarians.
The new horseshoe is attached to the hooves of horses with the help of glue or nails. They also have to keep a check on the legs, hooves and feet of horses.
Set Skills Required
A few skills are required for being a farrier. It is extremely essential for the farrier to have an interest in working with horses. Since it is essential to have an interest in working with horses, it is also considered necessary for the farrier to have good practical and co-ordination skills. Stamina and physical strength is extremely important for the farrier to have, as almost all the work revolves around lifting the horses.
The farriers need to have excellent communication skills as they have to work with vets as well as horse owners. Lastly, it is important for the farrier to have the ability for keeping accurate records as well as capability of dealing with payments and accounts.
Training and Qualifications
For working as a farrier, it is important for the individual to be registered at the Farriers registration council. For getting the complete registration, it is essential for the person to complete the apprenticeship for four years by a well accepted training farrier.
For doing an apprenticeship, it is essential for the person to be at least 16 years of age and must have also passed a medical exam. Other than this, the farrier must also have a placement with the well known training farrier.
Also, it is essential for the individual to have a four year GCSEs that includes mathematics and English or any other equivalent qualifications or farrier access courses that can be availed from any of the farrier training agencies.
Job Prospects and Salary
The farriers can get to work part time as well as there are opportunities for them to work full time with training agencies. The permanent work can be availed with large stables, army's mounted regiments or horse breeders. Other than this, there are opportunities generated for farriers with the farriers supply business or they can even work with equine hospitals and veterinary surgeons. The experienced farriers can earn approximately $30,000.
Conclusion
The farriers are experts who have taken their training for the shoeing process of horses and also they are the ones who are given the responsibility to maintain hooves and feet health of horses.
