Work experience before the Apprenticeship
Farriery is defined within the Farriers (Registration) Act as:
“any work in connection with the preparation or treatment of the foot of a horse for the immediate reception of a shoe thereon, the fitting by nailing or otherwise of a shoe to the foot or the finishing off of such work to the foot."
Only Registered Farriers, enrolled farriery apprentices, qualified and trainee veterinary surgeons and persons carrying out first aid in an emergency may legally practice farriery.
Work experience is not an apprenticeship and does not permit a person to engage in any acts of Farriery.
Work experience does not guarantee an apprenticeship and trial periods undertaken do not count towards the period of apprenticeship.
Candidates are advised not to relinquish existing employment prior to receiving formal acceptance of the farriery apprenticeship from an approved college and confirmed employment from their selected ATF.
Permitted activities during work experience
All non-farriery activities are permissible, including:
- Forging
- Horse handling
- General assistance
- Observation
- Being shown, under close supervision, how to remove a shoe in an emergency
Activities not permitted during work experience
- Removal of shoes prior to shoeing
- Preparation of foot for shoeing
- Attachment of shoes by nailing or any means
- Clenching up
Check the Register
The Find a Farrier search facility provides access to the list of all those registered to carry out farriery in GB, including details of Approved Training Farriers.
Illegal practise is a criminal offence
It can result in a court appearance, criminal record and fine of up to £1,000 plus costs. Candidates who have been asked to do any of the not permissible activities and are not registered or have not yet started an apprenticeship should contact the FRC.
