The school offers an eight-week program focusing on a centered method of trimming and shoeing to improve and maintain soundness in horses. Utilizing common sense as well as Natural Balance Farrier Science, the program offers a centered approach and focuses on improving equilibrium around the coffin joint, preserving and protecting the anterior sole, and improving the health of the back of the foot. MFS emphasizes traditional craftsmanship, forge work, and technology available to modern farriers. Students who attend this program can expect a heavy emphasis on the science of the lower limb, how to identify and shoe for lamenesses, correct gait faults, as well as good basic shoeing and trimming. This program is for serious students only.
Student Body
Enrollment
Total number of full time students
Eight
Total number of students
Eight
Maximum of eight students in each class. This is an intense eight weeks of training and study. Class sizes are kept small. 45% of the graduates are women.
Costs
Program costs
Tuition is $12,000 for the program. There is a $2,000 registration fee. The balance ($10,000) is due the first day of class. The basic hand tool package costs about $1,670. Tools may be purchased from a dealer chosen by the student. Contact the school for details on what tools are needed. The average cost to start your own business is $12,000 to $16,000. This includes the cost of tuition, basic hand tools, and big ticket items such as a forge and anvil.
Applications are accepted year round, after a telephone interview.
Application deadline
Classes usually fill 30 to 60 days out.
Contact via e-mail to see if there is room in the session you are interested in. Then call 425.890.3043 for your telephone interview. Prospective students are also welcome to visit the school by appointment.
Application requirements
Application fee
$0
Application fee waived
No application fee, however $2000 deposit is required to hold your spot in class, along with a registration form.
Submit these items:
Application
Required for all students
Interview
Required for all students
The school recommends that applicants be 18 years of age or older and have a strong work ethic. Horseshoeing is hard work and applicants must be self motivated. Please call for phone interview. All prospective students must have either an in-person or telephone interview, prior to acceptance to class.
Academics
Degrees offered
Certificate or diploma
Graduation requirements
Students must be able to pass all written tests with a score of 70% or better. They must also be able to explain and meet the needs of the equine foot, with respect to proper shoeing and trimming. They must be able to physically do the work of a farrier.
Attendance options
Days
Full time
Summer school
Four courses are offered each year, typically beginning in March, May or June, August, and late October. See website for exact dates. Dates are subject to change, so check frequently.
Computing
Online registration for classes
Student Services
Academic services for all students
The school will help with verbal testing if a student has problems with written tests. Their goal is to do whatever it takes to help a student get the information and thereby be able to pass the tests.
Other services for all students
Basic job skills
Career Services
Career services offered
Alumni networking and mentoring
Certification opportunities are thoroughly discussed while in class. Certification is encouraged but not required. Continuing education is available. Farriers are self-employed. We do not offer placement service.
