Find out what day one of the Farriery course looks like
From shoe making to theoretical knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanics, the students are getting real world learning in the classroom.
On day one of the course, Certificate IV in Farriery (ACM40818) students jump straight into the good stuff!
Julian has been busy alongside his classmates learning quality shoe making techniques for race plates worn by gallopers and thoroughbreds, as well as the common problems faced by farriers and how to overcome them.
It’s clear the room is full of passionate current and future farriers who are keen to learn. With each swift *clank* of the hammer that lands on the horseshoe, the students watch intently and with genuine interest while the trainer explains methods and techniques to forge the perfect fit.
Julian took some time from his class to tell us more about a career as a farrier.
What made you decide to go with this course?
Being the only specialised course in regional Victoria that allows you to pursue such a niche career path made GOTAFE especially appealing. The choice of this career is pretty close to my heart. It’s always been in my family; my uncle and my cousin have been mentoring me and showing me the ropes while I learn as well.
What is the most exciting thing you’re looking forward to learning in the Certificate IV Farriery?
Pretty much everything the course has to offer. It’s going to make everyone who’s enrolled better farriers and highly skilled tradespeople as they progress.
What’s an important quality of a great farrier?
You have to be a great all-rounder as you’re not just working with the horses, you’re working with the people that love them and invest in them. Being able to understand the horses and learn their behaviour is important to their care as well.
What do you hope your life will look like in five years’ time?
Hopefully qualified! I’m keen to start my own business eventually, so hopefully it’ll be up and running by then. And of course, to continue learning the craft and build my skills further as each day comes.
Any advice for someone considering a farrier career?
Just get as much experience as possible, get on the ground and learn as much as you can. There’s no such thing as a stupid question.