Certificate IV in Farriery

About this course

Do you love horses and want a career focused on their well-being?

This course will teach you how to provide equine hoof care and shoeing services.

Some of the skills and knowledge you will learn in the training include:

equine anatomy
biomechanics and pathologies of equines
maintaining hand and power tools
performing welding tasks
working safely
providing first aid to horses
manufacturing and repairing hand tools used in farriery.

Farriers are generally self-employed and need to understand the requirements to run a micro business. This course includes some business management to prepare you to work effectively in the industry.

You will need to complete at least 120 hours of work placement to achieve this qualification.

This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

This course must be done as an apprenticeship. You’ll get practical skills and experience in a specific trade or profession. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To do an apprenticeship you’ll need an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice.

To get started:
- search for advertised apprenticeship opportunities and apply
- contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for information on finding an employer and for ongoing support
- find a course provider that delivers the course as an apprenticeship.
To get help:
- contact the TAFE and Training Line
- visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page
- visit Apprenticeships Victoria.

Units of study

Unit title	Unit code
Perform welding tasks using a forge	ACMFAR305
Make standard shoes for a range of equines	ACMFAR307
Trim equine hooves	ACMFAR313
Perform routine welding techniques for farriery activities	ACMFAR314
Use and maintain hand and power tools for farriery or hoof care activities	ACMFAR315
Repair and manufacture hand tools used in farriery	ACMFAR318
Handle equines safely during farriery or hoof care services	ACMFAR319
Apply knowledge of equine musculoskeletal system, biomechanics and pathology for effective hoof care	ACMFAR401
Fit shoes to alleviate moderate abnormalities and defects in equines	ACMFAR402
Fit shoes to alleviate severe abnormalities and defects in equines	ACMFAR403
Use farriery techniques to meet special needs of equines	ACMFAR404
Coordinate day-to-day equine service operations	ACMFAR405
Work effectively in the farriery industry	ACMFAR406
Respond to emergencies and apply first aid to equines	ACMFAR407
Determine hoof care and hoof protection plans for equines	ACMFAR408
Select and fit shoes for normal healthy equines	ACMFAR409
Maintain financial records	BSBFIA301
Organise finances for the micro business	BSBSMB303
Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business	BSBSMB305
Maintain workplace safety	BSBWHS301
Provide First Aid	HLTAID011

Course providers

This course is offered by the following providers. Click on the links to the provider websites for the latest information on course details, fees and how to apply.

Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Tone Road (Wangaratta)
Delivery modes: Part time on-campus
- Visit GOTAFE for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider