THERE are a range of professions and skills associated with the Irish horse industry which can provide a range of jobs for anyone interested in working with horses. This skills play a vital role within the industry and graduates have a range of employment opportunities.

The Irish School of Farriery is located at the RACE Campus in Kildare Town and provides a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft in Farriery. The school was established in 2003 and provides structured training for Irish farriery apprentices and continuing education for practising farriers.

The apprenticeship is a minimum of four years, there are seven phases to this qualification and on completion a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft- Farriery is awarded. The seven apprenticeship phases consist of four on-the-job phases with an approved employer and three off-the-job phases at the school.

The minimum entry age is 16 and the entry requirements are as follows:

Grade D in five subjects in the Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, or

The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course or

Three years’ experience gained over 16 years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable

Topics covered include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Conformation and Movement
  • Horsemanship and Horse Welfare
  • Forging Skills
  • Shoemaking
  • Horseshoeing
  • Cold and Hot Fitting
  • Conditions of the Leg
  • Conditions of the Foot
  • Foot Balance
  • Business Studies

    • For further information contact your local Education and Training Board Training Centre or log on to www.SOLAS.ie.