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Become a farrier: test-drive the job before you change career
From the horse's foot to the forge: understand the anatomy, approach safely, trim, forge and nail on a shoe, then plan your round and set up on your own.
- 13 five-minute lessons
- 3 levels
- 13-page PDF guide
- English & French
- Certificate of completion
Why a farrier stays essential in the age of AI
- Every foot is different: you have to lift it, feel it and trim it on the spot.
- You cannot shoe a 500 kg horse remotely: you have to settle it and read its reactions.
- The shoe is forged and fitted by hand, and every nail is the farrier's responsibility.
Is it for you? Five signs
- You love horses and being around them.
- You have a strong back and arms.
- You stay calm with a nervous animal.
- You enjoy working metal at the forge.
- You would rather be on the road than in an office.
Not sure yet? That's what the €6.90 guide is for. Refund within 14 days if it isn't you.
Thinking about a career change? Read our complete career change guide →
A typical day
- 6:45 am: load the van, check the gas forge and the stock of shoes.
- 8:00 am: first yard, two horses to shoe all round, watched at walk before the shoes come off.
- 11:00 am: riding school, trimming three ponies and a quick chat with the yard manager.
- 1:30 pm: a rider calls with a lost shoe two days before a show; you find a slot that afternoon.
- 3:00 pm: remedial shoeing prescribed by the vet for a mare with a fragile foot, photos for her file.
- 6:30 pm: back home, sharpen the hoof knife, send quotes and book next week's visits.
How to become a farrier
In France, the law requires a qualification to practise: the farrier CAPa, the farrier BTM, or working under the supervision of a qualified professional (French Crafts Code, art. L121-1). According to Onisep, the CAPa takes 2 years after age 15, at an agricultural school or as an apprenticeship; adults can prepare it at an agricultural training centre (CFPPA), with funding to explore. The BTM is open after the baccalaureate. Places are scarce: in 2017, 91 candidates passed the CAPa (IFCE). In English-speaking countries, farriery is usually learned through a long apprenticeship with a registered farrier, and some countries regulate who may shoe horses. Before you commit, the G-Learn trial lets you explore the foot, the forge and the round in a few hours; its certificate is not a diploma, but it helps you find out whether the job suits you.
Pay
According to Onisep, a beginner farrier in France earns around €1,867 gross a month (careers sheet consulted in October 2026). Most farriers are self-employed: their income depends on how many horses they look after, their prices and their travel and equipment costs. Employed farriers, in a large equestrian centre or France's Republican Guard, earn a fixed salary.
The hard parts
- A very physical job: bent postures put the back and knees under strain all day, and Onisep notes that many farriers change path after a few years.
- Real risks: a frightened horse can kick, and the French horse sector has a high share of serious work accidents according to the MSA.
- A lot of driving, 700 to 1,000 km a week according to Onisep, and emergencies that sometimes fall at the weekend.
Sources: Onisep — Maréchal-ferrant / maréchale-ferrante · Bpifrance Création — Maréchal-ferrant : réglementation · IFCE — Annuaire ECUS 2018, emplois de la filière équine · MSA — Travailler en sécurité avec des chevaux
What you'll be able to do
- Read the anatomy of the foot
- Approach a horse safely
- Remove a shoe and trim a hoof
- Forge and fit a shoe
- Nail on and finish a shoe
- Plan a self-employed round
The programme
Level 1 – Beginner
- D1Tasks, status, the day
- D2Anatomy of the hoof
- D3Behaviour and safety
- D4Tools, shoes and nails
Level 2 – Intermediate
- I1Shoe off, foot balanced
- I2Forging and fitting a shoe
- I3Nails, clenches, finish
- I4Watching how a horse moves
Level 3 – Expert
- E1Remedial work with the vet
- E2Trims, glue-ons, hoof boots
- E3Schedule, prices, clients
- E4Qualification, status, setup
- E5Health, passing on, growth
The full guide: 6 chapters
- The basics of the job
- Shoeing in 5 steps
- Facts & figures
- The toolkit
- Case study: the lame mare
- Farrier glossary
Prices
The whole job in 13 pages, PDF, English or French.
13 five-minute lessons, quizzes and 3 certificates, English or French.
Path + full guide, English and French editions included.
14-day money-back guarantee · Instant download · Secure payment
Frequently asked questions
Can you become a farrier at 40?
Yes, adults do train as farriers, in France through an agricultural training centre. You need to be physically fit and accept that the skill takes years to master. Spending a day on the round with a farrier is the best way to check your back and your motivation.
Do you need a qualification to be a farrier?
In France, yes, to work on your own: the CAPa or BTM farrier diploma, or working under the effective supervision of a qualified person. Other countries have their own rules, so check with the trade body where you live.
How much does a farrier earn?
In France, Onisep gives around €1,867 gross a month for a beginner. A self-employed farrier earns according to their round, prices and costs, with wide gaps between regions.
What is included in the farrier course?
A 13-page PDF guide that covers the whole job, and a 3-level path of 13 five-minute lessons (beginner, intermediate, expert), each with a quick quiz, plus a certificate of completion per level.
Is the course available in English and French?
Yes. You choose English or French at checkout; the Complete Pack includes both languages.
How do I receive the course?
Immediately after payment you receive a download link by email, with your invoice. The files are A4 PDFs you can read on any device or print.
Is the certificate an official qualification?
No. G-Learn certificates confirm you completed the course. They are not a state diploma or a licence to practise.
Can I get a refund?
Yes: if the course is not what you expected, ask within 14 days of purchase for a full refund. Prices start at €6.90.