A farrier, officially called a farrier in Germany, is a specialist in the care (trimming) and shoeing of animal hooves with horseshoes or other materials. He also traditionally makes the horseshoes and horseshoe nails himself in the forging process or adapts the horseshoes to the individual shape of the hoof. The work also includes the treatment of injured and diseased hooves.
Anyone wishing to complete the advanced training course to become a state-certified and state-recognized farrier needs to have completed state-recognized vocational training.
The training is structured as follows:
- Introductory course: four weeks
- Practical work in farriery with a state-approved farrier who has been state-approved and in the farriery trade for at least three years: at least 24 months (full-time, but with at least 21 working hours/week)
- Preparatory course: four months
- Farriery examination: after the preparatory course
The preparatory course consists of a practical and a theoretical part. The state farriery school in Schwaiganger and the state-approved KL Bavarian Farriery School in Hilpoltstein hold a preparatory course twice a year (for dates, see "Further links"). Registration for participation in a preparatory course at the Schwaiganger State School of Farriery and the state-approved KL Bavarian School of Farriery can take place during the period of practical work (the majority of the practical work should already have been completed). The application for participation in the course must be made in writing (informally). Confirmation of membership of a health insurance fund must be submitted for the duration of the course.
Examination content of the farriery examination
- Performance of warm shoeing with irons
- Performing shoeing with alternative hoof protection
- Carrying out bare hoof care
- Production of a hoof or cloven hoof iron
- Preparation of a case report followed by an expert discussion
- Written examination paper with possible supplementary oral examination
The examination tasks should be carried out in accordance with the principle of complete action. The acquisition of appropriate knowledge and skills must take place during practical work. Attendance at the farriery school serves to deepen and consolidate knowledge and skills. For the case report, at least two interesting cases should be documented in writing and with pictures during the practical work.
After successfully passing the farriery examination to become a state-certified farrier, students can apply for state recognition as a farrier. State recognition is the prerequisite for self-employment as a farrier.