Farriery Apprenticeship

A farriery apprenticeship trains you in the ancient and highly skilled craft of shoeing horses and caring for equine hoof health. You will learn to forge and shape metal shoes, trim and balance hooves, and identify hoof and limb pathologies that affect a horse's movement and welfare. The programme follows an earn-and-learn model, meaning you work alongside a registered farrier employer for the majority of your time, gaining hands-on experience in yards, stables, and competition environments across Ireland. You will also attend block-release training at a Teagasc agricultural college or an approved training centre where you cover theoretical and practical modules in a workshop setting. A typical week involves travelling to multiple clients, preparing and fitting shoes, and consulting with vets or trainers on corrective shoeing needs.

Entry to the farriery apprenticeship requires you to be employed by a SOLAS-registered farrier employer, as this is an earn-and-learn programme rather than a college-entry route. Minimum Leaving Certificate or equivalent is generally expected, and good results in subjects such as Agricultural Science, Biology, or metalwork-related Technology subjects are advantageous. There is no CAO points process; instead, you secure your apprenticeship by finding a registered master farrier or farriery employer willing to take you on. QQI Level 5 awards in equine studies or agriculture can strengthen your application and demonstrate commitment to the sector. Mature applicants with relevant equine or blacksmithing experience are welcomed, and SOLAS may consider prior learning on a case-by-case basis. Teagasc and local ETBs can advise on finding suitable employers and on pre-apprenticeship equine courses.

Demand for qualified farriers in Ireland remains strong due to a relatively small pool of registered practitioners and a large equine industry, including thoroughbred racing, sport horses, and leisure riding. Many farriers build sustainable self-employed businesses with a loyal client base, and experienced practitioners can command strong earnings. The equine sector is economically significant in Ireland, supporting ongoing demand particularly in counties such as Kildare, Meath, Tipperary, and Galway. Graduates with additional skills in remedial or corrective shoeing are especially sought after by veterinary practices and high-performance sport horse yards.