About the course
Farriers are responsible for the maintenance and care of Equine feet with a holistic approach to the equine, for which they must have a thorough understanding of all aspects of Equine hoof care throughout the equine disciplines, from grass roots pleasure equines right through to elite competition horses. Farriers are able to assess equines and their gait (movement). Farriers are responsible for the quality and accuracy of their work, must be good communicators and problem solvers, and able to discuss the condition of equines and their hooves with owners and other professionals, especially Veterinary Surgeons. Farriers are able to give advice on various equine welfare options, from a trim for a horse at pasture through to basic remedial work on lame equines. Farriery is a regulated profession and all farriers are required to pass the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF) examination before being admitted on to the Register of qualified Farriers before they may legally practise. Once qualified a farrier may either practise as an individual or join a farriery practice to work as part of a team. Candidates must serve a period of Apprenticeship of up to four years whilst employed by an Approved Training Farrier (ATF). An ATF is a person who is a Registered Farrier and fulfils the criteria laid down by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC), who oversee the training of Farriery Apprentices in Great Britain. An ATF may require a trial period prior to the first college attendance to assess the Apprentice with the horse.
Entry requirements & additional information
A minimum of 5 GCSE�s at Grade A-C/9-4, or equivalent, including English, Maths and Science OR a Vocational qualifications Level 2, plus GCSE grade C/4 in maths, English & Science.
NB: English & maths Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.
Delivery is work-based with college attendance for 6 x three-week blocks and 1 x two week blocks (20 weeks� attendance in total) There is an expectation that 20% of the working week will be off the job training, which is a legal requirement.
At a point where employer, tutor and apprentice feel is appropriate, apprentices will undertake an end point assessment, which is carried out by a separate approved organisation, independent from Myerscough College.
The end point assessment will contain 4 components:
� A Written Test
� Professional Discussion
� 2 x Practical Assessments � Trimming & Shoeing
There will be 2 levels of achievement: Pass & Distinction In the unlikely event of an apprentice needing to resit an End Point Assessment (or elements of the End Point Assessment), then the employer will be responsible for funding these additional costs.
Registration as a qualified farrier and potential to run or join a farriery practice.
All apprentices are required to have suitable employment in order to complete the programme. A contract of employment must be in place and apprentices must be paid in line with minimum wage rules. Programme costs are covered by employers through their digital apprenticeship service account. Farriery tools, PPE, and readiness for physical work.