About the course
OUR NEXT INTAKE FOR THIS APPRENTICESHIP WILL BE IN MARCH 2026. PLEASE APPLY USING THE LINK OPPOSITE (AUGUST 2025)
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.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: Three Years
Start date: August 2025
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.
We also offer the chance to further qulaify via our Diploma HE Farriery. The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. This innovative and dynamic course focusses on the application of Farriery science to professional practice and provides a unique opportunity for suitably qualified Farriers to enhance their personal and professional development.
You may also then progress to the BSC Hons Farriery Top Up. The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Lancashire. This innovative and dynamic course provides a unique opportunity to gain an Honours Degree in Farriery. The course focusses on the application of Farriery science to professional practice and will facilitate both the personal and professional development of suitably qualified Farriers.
Candidates applying to a College for an Apprenticeship in Farriery must be supported by an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) who is willing to employ them throughout the apprenticeship. Candidates may find it necessary to look for an ATF outside of their local area and should be prepared to live away from home if necessary.
The farriery apprenticeship is long so it is important that apprentice candidates feel comfortable with their ATF.
Interested candidates should:
Contact ATFs from the published ATF list to find one who is willing to employ and train them for the period of apprenticeship.
Together with your ATF you should contact the College to arrange a learning agreement.
When the above are in place you must enrol with the FRC.
Once accepted by a College, apprentices must be enrolled with the FRC. This will involve completion of an FRC application form and payment of an annual enrolment fee. Colleges will provide enrolling apprentices with relevant information.
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.