Course Descriptions

Butler Professional Farrier School – Training For All Levels

Our goal at Butler Professional Farrier School is to raise the standard of farrier practice. Our curriculum centers on providing a firm foundation for the horse, for business and for life. From basic and advanced horseshoeing classes to graduate-level training, BPFS focuses on protecting the feet of all horses to make them last and perform at their optimal best. BPFS provides the most value for students’ education investment available today.

Basic Curriculum

Basic 6-Week Curriculum

In the Basic 6-Week Curriculum, students will master the seven skill areas in the first two levels of the Butler Farrier Career Matrix.

240 hours in class, 60 hours of homework; 300 hours total.

Course objective is to produce farriers qualified to work on sound horses. The first half of The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3) is used for the curriculum of this course.

Topics include terminology, basic anatomy of the foot and leg, geometric balance, shoe and pad selection, limb unsoundnesses, business and people skills, horseshoe modifications, shoeing feet and more.

Advanced Curriculum

Advanced 6-Week Curriculum

In the Advanced 6-Week Curriculum, students will master the seven skill areas in the upper two levels of the Butler Farrier Career Matrix.

240 hours in class; 60 hours of homework; 300 hours total.

Course objective is to produce farriers qualified to do therapeutic work on specialized horses. We use the second half of The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3) for the curriculum of this course.

Topics include advanced anatomy of foot and leg, functional balance, handmade shoemaking, forge welding, bar shoe modification, specialized breed shoeing, shoeing feet and more. The advanced curriculum includes a detailed examination of shoeing for the various diseases of the horse’s foot and specialized breed/type shoeing.

Customized (Follow-Up) Farrier 1-Week Course

This 1-week short course is designed for the working farrier interested in improving their skill level. The course is customized to the individual depending on areas they need to work on. This course is not for a novice or individuals not having any experience. Some topics many include anatomy review, business improvement, shoemaking, shoeing efficiency, and preparation for certification. Course objective is to help working farriers excel in needed areas. For more information or questions, email us at jacob@dougbutler.com or call (800)728-3826 press 2 or (308)665-1510.