Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Doug Butler?

Doug Butler is an internationally known farrier and professor with over 40 years of practical teaching experience. He writes about, teaches and practices the farrier’s craft. He has devoted his life to studying problems associated with horse foot care and simplifying essential information into usable solutions that can be shared and used by fellow horse professionals. He assists professional farriers and horse owners throughout the country with challenging cases and problems. He is dedicated to excellence in horse foot care.

Doug is the only person in the world who is a PhD, CJF and FWCF. He is one of only 500 Certified Journeyman Farriers in the United States; one of about 40 living FWCF’s in the world and the first American citizen to achieve it; and one of only 155 Fellows of Worshipful Company of Farriers since 1356 A.D. Dr. Butler has trained hundreds of the top American farriers and farrier educators in his 42 years of teaching horseshoeing.

Doug is author of The Principles of Horseshoeing, the most widely used textbook in the world on the subject of farriery. He also writes articles and other books on horse foot care for farriers, veterinarians and horse owners. He has been inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, and has been named a “Farrier Industry Legend.” Doug is an author, speaker, coach and consultant to successful horsemen all over the world. [ www.dougbutler.com ]

Q. How is Butler Professional Farrier School different from other farrier schools?

A. Students learn from experienced teachers as well as horseshoers. While many can shoe a horse, few can teach it well. Our instructors are experienced teachers and the authors of the most widely used textbook on the subject in the world. We provide an intense learning experience on our own horses for a better scheduled learning experience.

Q. Why are the facilities at BPFS considered “world-class?”

A. Our facilities were built in 2002. All the school is under one roof with classroom, individual learning stations, large arena for observing movement, office and dormitory all connected.

Q. What’s unique about your teaching methods and how is that important to the student?

A. We teach our students about horses and the horse business along with the craft of farriery. We require students to apply the material in the textbook – not just be exposed to it. We provide an in depth education in the subject.

Q. Why are the basic classes a minimum of six weeks long? How does that compare to other schools? Are shorter classes available?

A. Over the years, we have taught courses of varying lengths. We have found that six weeks is the minimum time one really can learn the basics of horseshoeing. Any less time provides merely an introduction. Six weeks (five days/week) is the same amount of time one puts into a college semester. We shorten your learning curve with the teaching techniques we’ve learned by experience. Courses of a few days in length, as well as a six week advanced course are available to those who have been through our basic course.

Q. What is the farrier career matrix and why is it important?

A. The farrier career matrix was created by Doug Butler as he studied how farriers learn during the writing of Six-figure Shoeing. It combines the best ideas from American and European farrier training schools. It is important for farrier students to realize they must master one part of the craft before they can grasp and master another. It is only through mastery that one can become confident and successful.

Q. What is the average size class at BPFS and what is the student:teacher ratio? What do you mean by “Learn it right the first time?”

A. We accept between 6 and 10 students per class. There are three instructors with lots of one-on-one time with each. As we have taught horseshoeing in various venues, we have “retrained” many disappointed students who were tempted to think they could learn the craft by simply watching or attending a clinic or short course of a few days or weeks in length. They recognized too late that they needed and wanted more. We encourage people to get it right the first time.

Q. What does it mean to “shoe for soundness” and how is that different from other approaches to farrier training?

A. Balance is critical to maintain a horse’s soundness. We teach traditional three-dimensional balance techniques that have been verified by scientific research. These are the most practical and effective means of maintaining or restoring soundness.

Q. What qualities do you look for (and expect from) students who attend BPFS?

A. We expect students to come willing to learn. They must have a work ethic, be disciplined with a desire to excel. We expect them to read and write at the high school level. And, we expect them to have high standards of character – to be dependable and responsible.

Q. How do you forge a firm foundation for farriers, horses and life?

A. We, of course, spend a lot of time forging horseshoes. Yet horsemanship, people skills, and business training are also important. We believe the “Cowboy Code” is an important part of the character of successful farriers.

Q. Why should I attend BPFS?

A. Butler Professional Farrier School is clearly the best choice in American farrier schools. It provides the best value for the money. You learn to really understand the craft, not just learn how to do it.

A. What time is lunch?

A. Each week day will be strictly scheduled with classroom, shoeing, forging, homework, one-on-one instruction – and lunch. You will learn to work by the clock. Everything will be scheduled to make the best use of the time you spend with us.