Farrier Training

Doug Butler is an internationally known farrier and professor with more than 40 years of practical teaching experience. He writes about, teaches and practices the farrier’s craft and will teach you how to Become a Horseshoer and provide excellent Farrier Training. 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. The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3) is the most widely used textbook in the world on the subject of farrier training. Doug 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 Butler is an author, speaker, coach and consultant to successful horsemen all over the world.

Jacob Butler, CJF, has been shoeing over 11 years. He taught at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for four years. Jake has a special interest in the anatomy of the horse’s leg and has taught as a volunteer at the AFA convention Anatomy Lab for the last five years. He is the co-author of The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3). Peter Butler has been shoeing for over 3 years. He relates to the beginner. He has studied and practices the methods of the masters of horse behavior modification. Pete helps students feel comfortable around horses and develop their horse skills.

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.

While many horseshoers can shoe a horse, few can teach it well and instruct others to become a farrier. Our farrier training 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. We help students exceed their highest expectations. 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.

Our world-class facilities here at Butler Professional Farrier Training School were built in 2002. All the school is under one roof with classroom, individual learning stations, large indoor arenas for observing movement; office and dormitory are all connected. We provide the best working tools to learn with, and have the largest collection of horseshoes, pictures, teaching aides, and foot models in America. On-campus housing is available. It’s the best place to learn Farrier Training.

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 and farrier training. 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 to “tune up” basic skills or learn a specific advanced skill are available, as well as a six-week advanced course for those who have been through our basic course.

We accept between 6 and 8 students per class. There are three instructors with lots of one-on-one time with each. In this way each student is assured the personal attention and instruction they need to get the most from each and every course.

The Basic 6-Week Curriculum will help the student master the 7 skill areas in the first two levels of the farrier career matrix as described in The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3). This includes 240 hours in class and 60 hours of homework for a total of 300 hours. The 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 legs, geometric balance, shoe and pad selection, limb unsoundness, business and people skills, horseshoe modifications and shoeing feet. Tuition is $5,250. Onsite housing is listed separately since some choose to stay off-site. Tools are also listed separately since some already have them or want to acquire tools on their own. Please contact us for a required tool list.

The Advanced 6-Week Curriculum will help students master the 7 skill areas in the upper two levels of the farrier career matrix. This includes 240 hours in class and 60 hours of homework for a total of 300 hours. The course objective is to produce farriers qualified to do therapeutic work on specialized horses. The second half of The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3) is used for the curriculum of this course. Topics include advanced anatomy of the foot and leg, functional balance, handmade shoemaking, forge welding, bar shoe modification, specialized breed shoeing, and shoeing feet. Tuition is $5,250. Onsite housing is listed separately since some choose to stay off-site. Tools are also listed separately since some already have them or want to acquire tools on their own. Please contact us for a required tool list.

Graduate-level professional farrier skills training classes are designed for dedicated farriers who love this work, want to master the trade and desire to excel in every aspect of their profession. Professional skills development opportunities with Doug Butler include graduate-level farrier training classes, one-on-one instruction, small group workshops at your location, home study and private consulting.

Our website always keeps a current schedule of upcoming farrier training classes so that you can plan your schedule accordingly. With a variety of dates and classes students are able to find a time and course that best suits their needs. Classes meet 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

We expect farrier training students to come willing to learn. They must have a work ethic and be disciplined, with a desire to excel. They must be able to read and write at the high school level. We expect them to have high standards of character – to be dependable and responsible. Students must be capable of and accustomed to hard work and focused study.

Butler Professional Farrier School is clearly the best choice in American farrier training schools. It provides the best value for the money. You learn to really understand the craft and learn farrier training, not just learn how to do it. You learn from experienced teachers who put you first — and teach you right the first time. Feel free to apply online or call us directly at 800-728-3826 to assist you.