Certificate IV in Farriery

Overview

Interested in becoming a farrier? You'll be a shoe-in after studying the Certificate IV in Farriery. This qualification provides a trade outcome in farriery, where farriers are employed to provide equine hoof care and shoeing services.

Students will learn theoretical knowledge of equine anatomy, biomechanics, and pathologies, and the ability to apply knowledge to technical solutions for a range of predictable and unpredictable problems. Graduates will gain the ability to interpret and accurately communicate information to owners/carers and veterinarians concerning equine hoof and shoe care, and related health issues in a variety of circumstances.

Duration

Apprenticeship blended delivery | 4 years course length | Part-time study load

Requirements

Before being accepted into this course applicants must:

• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
• Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
• Be over 15 years of age at the time of course commencement.
• Be employed as a Farrier.

It is recommended that all successful applicants be immunised against tetanus.

Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.

Industry requirements

• Farriery work involves bending, kneeling, squatting, lifting, and using hand tools for extended periods. Students must be capable of repeatedly lifting and holding horse limbs and performing tasks that require upper body strength and physical endurance.
• Farriers often work outdoors in all weather conditions, including hot, cold, or wet environments. Students should be prepared for and appropriately dressed for variable field conditions.
• Students are expected to adhere to strict WHS practices and maintain clean, safe working environments, particularly when using hot-shoeing forges or heavy tools.
• Students must wear appropriate PPE, including steel-capped boots, protective eyewear, gloves, and long pants to comply with safety protocols.

Student resources

Students must have:

• A laptop/computer with internet access.
• Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
• Steel-capped boots, protective eyewear, gloves, and long pants.

Field Placement

• Placement may be undertaken at a student's place of employment.
• The unit ACMFAR405 Coordinate day to day equine service operations is delivered in the workplace as part of the apprentice's normal workplace duties.
• In situations where all placement tasks are unable to be completed in the workplace, students have the option to gain their practical experience in another workplace, which has the necessary resources and placement opportunities.
• Hours are recorded in the practical placement log book, where trainers ensure the minimum 120 hours are met & the duties specified in the unit of competency are met.
• A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
• Placement is organised by the student.
• GOTAFE uniform/PPE is required to be worn during placement.

Assessment

Assessment methods may include:

• Knowledge questions
• Observations
• Written tasks
• Simulated demonstrations

Other Information

Students are expected to:

• Attend Wangaratta Tone Road Campus three days per week (8am - 4.30pm) for eight blocks (3 days) per year for Years 1 to 3, and 4 blocks (3 days) in the final year (28 blocks in total). A minimum of 80% attendance is required.
• Attend fortnightly 1 hour webinars. A minimum of 80% attendance is required.
• Attend monthly virtual catch ups with their trainer, timing arranged directly with trainer.
• Spend approximately 4-5 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
• Consolidate their learning in the workplace.
• Complete 120 hours of placement in their workplace during normal employment hours, as outlined in the placement details below.

Skills Developed

This course will equip participants with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to work as a professional farrier.

Graduates of this course are qualified to:

• Assess hoof health and conformation across a range of equine breeds and disciplines.
• Plan and carry out corrective and therapeutic shoeing in consultation with horse owners, veterinarians, and other equine professionals.
• Select, fabricate, and apply appropriate horseshoes to support the health, performance, and welfare of equines.
• Work safely and independently in a range of equine industry settings, adhering to biosecurity and animal welfare standards.

Compulsory Units

Careers

Farriers may work in diverse environments such as stables, equestrian centres, stud farms and breeding operations, racing stables, veterinary practices and equine hospitals.

The Certificate IV in Farriery supports individuals to build a specialised and sustainable career in the equine industry, contributing to improved equine welfare and performance while meeting the growing demand for qualified hoof care professionals across Australia.

How To Apply

Applying for a course at Wodonga TAFE is a simple 4-5 step process. You can learn more here: Understanding the application process