Certificate in Farrier Science

Program Overview

Certificate in Farrier Science

Program Overview

The Certificate in Farrier Science program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to work proficiently as a qualified farrier. The program meets the needs of horse owners in various equine disciplines and maintains and improves the well-being of their horses.

Program Details

• Duration: 30 weeks
• Location: KPU Tech campus
• Class and shop time: Four days a week with the instructor
• Fifth day: Developing industry connections by researching, investigating, and interviewing farriers, veterinarians, farrier suppliers, and others in the horse industry
• Practicum (FARR 1140): Hands-on skill development, exposing students to farriery in the field
• ePortfolio (FARR 1150): Documenting, tracking, and reflecting on classroom, shop, and field experiences and building a professional network

Admission Requirements

• Personal Protective Equipment and Tools:
  • CSA-approved steel-toed work boots that cover the ankles
  • Safety glasses
  • Hearing protection
  • Farrier's leather apron
  • Long hair must be tied back and tied up
• Tools: Approximately $2,200 (a full list of tools, equipment, and supplies will be provided by the instructor)

Career Outcomes

• Farriery
• Recreational
• Guide
• Ranch/Work
• Sport
• Racing

Faculty

• Heather O'Brien - Primary Instructor
• Gerard Laverty - Substitute Instructor
• Kaylin Ottens - Program Assistant

Program Schedule

• Next intake: October 27, 2025 - June 5, 2026
• 240 hours working alongside a professional farrier from March to May

Additional Information

• The program is designed to provide students with a mix of classroom instruction and applied learning to prepare them to deliver exceptional care to any horse.
• Students will gain an understanding of equine anatomy and physiology and the necessary skills to carry out farriery in a safe, humane, and empathic manner.
• Graduates from KPU's farrier program have gone on to successful careers around the world, as well as to compete at the international level.

Program Outline

Extracted Information from KPU's Certificate in Farrier Science Program:

Degree Overview:

• Objectives:
• Prepare students to deliver exceptional care to horses as qualified farriers.
• Develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for proficient farriery work.
• Meet the needs of horse owners in various equine disciplines.
• Improve and maintain the well-being of horses through proper hoof care.
• Description:
• 30-week program combining classroom instruction and applied learning.
• Focuses on equine anatomy and physiology, farriery techniques, and safe, humane, and empathetic practices.
• Enables students to adapt their work to individual horses' needs.
• Provides hands-on experience through a practicum and opportunities to build professional networks.
• Delivered at the KPU Tech campus with four days of instruction and one day dedicated to industry connection building.
• Includes a first-hand experience with a professional farrier during a 240-hour period between March and May.

Outline:

• Content:
• Equine anatomy and physiology
• Farriery techniques
• Handling horses
• Trimming hooves
• Forging and shaping metal
• Making horseshoes
• Shoeing horses
• Safe and humane practices
• Adapting work to individual horses' needs
• Building professional networks
• ePortfolio development
• Structure:
• 30 weeks
• 4 days of instruction per week
• 1 day dedicated to industry connection building
• 240-hour practicum with a professional farrier
• ePortfolio development
• Course Schedule:
• Not provided in the context.
• Modules:
• Not explicitly mentioned in the context, but the content listed above suggests the program is divided into modules covering each area of expertise.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Practicum
• ePortfolio
• Examinations (likely)
• Assignments (likely)
• Criteria:
• Not explicitly mentioned in the context, but likely includes:
• Knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology
• Proficiency in farriery techniques
• Ability to handle horses safely and effectively
• Ability to adapt work to individual horses' needs
• Professionalism and communication skills
• Ability to build professional networks

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Classroom instruction
• Hands-on learning
• Practicum
• ePortfolio development
• Faculty:
• Heather O'Brien (Primary Instructor)
• Gerard Laverty (Substitute Instructor)
• Kaylin Ottens (Program Assistant)
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on safe and humane practices
• Individualized learning through adapting work to each horse's needs
• Integration of ePortfolio development for professional networking and reflection

Careers:

• Paths:
• Farrier
• Equine industry sectors:
• Recreational
• Guide
• Ranch/Work
• Sport
• Racing
• Opportunities:
• Work in various environments:
• Ranches
• Racetracks
• With different horse breeds
• Outcomes:
• Successful careers around the world
• Competition at the international level

Other:

• Personal Protective Equipment and Tools:
• Required equipment:
• CSA approved steel-toed work boots
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Farrier's leather apron
• Required tools (cost approximately $2,200):
• Full list provided by the instructor

Additional Notes:

• The program begins on October 23, 2023, and finishes on June 1, 2024.
• Information sessions are available for those interested in learning more.
• The program is delivered at the KPU Tech campus.
• More information about the program can be found on the KPU website.
## Conclusion: This extraction provides a comprehensive overview of the KPU Certificate in Farrier Science program, covering various aspects such as degree overview, outline, assessment, teaching, careers, and other relevant information.