Accepting applications for our upcoming sessions. Visit our Application page for details.

Support Us

We are looking for teaching horses for our students. If you are interested in having your horses trimmed or shod at discounted rates while supportging farrier education, please contact us ([email protected] or 708-297-7620). 

All the work is done by the students and closely supervised/inspected by the instructors.

Course Overview

The Montana State University (MSU) Farrier School was established in 1970 and is part of the Department of Animal and Range Sciences. The shop and classroom buildings are located approximately one mile west of the main MSU campus at the Bozeman Agricultural Research and Teaching (BART) Farm.

This well-resepected school creates proficient, knowledgable farriers with the skills to perform professional work on all types of horses. The 12-week course is carefully structured with a proven balance of theory and practice. In the classroom, students will learn equine lower limb anatomy and physiology, and key concepts of biomechanics. In the shop, students will connect concepts learned in the classroom with trimming and forging techniques, including the fundamentals of shoe making and how to properly fit the horse's foot. As students advance through the course, more specialized forging and shoe making will be covered. The course structure and small class size ensure that each student receives individual instruction tailored to their skill level and learning style.

  • Spring 2025, Feb 10th - May 2nd
  • Summer 2025, May 12th - Aug 1st
  • Fall 2025, Aug 18th - Nov 7th
  • Fall 2024, Aug 19th - Nov 8th - 2 SEATS

The local equine community provides an abundant supply of horses for valuable skill development. The school works closely with equine veterinarians, giving students an insight into farrier-veterinarian relationships, and opportunity to learn about corrective shoeing protocols for managing lameness. Guest lectures are part of the curriculum, and the school encourages visits from outside practicing farriers. ensuring that students gain real-world exposure to the farrier industry. 

Upon completion students will have the skills necessary to establish their own farrier practice and will be prepared for the American Farrier's Association Certification (CF) Exam.

Private Advanced Study Options

The private advanced studies are designed for those who wish to improve their farrier skills. They are short sessions, usually one week long, tailored to each student whether the goal is to learn to pull a clip, tune up for an examination or just improve overall techniques. Taking place during our off season, these workshops are forged to further build and refine existing skills, not as an alternative to our traditional 12 week course.

For more information please contact Diego Almeida ([email protected] | 708-297-7620)

 

Calendar

For more information about the events hosted at the MSU Farrier School, please contact Diego Almeida ([email protected] | 708-297-7620)