How to Use This Reference Guide
There will be a lot of work and learning material to cover over your next three years of apprenticeship. Your ATF (Approved Trained Farrier) will play a key role in your farrier education by providing hands-on training in the art and science of farriery. In order for the apprenticeship program to keep track of your on-the-job training experience, you are expected to provide a portfolio of work done to show the experience and skills you have gained. Working through the tasks outlined in this guide will help you develop your portfolio. Submissions to the portfolio will be done every 4 months. Failure to do so may limit access to taking exams
Role of the Approved Trained Farrier (ATF)
● The ATF will be required to teach and demonstrate the art and science of farriery. ● Provide a fixed or mobile shop in the form of basic forging tools such as anvil and forge for the student to develop their forging skills.
● Help the student to develop practical skills to the AFTC program standards. ● Provide the student with the opportunity to work on a variety of different equine breeds and situations that cannot be provided in a college setting.
1. Basic Course Information
Course Title
● AFTC/AMFFC – Canadian Farrier Apprenticeship Program
Instructor Information
● Name of ATF and title (example- CJF, DipWCF
● Office address and contact number
● Email address
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AFTC / AMFFC
Canadian Farrier Apprenticeship
Required Textbooks
Gregory’s Textbook of Farriery – Chris Gregory – CJF,FWCF (year 1)
The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3) – Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler (year2) The Whole Horse – David Gill (year 3)
Prerequisites for the Program
Application for the apprenticeship including the complete practical entry test can be submitted digitally, Performed at an approved school or performed in person at any AFTC exam.
● A recognized foundation Farrier program or period of self-preparation under a practicing farrier. This period will be considered part of Year One of the program. ● Confirmation of commitment by a recognized Farrier
● Presentation from the candidate to support their application and to demonstrate they have a good comprehension of the following:
– Horsemanship
– Horse anatomy
– Physiology (Normal function)
– Safety
– Provincial labour regulations, rights and responsibilities.
After the candidate has given a presentation, questions will be asked if needed to fill in anything missed. Different levels of knowledge will be present and it is important for the teaching farrier to understand the knowledge of their new apprentice.
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AFTC / AMFFC
Canadian Farrier Apprenticeship
Credentials
The credentials of Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada ( AJFC) will be awarded to the candidates upon successful completion of the third year exam.
Practical Entry Test
No Time Limit, Pass or Fail, All tests monitored for horse welfare (by an experienced farrier).
Prior to entry of the program, the candidate will be given a practical test on the following:
– Removal of shoes, Pass: Intact feet, well cleaned.
Fail: Ripping foot off, pulling excessively on leg
– Trim for barefoot, Pass: Foot trimmed to Ducketts Dot (foot
proportions), exfoliating sole and frog present within reason. Foot edges are smooth/rounded.
Fail: Foot trimmed to give in the sole, blood drawn. Foot left excessively long. – Clinch one front and one hind
– Horse management
– Working position
– Safety
– Tools