Why choose the AFTC?
Choosing the Farrier Trainers of Canada Apprenticeship Program is a wise decision for anyone looking to become a skilled farrier. Our program offers hands-on training from experienced professionals, as well as a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of the trade. With our program, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this rewarding career.
Becoming a Farrier
Interested in becoming a farrier, but not sure where to start?​
Your first step should be making sure that you’re ready for the challenging demands of this trade. Going for a ride along with a farrier is a great way to see exactly what exactly a farrier does and if this is the right career choice for you.
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The next step is to go to farrier school. Farrier school is where you will gain basic skills that will help you find a good apprenticeship. When looking for a school it’s important to look for accredited institutions, where the instructor is knowledgeable in the trade. If they have either an Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada (AJFC) or an American Farriers Association Certified Journeyman Farrier (CJF), then it is likely to be a worthwhile school to attend.
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Accredited farrier schools in Canada we recommend people investigate are:
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Institut de Technologie Agroalimentaire du Quebec, Apprenti Marechal-Ferrent, located in Quebec
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Kwantlen Polytechnic, Farrier Science, located in British Columbia
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Olds College, Farrier Science, located in Alberta​
While there are other privately run schools, the Approved Training Farriers of Canada (AFTC) does not endorse them. We advise potential students to thoroughly research schools.
After completing farrier school, you should look for an apprenticeship. A training farrier will help you develop the newfound skills from school. Now this is where the AFTC certification program begins. The AFTC provides training goals for farriers at different stages of their careers.
Level 1 Approved Apprentice Farrier of Canada (AAFC) is for new farriers entering the trade. These may be fresh graduates from farrier school or new apprentices.
Level 2 Approved Farrier of Canada (AFC) is meant for farriers who are independently working on horses while still developing skills and knowledge.
Level 3 Approved Journeyman Farrier (AJFC) is for experienced farriers that are working at an advanced level or want to take on apprentices.
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For more information about becoming a farrier, or help finding local farriers looking to take on apprentices, these are the regional farrier associations across Canada:
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Association des Marechaux-Ferrants du Quebec (AMFQ): https://amfq.org/
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Eastern Ontario Farriers Association (EOFA): www.easternontariofarriers.com
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Ontario Farriers Association: www.ontariofarriers.ca
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Western Canadian Farrier Association (WCFA): https://wcfa.ca/
These associations frequently run clinics, conferences, and competitions that are available to farriers and the horse community. Contact them directly for more information on events they may be having near you!
Are you interested in becoming an Approved Training Farrier (ATF)?
You must hold at least the following:
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A.F.A. C.J.F. or Dip. W.C.F.
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Record of successful competing at national level exams, or membership of a national farrier team.
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A letter of support from a current apprentice and/or past apprentice.
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A brief resume outlining previous experience training farriers, type of business and work facilities available for training.
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A current criminal record check.
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Role of the Approved Training Farrier:
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Teach & demonstrate art & science of farriery.
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Provide a fixed or mobile shop in the form of basic forging tools and a work area for the apprentice to develop their skills.
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Help the apprentice to develop practical skills to the AFTC program standard
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Provide the student with the opportunity to work on a variety of different breeds & situations that cannot be provided in a college setting.
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Farriers wishing to become an ATF will be reviewed on an individual basis. Preference is given to Farriers that carry Journeyman Credentials from the AFA, AFTC or a diploma from the WCF.
The AFTC farrier apprenticeship program has distinct outcomes and requirements for each of the three years. To get a better understanding of these outcomes, you can click on the PDFs provided below. These documents contain comprehensive information on what you can anticipate achieving throughout each year of the program.
FIRST LEVEL SYLLABUS -
Approved Apprentice Farrier of Canada ( AAFC)
SECOND LEVEL SYLLABUS -
Approved Farrier of Canada (AFC)
