2025: March 24 - May 16 & Sep 22 - Nov 14
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2025: March 24 - May 16 & Sep 22 - Nov 14
HORSESHOEING SCHOOL, HOOF HEALTH & HORSEMANSHIP CENTER
Top Tier Farrier School
Seeking a career as a professional farrier? We can give you the foundation you need. Our highly successful vocational program has helped self-motivated students from across the country and around the globe get their start.
Educated farriers are in demand in all corners of the U.S. and Internationally. If you like the idea of hard work, set
Seeking a career as a professional farrier? We can give you the foundation you need. Our highly successful vocational program has helped self-motivated students from across the country and around the globe get their start.
Educated farriers are in demand in all corners of the U.S. and Internationally. If you like the idea of hard work, setting your own pay and schedule, plus making a difference for animals under your care, we have you covered. You will gain the skills needed to start your business as a professional farrier.
Click on About MFS and Student Information for more details.
Self Employment
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the demand for qualified professional farriers is expected to grow 35-40% over the next few years. Fact is, there is plenty of work out there.
The farrier trade is one of the fastest growing in the United States.
If Graduates will show up on time, return phone calls promptly, and
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the demand for qualified professional farriers is expected to grow 35-40% over the next few years. Fact is, there is plenty of work out there.
The farrier trade is one of the fastest growing in the United States.
If Graduates will show up on time, return phone calls promptly, and learn to communicate to the horse owners why they are shoeing or trimming the horse the way they are, most will have all the business they ever want.
photo courtesy of MFS Graduate Liselle Batt
Western Maine Farrier Services
Truck Fabricator: Stonewell Bodies www.stonewellbodies.com
Join a Community of Lifelong Learners
Join a Community of Lifelong Learners
Upon graduation, graduates gain access to a private Facebook Group connecting you to MFS grads from around the world. This has proven to be an excellent resource for support and guidance on farrier related topics, as well as a safe place for you to ask questions to folks that have had similar education and experiences.
You will find tool r
Upon graduation, graduates gain access to a private Facebook Group connecting you to MFS grads from around the world. This has proven to be an excellent resource for support and guidance on farrier related topics, as well as a safe place for you to ask questions to folks that have had similar education and experiences.
You will find tool reviews, case study discussions, referrals, special event announcements, camaraderie and general horseshoeing banter. This is also where you can connect with Teddy and Mark when it comes to dealing with a tough foot related case. You’ll never be criticized for asking a question in this private “graduates only” group. All advice given is for the purposes of helping you in the advancement of your career and in your continuing education.
photo courtesy of Teddy Franke
MFS Reunion: Wickenburg, Arizona
Our Three Pillars of Farrier Education
Horsemanship
Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship
In the last twenty years there has been something of a renaissance in horsemanship. People have come to understand that it is far better to communicate and educate a horse rather than resort to force. We live in exciting times as ease of communication has allowed learning methods of horsemanship to grow exponentially.
Unfortunately many i
In the last twenty years there has been something of a renaissance in horsemanship. People have come to understand that it is far better to communicate and educate a horse rather than resort to force. We live in exciting times as ease of communication has allowed learning methods of horsemanship to grow exponentially.
Unfortunately many in the farrier trade still tend towards older more aggressive methods that at best yield short term results, or often leave horses stressed or resentful. We believe that to be a good farrier you must first learn to be a good horseman. That’s why a full third of our program is focused on laying a foundation in horsemanship that prospective farriers will "add to" over their lifetimes.
photo courtesy of Drew Myron
View Drew's article on Mission Farrier School
Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship
The word "farrier" is derived from the word ferrous referring to iron content. Traditional skill on the forge and anvil are still key to having a multitude of solutions available. Students learn to build and modify steel and aluminum shoes from bar stock. Part of craftsmanship is also knowing when to forge, and when a more modern solution such as a composite is the right option.
Hoof Science
Craftsmanship
Hoof Science
Students gain in depth understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb. We discuss in detail a wide variety of lameness pathologies, and give guidelines for good evaluation. We place a high emphasis on seeing and understanding functional sound biomechanics. We use the feral horse in an ideal environment as a model for good f
Students gain in depth understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb. We discuss in detail a wide variety of lameness pathologies, and give guidelines for good evaluation. We place a high emphasis on seeing and understanding functional sound biomechanics. We use the feral horse in an ideal environment as a model for good foot function and work to simulate that function in our domestic horses.
Our graduate's success speaks for its self and for us.
Approximately 80% of our students remain in the profession 3-5 years after graduation. About 15 years ago, The Farriers Journal posted that the national average hovers around 7%. We’re not sure if that is still true today, but never-the-less, that's quite a difference. Why? We believe that it’s partly because of the focused students we attract, but also because Mission Farrier School teaches you meaningful hoof science and how to understand and meet the needs of the foot for barefoot trimming and shoeing, and how to communicate that information to the client.
Practical application skills
Starting your farrier career at MFS will give you the tools necessary for you to craft the best solution for the horse. In short, we train problem solvers. As the first school to incorporate information gained by studies of the feral horse foot, we look to the mustang as a model of good foot function and recognize the differences with domestic feet. A horse at liberty in an ideal environment has many advantages over a horse kept inside. By mimicking certain aspects of this model foot in our hoof care we can help horses reach the best possible level of soundness, either through a natural trim or a shoe application.
Hot Shoeing | Cold Shoeing
MFS maintains a traditional approach to training on the forge and anvil and is dedicated to teaching quality traditional craftsmanship. These are critical skills for the modern farrier just as they were for farriers of antiquity.
Quality instruction with access to a range of horses
Good farriers need to also be good horseman. Today’s clients expect a farrier who can communicate through "timing" and "feel" rather than resorting to force.
It doesn’t matter what your experience level is, we start with the basics so that students can gain confidence in their horsemanship skills. Shoeing a horse loose in the round pen is a big part of that.
Therapeutic Shoeing is a part of our curriculum.
Our clientele has regularly included Laminitis cases, P3 fractures, white line disease, tendon and ligament injuries, stumbling and forging issues, navicular problems, cushings/metabolic disorders, and veterinary referrals.