Horseshoeing School

Montana State University Horseshoeing School offers an eleven-week program designed specifically for those who wish to pursue careers as farriers. This professional course provides students with the opportunity to obtain a solid background in the field of farrier science through the application of sound principles in a practical hands-on setting. Students will have the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to establish their own practice, qualify for licensing at major race tracks, and prepare for the American Farrier Association Certification exam. Further study in an advanced class is also offered. The Animal and Range Sciences Department at Montana State University sponsors the Farrier Program. The Horseshoeing School, which was established in 1970, receives no extramural funding and is supported entirely with student fees.

Instructor
Tom Wolfe is the instructor in charge of the MSU Horseshoeing School. Tom has been a full-time professional farrier since 1971, working with all breeds and types of horses. Prior to his appointment at MSU, Tom practiced in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was licensed with the New Mexico State Racing Commission as a race plater and was the farrier for the Albuquerque Police Department Horse Patrol. Tom has been the official farrier for many western, hunter-jumper, Arabian, and all-breed horseshows. Tom is a member of the American Farrier Association and has served for three years on that organization's executive committee. In addition, he is certified with the A.F.A. as a journeyman farrier. Tom's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of New Mexico as well as completing the Advanced Farrier Science curriculum at New Mexico State University. Tom's sound technical background, practical experience, and national reputation and teaching aptitude creates a strong MSU farrier program.

Professional Course

• 8 hours daily; 11 weeks
• Offered Fall, Winter, Spring
• Sponsor: Animal & Range Sciences Department
• Objective: Preparation for career as professional horseshoer
• Maximum enrollment: 12

• Financial Aid for Students: Applicants who need financial assistance should contact the following offices for eligibility:
  • WIA (Workforce Investment Act, contact local Job Service for information)
  • Veterans Office (GI Bill)
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Note: this school is not certified for Guaranteed Student Loans (GSL), the Pell Grant, or similar types of federal student loans, due to its non-credit status.

Short Courses

• Purpose:
  • To provide horse owners with the skills necessary for trimming and balancing.
  • To allow student to practice skills in nailing, clinching and finishing necessary to replace lost shoes.
• Course Content:
  • Basic anatomy, physiology of the foot will be covered. Standards for evaluating a proper horseshoeing job will be presented. Lab work consists of pulling shoes, trimming and balancing feet. All students will have the opportunity to shoe a horse and perform the necessary clinching and finishing steps.
• Participants should bring their own horses
• The 3-day course is 8:00 - 5:00 Daily
• Class Fee: call Susan Cooper at 406-994-3722 for information about prices
• Optional Tool Rental: call Susan Cooper at 406-994-3722 for information about prices
• Contact Person: Instructor, Jerry Kawasaki direct at (406) 763-4432.

For more information
To receive applications and additional information about either the Professional Horseshoeing Course or the Horseshoeing Short Courses please contact:

Susan Cooper
scooper@montana.edu

or call 406-994-3722

or write Department of Animal & Range Sciences
PO Box 172900, MSU-Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717-2900

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 02/26/2008