Located in Coupeville on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington state. Owned and operated by Brian Strelow, a Certified Journeyman Farrier through the American Farriers Association.
The 24 Week Fundamental Farrier Training Program offered by Stray Dog Forge Farrier Training is designed to prepare qualified students for a career in the farrier industry. The curriculum will focus on students taking the American Farriers Association Certified Farrier exams after succesful completion of the program. Unlike other schools in North America, we offer the smallest class size in the US with a 2:1 ratio, where you will work one on one with one of the countries most respected farriers.
24 weeks - 1152 clock hours.
(100 hours) Anatomy and physiology of lower equine limb. (Classroom)
(20 hours) Farrier industry history and product identification. (Classroom)
(50 hours) Business practices- Veterinarian/Farrier relations and Client/Farrier relations.(Classroom and Shoeing Bay)
(125 hours) Independent study and practice.(Classroom and Forging Area)
(15 hours) Shop safety. (Forging Area and Blacksmith Shop)
(160 hours) Modification of pre-made shoes and fabrication of handmade shoes.(Forging Area)
(130 hours) Horse handling/safety and trimming. (Shoeing Area)
(50 Hours) Tool making and maintenance (Forging Area)
(220 hours) Shoemaking and fitting at the horse. (Forging Area and Shoeing Area)
(45 hours) Conformation and gait analysis. Soundness evaluation. (Classroom and Shoeing Area)
(237 hours) Practice on skills learned under the horse. (Shoeing Area and Forging Area)
Hours are an estimation and will be flexible depending on the individual needs of the student.
Classroom instruction will encompass approximately 25% of the course with lecture/discussion, video presentation, quizzes, and testing.
Forging instruction and practice will encompass approximately 25% of the course including demonstration and hands on instruction.
Live horse trimming and shoeing will encompass approximately 50% of the course including demonstration and hands on instruction.
Upon successful completion of the course students will receive a certificate of completion.
Tuition and Additional Costs
$18,000 tuition for the 24 week course. $1000 deposit is required and will be applied to the balance.
$300 for textbooks and supplies
$18,350 total for school and supplies.
Students will have access to all school owned trimming and forging tools along with a school anvil and forge. For approximately $3500, students can purchase a complete set of shoeing and forging tools including anvil and forge.
Housing will be avaiable on site at no additional charge.