located in Coupeville, WA on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washinton 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. 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
(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.
$3500 for a complete set of shoeing and forging tools including anvil and forge.
$300 for textbooks and supplies
$21,800 total for school and supplies.