You could take a Level 2 Access to Farriery course at college that will give you some of the skills and knowledge to apply to be an apprentice farrier.

This takes 12 months to complete.

Entry requirements

Most people following this route have:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

You can get into this work by doing an advanced apprenticeship in farriery with an approved training farrier.

This takes 48 months to complete and includes training on the job and periods of study at a college approved by the Farriers Registration Council.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• City and Guilds Forgework Certificate

You could join the army as a soldier with the Household Cavalry.

After 2 years as a mounted ceremonial trooper, you'll be eligible to apply for the Forge within the regiment and join a team of farriers.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a farrier you'll:

• talk to the horse owner about what work is required
• check the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems
• cut away excess hoof growth and make sure the horse is properly balanced
• choose suitable shoes for the horse's size, foot condition and type of activity
• make horseshoes by hand or on a machine
• shape shoes, using a hammer and anvil
• fit horseshoes
• make final checks to finish

You could work at a client's business, at a riding stable or on a farm.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.