Farrier Science Program at Olds College Extended

Responding to industry demand, Olds College is changing its one-year farrier program to a two-year program starting this October. The college’s new Farrier Science Diploma will see students emerging with increased knowledge of equine anatomy, horse handling and horse husbandry. As well, emphasis will be increased on welding, basic blacksmithing and advanced corrective and therapeutic horseshoeing. In keeping with the college’s emphasis on hands-on learning, program completion will now require a total of 8 months of Directed Field Study, split into five-month and three-month sections respectively. Mark Hobby, President of the Western Canadian Farriers Association, believes that new farriers today need more training than can currently be found on the continent. While Hobby commends Olds College’s current one-year program, he says it is still not long enough. He adds the proposed two year program is essential for the future of farriers in the province.

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