by CRAIG STARK, BS, CJF, DipWCF, Certification Committee Chairman, AFA
Photos by Emily Stark
The craft of farriery is nearly as old as civilization itself. Early forms of horseshoes were used by migratory Eurasian tribes as early as the second century B.C., but the nailed-on horseshoe as we recognize it today didn’t appear in Europe until around A.D. 450-480. In 1356, England established the first official fellowship of farriers, known as the Worshipful Company of Farriers. By 1887, they introduced a formal practical examination for the trade. In the United States, the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) was founded in 1971 and remains the organization behind the only internationally recognized farrier certification programs.
“As someone who’s seen firsthand the doors opened by AFA certification, I highly recommend taking the next step.” — Craig Stark
The old saying “No foot, no horse” perfectly captures the importance of hoof care. A knowledgeable farrier understands equine anatomy and physiology and works to meet the individual needs of each horse. It’s essential for a farrier to recognize what adjustments can be made to a hoof, when a barefoot trim will suffice, and when a protective appliance or corrective measures are necessary to maintain soundness. Farriery is more than just a trade — it’s a passion and a deeply rewarding career built on care, skill and connection with horses.
The horse industry in Oklahoma is constantly evolving, offering farriers a wealth of opportunities. With a wide range of disciplines and equine events, tradesmen can choose to specialize or build a diverse portfolio, working with many types of horses. From million-dollar show barns to backyard pasture pets, there’s work for everyone — and every horse, regardless of its role, deserves the same level of care and consideration.
“It’s not about how much hoof you take off, but how much you leave behind.”
A skilled farrier knows that each horse has unique needs to stay comfortable and perform at its best. This requires deep knowledge of the hoof’s anatomy and the structures of the limb above it. Understanding bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles — and how they function throughout every stage of a horse’s movement — is essential to keeping a horse sound.
Inevitably, horses find ways to injure themselves. When they do, farriers often take on a therapeutic role, managing the issue until the horse heals. This is where blacksmithing skills come into play, allowing the farrier to forge or modify shoes to best support the horse’s needs. The ability to build or adjust shoes on-site minimizes the need for a large inventory while still meeting daily demands.
Today’s farrier toolbox includes not only traditional steel and aluminum shoes but also modern materials like synthetics and adhesives — each with a vital role in contemporary hoof care. A well-rounded farrier invests countless hours in continuing education to grow his or her knowledge, seek advice and gain hands-on experience in all these areas.
Equally important is the working relationship between farriers and equine veterinarians. A skilled farrier should be able to read and interpret radiographs, ultrasounds and even MRIs. Familiarity with medical terminology strengthens this collaboration, helping ensure the best possible outcomes for the horse.
Unfortunately, in the United States, there are no formal requirements to become a farrier. There’s no national licensing system or wholesale market exclusive to professionals, and anyone can purchase tools and begin calling themselves a “hoof care professional.” Continuing education isn’t mandatory either; it’s up to the individual to seek out opportunities to improve.
The best introduction to this incredible trade is through a reputable farrier school. However, as in any profession, school is just the beginning. It prepares graduates to become competent apprentices, and it’s during those apprenticeships that the real education takes place.
Farrier Schools in the Oklahoma Region:
- Five Star Horseshoeing School – Minco, Okla.
- Heartland Horseshoeing School – Lamar, Mo.
- Oklahoma Horseshoeing School – Purcell, Okla.
- Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School – Ardmore, Okla.
While farriers technically compete for clients, the industry is remarkably supportive. It’s one of the few trades where professionals consistently help one another, share knowledge and celebrate each other’s growth. It’s an amazing community to be part of.
Each state has its own farrier association that hosts clinics, contests and certification events throughout the year. These groups are invaluable for both professional development and networking. The farrier community is full of outstanding individuals always willing to lend a hand, offer advice or step in should injury occur.
As with many aspects of life, setting goals for achievement helps us avoid becoming stagnant in our skill development. I don’t believe in the concept of a skill plateau — you’re either improving or regressing. The AFA’s certification program is a proven, time-tested pathway to professional growth. It consists of three progressive levels, each requiring deeper knowledge and more refined skill.
Each level includes:
- A comprehensive written exam testing anatomy and physiology
- A forging demonstration involving specific modifications
- A live shoeing component scored by a panel of peers
AFA Certification Levels
- Certified Farrier (CF) – Mid-level certification focused on balanced trimming, shoe fit and basic forging skills
- Certified Tradesman Farrier (CTF) – Advanced certification for farriers with strong practical skills who may not pursue journeyman status
- Certified Journeyman Farrier (CJF) – The highest standard, involving rigorous written, practical and forging exams
After achieving CJF status, farriers may pursue one or more of the following endorsements:
- Therapeutic Endorsement (TE) – A deep dive into lameness treatment and therapeutic shoeing
- Forging Endorsement (FE) – For farriers with advanced blacksmithing abilities, showcasing superior craftsmanship
- Educator Endorsement (EE) – For those passionate about teaching and mentoring future farriers
Each state association functions as an extension of the AFA, providing accessible, localized opportunities for education and professional development. Additionally, the World Championship Blacksmiths (WCB) is a national organization that promotes “education through competition,” hosting events across the country for individuals and teams alike.
Gaining a lifetime of experience traditionally takes just that — a lifetime. But by engaging in certification programs, competitions, hands-on clinics and ride-alongs with seasoned farriers, this learning process can be accelerated. After all, it would be a sad and uneventful profession if we didn’t have the challenge — and the opportunity — to learn more with every horse we work on.
Sidebar
Resources for Aspiring Farriers
- American Farrier’s Association
- Oklahoma Farrier’s Association
Neighboring State Associations
- Texas Professional Farrier’s Association
- Missouri Association of Professional Farriers
- Kansas Farrier’s Association
- World Championship Blacksmiths
