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Horseshoer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
Farriers care for horses’ hooves. They may apply horseshoes. Horseshoes can protect hooves, provide traction, or correct gait. In general, farriers:
Farriers also may make tools to help with farrier work.
Farriers work with horses from all industries including racing, Western riding, English riding, and pleasure riding. Farriers must provide their own tools. Most drive to clients in vehicles set up with portable forges, anvils, and other tools of the trade.
Farriers often work long hours. They mainly work outdoors or in stables. Farriers work year-round. There tends to be less work in the winter.
It takes about an hour on average to shoe a horse. Farriers must work with speed and confidence. At the same time, they must be calm with nervous or difficult horses.
The work is physically demanding. There is constant bending and heavy lifting. Injuries may result from kicks, bites, or burns from hot metal. Repetitive use injuries are common as well with wrist, elbow, and back problems being the most common. Farriers may also be stepped on or pushed when working with difficult horses.
Farriers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 01, 2022 and Jun 04, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 74 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 73 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 73 |
| Attention to detail | 71 |
| Manual dexterity | 64 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 60 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 58 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 54 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Power tools | 53 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Hand tools | 53 |
Farriers need to know:
One method of learning the skills of the farrier trade is through an informal apprenticeship with an experienced farrier. The length of such a training program would depend on the person’s skills and desire to learn.
However, informal apprenticeships are often hard to set up because of the unpaid time the farrier must invest in them. Farrier Trainers of Canada (FTC) has a minimum three-year apprenticeship structure with testing at specific stages. It results in Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada certification upon graduation.
Since most farriers work for themselves, they must be motivated to succeed. They should read and attend clinics to keep up with new techniques. They should also have good marketing and business skills.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most farriers are self-employed. Many start out by working part time while doing another job. They go full time when they have gathered enough clients. They may work in small shops or out of mobile units. They may travel to:
Experienced farriers may specialize in a particular type of horse, like show horses, racetrack horses, or pleasure horses.
Advancement generally takes the form of building a larger client base.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.
2016 NOC: 7384
78.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Farriers are self-employed and must pay operating expenses from their gross earnings. Their net earnings vary widely depending on the geographic area and the farrier’s reputation and business skills.
American Farrier’s Association (AFA) website: americanfarriers.org
Farrier Trainers of Canada (FTC) website: www.farriertrainersofcanada.ca
Western Canadian Farrier’s Association (WCFA) website: www.wcfa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
