Horseshoeing School

Montana State University Horseshoeing School offers an eleven-week program designed specifically for those who wish to pursue careers as farriers. This professional course provides students with the opportunity to obtain a solid background in the field of farrier science through the application of sound principles in a practical hands-on setting. Students will have the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to establish their own practice, qualify for licensing at major race tracks, and prepare for the American Farrier Association Certification exam. Further study in an advanced class is also offered. The Animal and Range Sciences Department at Montana State University sponsors the Farrier Program. The Horseshoeing School, which was established in 1970, receives no state funding and is supported entirely with student fees.

Photo by Kelly Gorham

Making the Shoe Fit, MSU's acclaimed farrier school forges international reputation;

Mountains and Minds Magazine - Spring 2008 Issue, story by Suzi Taylor

Instructor
Tom Wolfe is the instructor in charge of the MSU Horseshoeing School. Tom has been a full-time professional farrier since 1971, working with all breeds and types of horses. Prior to his appointment at MSU, Tom practiced in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was licensed with the New Mexico State Racing Commission as a race plater and was the farrier for the Albuquerque Police Department Horse Patrol. Tom has been the official farrier for many western, hunter-jumper, Arabian, and all-breed horseshows. Tom is a member of the American Farrier Association and has served for three years on that organization's executive committee. In addition, he is certified with the A.F.A. as a journeyman farrier. Tom's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of New Mexico as well as completing the Advanced Farrier Science curriculum at New Mexico State University. Tom's sound technical background, practical experience, and national reputation and teaching aptitude creates a strong MSU farrier program.

Professional Course

Winter 2010 January 4 - March 19, 2010 in session

Spring 2010 March 29 - June 11, 2010 accepting applications (5 openings)

Fall 2010 September 13 - November 24, 2010 accepting applications

Winter 2011 January 3 - March 18, 2011 accepting applications

Professional Course Application

Photos by Kelly Gorham

• 8 hours daily; 11 weeks
• Offered Fall, Winter, Spring
• Sponsor: Animal & Range Sciences Department
• Objective: Preparation for career as professional horseshoer
• Maximum enrollment: 12

• Financial Aid for Students: Applicants who need financial assistance should contact the following offices for eligibility:
  • Veterans Office (GI Bill)
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Local Job Service
  • SALLIEMAE.com
  • Rural Employment Opportunites (for Montana Residents) 1-800-546-1140

Note: this school is not certified for Guaranteed Student Loans (GSL), the Pell Grant, or similar types of federal student loans, due to its non-credit status.

Short Courses

BAREFOOT TRIMMING (3 Days)

Instructor - Jerry Kawasaki

Spring 2010 March 19, 20, and 21, 2010 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

Barefoot Trimming Short Course Application   Accepting applications (7 openings)

Photos by Kelly Gorham

• Purpose:
  • To provide horse owners with the skills necessary to properly trim and balance their horses feet with emphasis on preparing horses for extended periods of barefoot conditions.
  • No application of horseshoes is covered in this class.
• Course Content:
  • Basic anatomy and physiology of the foot will be covered with the aide of a hoof dissection. Standards for proper trimming and balancing will be presented.  Lab work consists of pulling shoes, trimming and balancing feet.
• Participants can bring their own horses
• The 3-day course is 8:00 - 4:00 Daily
• Class Fee $300
• Class size is limited to 10 participants. 

BLACKSMITHING (5 Days)

Instructor - Tom Wolfe

Please check back!

Photos by Kelly Gorham

• Purpose:
  • Introduce participants to basic blacksmithing techniques including drawing, upsetting, twisting, punching and riveting.
• Course Content
  • Hands on learning.  Applying techniques to projects that can be completed in the allotted class time.
• Class fee $400 which includes use of forges, anvils, speciality tools, and materials.
• Class size is limited to 10 participants.

For more information
To receive applications and additional information about either the Professional Horseshoeing Course or the Horseshoeing Short Courses please contact:

Sandra Voegeli
sandra.voegeli@montana.edu

or call 406-994-3721

or write Department of Animal & Range Sciences
PO Box 172900, MSU-Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717-2900

Photos by Sandy Voegeli

Tom Wolfe demonstrating skills for class.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 01/29/2010