We take on a new apprentice each year because we believe in contributing to the craft and the equine industry. We are then able to instil our own standards from the very beginning of their career.

To work as a farrier you must by law be registered with the Farriers Registration Council. The only way you can register is to do a four year apprenticeship with an approved training farrier.

Daniel is an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and we regularly have our facilities checked by health and safety and Farriery training agency field officers.

To do an apprenticeship you must be aged at least 16, pass a medical (which you have to pay for yourself) and have a placement with an approved training farrier. You also need either:

• Four GCSEs (A-C), including English and Maths (or equivalent qualifications) and a Forging Certificate, or
  
• The Farriery Access course.

Only 80 to 100 apprentices are taken on each year, so competition is strong. You will need to be prepared to move away from your local area to find an approved training farrier who has a vacancy.

On the apprenticeship you would get experience with an approved training farrier and complete 23 weeks block-release study at a college approved by the Farriery Training Agency. Your training would lead to NVQ Level 3 in Farriery.

When you have completed the NVQ you would sit an exam for the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. Once you have the diploma you can register with the Farriers’ Registration Council.