Farrier Program: Available Programs
The College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to offer two programs in farriery. The program is housed in the Equine Hospital of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.
A non-refundable $400.00 application and appointment fee will be due at the time you are accepted into the program in order to secure your spot.
Farrier Application
Acceptance is probationary during the first two weeks of the program. Satisfactory performance and adherence to the Guidelines for the Farrier Program, as outlined on a separate page in the application package, will allow the participant to complete the program.
Applications for participation in the Farrier Program will be accepted up to 4 months prior to the beginning of the next session. Notification of acceptance will be sent no earlier than 3 months prior to the beginning of the next session.
Preference is given to those who have a demonstrated history and a proven desire to make working with horses their profession.
Due to limited facilities, only up to 4 applicants may be accepted for each 16-week program - if a program session is full, applicants will be designated as alternates for that session or may choose to attend the following session. Accommodations and transportation are the responsibility of the participant.
General Farrier Program
Program Description:
This program is designed for persons with a demonstrated interest in farriery who have independently acquired some of the basic skills of the farrier trade. The 16-week program provides participants with practical knowledge of related anatomy, fundamental aspects of shoeing, and fabrication of shoes.
Three program sessions are offered each year, typically starting the first week of January, the last week of April or first week of May and the last week of August or the first week of September (dates may vary based on scheduling logistics). Upcoming session dates are: Fall 2025 - September 2, 2025, through December 19, 2025; and Spring 2026 - January 5, 2026, through April 24, 2026; and Summer 2026 - May 4, 2026, through August 21, 2026. The time schedule for each 16-week session with 40 hours per week is as follows:
- 25 hrs in anatomy of the horse's foot
- 30 hrs in theory of therapeutic shoeing
- 385 hrs of forge work
- 200 hrs in trimming feet, fitting and nailing shoes
Requirements:
Farriery is a physically demanding profession; as such, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be able to lift 75 pounds and be in reasonable physical condition for the work.
- Three (3) letters of reference/recommendation, provided by someone other than a relative, who has knowledge of your experience with horses, along with a written statement as to why you are interested in participating in the Farrier Program with the program application.
- A personal interview with the instructor is required prior to acceptance. This may be in person or by phone and is the applicant's responsibility to arrange.
- Rabies vaccine series is required by both the College of Veterinary Medicine and Cornell University Health. This protocol is dictated by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policies. Please be advised that you will not be allowed onsite in our facilities to participate in the farrier program without proof of the rabies vaccination series.
- Proof of current health insurance upon acceptance. The participant must provide documentation of current health insurance coverage while participating in the program. Documentation must be provided when the deposit is paid upon acceptance. A copy of the valid insurance card clearly displaying name, effective date, and expiration date OR a letter from the insurance company stating that coverage will be in effect for the duration of the program will be accepted as proof.
- Required tools and equipment necessary to participate in the program.
Program Fee:
The General Farrier Program fee is $8500.00. A deposit of $4250.00 is required within two weeks of notification of acceptance. The remaining balance of $4250.00 is due prior to the program start date.
A non-refundable application & processing fee of $400 will be charged at the time you are accepted into the program. This fee will be paid online via Flywire: www.flywire.com/pay/cvm
Advanced Farrier Program
Program Description:
A one-week program is available to practicing farriers with at least two years of experience and to active veterinarians interested in the latest advances in farriery techniques. This program will also provide advanced training for those interested in pursuing certification through the American Farriers' Association.
Scheduling and availability for this program is flexible and is determined by the instructor in cooperation with the applicant. Space is limited. The advanced program runs concurrently with the 16-week farrier program.
Requirements:
- At least one (1) letter of reference/recommendation, provided by someone other than a relative, who has knowledge of your experience with horses, along a written statement as to why you are interested in participating in the Farrier Program with the program application.
- A personal interview with the instructor is required prior to acceptance. This may be in person or by phone and is the applicant's responsibility to arrange.
- Rabies vaccine series is required by both the College of Veterinary Medicine and Cornell University Health. This protocol is dictated by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policies. Please be advised that you will not be allowed onsite in our facilities to participate in the farrier program without proof of the rabies vaccination series.
- Proof of current health insurance upon acceptance. The participant must provide documentation of current health insurance coverage while participating in the program. Documentation must be provided when the deposit is paid upon acceptance. A copy of the valid insurance card clearly displaying name, effective date, and expiration date OR a letter from the insurance company stating that coverage will be in effect for the duration of the program will be accepted as proof.
Program Fee:
The Advanced Farrier Program fee is $550 and is due prior to the program start date.
A non-refundable application & processing fee of $200 will be charged at the time you are accepted into the program. This fee will be paid online via Flywire: www.flywire.com/pay/cvm
Pokorney Funding for Farrier participants - Available during fall program session only. Submission is separate from general farrier program application. Please email cvm-profservices@cornell.edu if you have questions or need further information.
In memory of Doug Pokorney, an endowed fund to benefit participants in the General Farrier Program has been established, providing full program fees support for one participant for one program. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Doug shod horses for over 40 years specializing in Morgan and Arabian Show horses.
Participants applying for the fall 16-week General Farrier Program may submit an application for the Douglas J. Pokorney Farrier participant Fund. To be eligible for funding, participants must submit their application and financial requirements, including prior year tax information for the upcoming session (i.e. 2024 tax return for Fall 2025 program session) by June 15 for the upcoming fall 16-week program. Participants applying for the funding should include a written explanation indicating why the applicant wishes to take the program, experience with horses, equine foot care and the farrier trade and hopes for using this knowledge in the future.
Participants interested in applying for the Douglas J. Pokorney Farrier Participant Fund must also submit a completed Financial Worksheet along with the most recent copy of the applicant’s tax forms, W2(s) and household information, and a statement about why the applicant is requesting financial assistance. A personal interview with the committee is required. A deposit of $1,000 upon arrival to the program is required and will be refunded upon successful completion of the program, including satisfactory attendance. A mid-program review will be provided by the farrier.
A determination of financial need for all applicants admitted to the program will be made by the Director of Veterinary Financial Aid (or the equivalent position) and Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) leadership based on the cost of the program minus the family contribution available. The recipient will be notified by the committee. Only one award will be given per year in the fall term.
Preference will be given to an applicant who demonstrates financial need, then to any applicant who has served in the armed forces. Female applicants are encouraged to apply.
In addition to providing a full scholarship for the General Farrier Program, the Douglas J. Pokorney Farrier Fund provides small grants for tools and living expenses.
