Recognized as providing the finest farriery programming in North America, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a fully-equipped, state-of-the art farrier lab. This one year program will train you in new techniques and products designed to serve a rapidly growing and changing equine industry.
Learn from instructors who are industry leaders with their own farriery businesses and engage in unique clinics with specialized farriers and product representatives. You will learn all of the necessary skills to be a successful Farrier or Blacksmith and experience hands-on working field trips to Camp Chief Hector, Banff Trail Riders, Boundary and Pioneer Camp.
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Farrier Science.
*There is a strong demand for this program; therefore, applicants should pay close attention to the admission requirements and submit documentation in a timely manner.*
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.
Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
Alternate Admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic admission requirements. To be considered under Alternate Admission Status, applicants will be asked to provide the following:
*Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*
Olds College has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Books & Supplies | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,900.00 | $1,600.00 | $4,100.00 | $12,600.00 |
Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term.
For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Farrier Science
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.
For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards
Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.
Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation for working with qualified industry professionals! This directly translates into connections for our graduates to begin their apprenticeships, aiding in their career journey. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account.
It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:
As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:
This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.
The materials on our tool kit list are to be purchased before starting the program in September. Students also participate in field trips to supply stores at the beginning of the program. If you have concerns about tools, please let our instructors assist you on the field trip.
Mandatory PPE at all times: Steel-toe boots (good quality, comfortable, you will wear these at all times), Safety glasses and Earplugs. Cut-proof gloves are highly recommended.
Information on other required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.
Time Requirements: Significant time requirements will be needed to fully develop the skills needed to complete the program in a way to ensure that you are best prepared for a Farrier career following your studies. Be prepared for long days as some destinations are a significant distance. Students will need to take advantage of unscheduled time and open Lab/Practice times to master their skills. It is recommended that you devote your time here towards your program.
Dress Code: You will be required to be outside during inclement weather and need to be dressed appropriately. We expect all students in the Farrier Science program to dress as equine industry professionals, especially when on field trips. During class time, the lab can get very hot, therefore for your comfort and safety, cotton or wool fabrics that reach the neck and the lower back (i.e cotton t-shirt that covers to the next, short sleeved and tucked into pants) should be worn.
Fitness: This is a physically demanding program and career choice, you need to come prepared for the physical demands of the program. Prepare by stretching, walking, running, and improving your upper body, lower body and core strength in the months before you come to college. Once here, you will be able to access personal trainers through the CLC Fitness Centre.Also ensure to work on grip strength and labour to develop calluses on your hands.
Horse Handling skills - This program requires you to have significant horse handling skills. You will need to be able to confidently work around horses. Lab activities are comprised largely of hoof care and trimming practices, manufacturing and modifying horseshoes. Shoeing horses at the college facility as well as at client properties will also be a large part of your practical training.
Connect directly with the recruitment team at Olds College to get personalized support as you explore your pathway to post-secondary study. Whether you have questions about programs, admission requirements, campus life or next steps in your application journey, our recruitment specialists are here to help you make informed decisions and plan with confidence.
Applicants must meet basic admission requirements (English, Math, Science), plus submit 50 hours of job shadowing with a farrier. Prior farrier experience is not required, but having good horse‑handling familiarity helps ensure you can safely participate in the practical labs.
Graduates can work as farriers or blacksmiths performing trimming, horseshoeing, therapeutic and corrective shoeing, performance shoeing, or start their own hoof‑care business. Opportunities also exist in ranches, specialty shoeing, therapeutic shoeing clinics, and performance horse sectors.
Yes. The curriculum includes forging basic and therapeutic horseshoes, blacksmithing, welding, and hands‑on horseshoeing labs — preparing students for both traditional and corrective shoeing techniques.
Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.
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