Farrier Science Certificate

Program Details

• Admission Requirements

  • 50% or better in English Language Arts 20-2
  • 50% or better in Math 20-3
  • 50% or better in Science 10
  • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement(completed at minimum 3 years of formal education taught entirely in English, or provide the results of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam)
  • Submit an Applicant Questionnaire: The applicant is required to complete the Applicant Questionnaire and submit it to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. This is the applicant’s opportunity to demonstrate their experience and knowledge with horses to cope with the course material adequately. Students are also required to submit 50 hours of job shadowing with a Farrier.

  *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.*

  Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: 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: 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:

  1. (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
  2. (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
     • Introduce yourself
     • Indicate why you wish to enrol in the program
     • Elaborate on your career goals
     • Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry
  3. (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, etc., for the last 5 years
  4. (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (first aid, safety tickets, etc.)
  5. (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)

  *Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*

  Transfer Options: 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

  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.

• Tuition, Fees & Affordability

  Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

  Year	Tuition	Fees	Books & Supplies	Estimated Total
  Year 1	$6,900.00	$1,600.00	$4,100.00	$12,600.00

  • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
  • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
  • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
  • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

  Tuition, Fees & Payments

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  Housing & Meal Plans

  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.

  Scholarships & Student Awards

  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 

  Student Funding

  For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

  Entrance Awards Available!

  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.

• Courses

  For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

  Academic Calendar: Farrier Science

  Term 1

  • Completed the following:

    • FAR1200 - Equine Anatomy
    • FAR1300 - Equine Behaviour and Horse Handling For Farriers
    • FAR1301 - Introduction to Horseshoeing
    • FAR1400 - Introduction to Blacksmithing
    • COM1020 - Workplace Communication

  Term 2

  • Completed the following:

    • FAR1700 - Farrier Welding
    • FAR2500 - Advanced Corrective and Therapeutic Forging
    • FAR2405 - Theory of Therapeutic Farriery
    • FIN2050 - Financial Literacy for Non-Financial Managers
    • FAR1800 - Applied Horseshoeing Techniques and Career Development

• Admitted Students

  Program Dates

  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.

  Class Registration

  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.

  Technology Recommendation

  It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:

  • A laptop capable of running Microsoft Office

  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:

  • Go to portal.office.com
  • Enter your Olds College email address and password
  • Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”

  This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.

  Materials & Supplies

  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, then please let our instructors assist you on the field trip.

  Required items Tool Kit List

  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.

  Other Important Information

  • 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.