Farriers specialise in equine hoof care, and since the beginning of 2013 TAFE SA has taken 10 new enrolments in the traditional trade, an increase of 300%.

“Farriers are integral to all aspects of industries involving horses and members of this traditional trade are now in short supply,” said lecturer Barry Billingham.

Farriery students Elliot Blencowe and Harlan Mattschoss are aiming to finish their qualification at the end of this year and want to raise awareness and the standard of farrier work through gaining their TAFE SA qualification.

Farriery will be a career change for Harlan who is currently working in a disability support role. With the skills and knowledge of farriery balancing his life, Harlan sees his qualification as a stepping stone to starting his own business in the future.

For Elliot, he has wanted to be a farrier since watching a horse being shod when he was 12 years old. Under experienced farriery lecturers at TAFE SA, Elliot has been able to grow and develop knowledge and practical skills in blacksmithing, forging and shoeing.

Educational Manager Jenice Wheeler said, “With more horses now used in recreational activities and in the racing industry than at any other time in Australia’s history, qualified Farriers are in high demand.”

For Harlan and Elliot, they understand the value of learning their trade at TAFE SA in the hands-on learning environment at Morphettville Race Course.

“There will always be someone, somewhere who will need their horse shod. Farriers are here to stay!” Elliot said.

Find out more about Farriery courses at TAFE SA.