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 Warner Ranch, Ya Ha Tinda and University of Calgary Veterinary program.
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.*
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:
*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.
Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.
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.
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Farrier Science
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
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. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
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:
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.
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.
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 during class time; this includes long sleeved shirts that are buttoned, collared, or reach the neck and pants that cover the lower back.
Fitness: Many first year students in our equine-related programs indicated that they wish they would have been better prepared for the physical demands of their program. We would like to remind you to perhaps work on your fitness by walking, running, and improving your upper body, lower body and core strength in the month 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.
Additional 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. Be prepared for long days as some destinations are some distance away. It is recommended that you devote your time here towards your program.
"The Farrier Science program is longer than others that are offered, so students have more to draw on when they’re finished. It takes a couple of years to get started in the business. The apprenticeship is good because you get a hands-on feel for the business. You find out exactly what it’s like to work as a farrier."
Brian Rusnak, Still Meadows Ranch
