Farrier Craftsmanship IV

Course Name: Farrier Craftsmanship IV

Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Farrier Craftsmanship III

Description:
In Farrier Craftsmanship IV students continue shoeing, using factory and modified shoes. Students work on their Horsemanship along with their shoeing. Concepts developed in this class are an understanding of the basic gaits, movement interference, and practical approaches to diagnosing lameness. Students also continue working with the forge shaping factory and handmade plates.

Weekly Topics:
Each week will include one day of theory and three days of practice. Using the horses from the school program will enable students to see the relationship between theory and practice. Theory will be based on the level of student progression using the text, Principles of Horse Shoeing by D. Butler. The weekly content categories include:

Week 1-2: Review of content from Farrier Craftsmanship III as needed; continuation of forging techniques: measuring methods; handmade plates
Week 3: Common Hoof Disorders
Week 4-6: Shoeing for Performance: Pleasure/Trail Horses, Draft Horses, Race Horses
Week 7-11: Forging and Ironworking: Forming Common Shoe Patterns; Handmade Shoe, Fullering, and Heel Finishing
Week 12: Review and Final Exams

Performance Objectives:
Following successful completion of Farrier Craftsmanship IV, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a an understanding of more advanced concepts and principles of horseshoeing under ideal conditions
• Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and practices from Farrier Craftsmanship III: diseases of the hoof; laminitis; navicular disease, different types & classifications of shoes; and basic forging techniques
• Demonstrate an understanding of specialized areas of shoeing, such as performance for gaited horses, race horses, and draft horses
• Demonstrate knowledge of the following advanced concepts and describe their implications for the work of the Farrier: advanced forging techniques, balance and movement of the horse, business related concepts, & professionalism
• Demonstrate the ability to perform routine horse shoeing and follow-up on school horses
• Describe appropriate approaches to the maintenance of school horses

Methods:
In order for students to acquire the knowledge and skills of Farrier Craftsmanship IV, the instructor will use a variety of teaching methods including: expository learning, discussion, demonstration, & guided practice. Students will have extensive hands-on instruction using the 100+ horses that are involved in the school program.

Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their knowledge and skills through teacher made tests, quizzes, mid-term test, and final exam - as well as student participation (horse handling and workmanship). Formative assessment and immediate feedback during lab activities will be used to guide the teaching/learning process and will allow students to monitor their progress throughout the course.