British Army - Farrier - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

An opportunity to embark on a full-time career in the British Army (Royal Army Veterinary Corps). As a blacksmith, master horse hoof care and shoeing. Work with military horses, ensuring their fitness for duty. Gain a nationally recognised qualification through a blend of hands on experience and expert skill in equine hoof health.

Wage: £25,200 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Farrier (level 3)
Hours: Shift and working patterns may vary. Working locations will vary nationally depending on the apprenticeship and working requirements. Days and times to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Thursday 1 January
Duration: 3 years 6 months
Positions available: 12

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

A Military Level 3 Farrier apprentice in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps is responsible for the care and maintenance of military working horses, primarily within the Household Cavalry and The King's troop Royal Artillery. Daily tasks typically include:

Shoeing Horses - Assessing, fitting and replacing horsehoes to ensure optimal hoof health and performance.
Hoof Care and Maintenance - Trimming, balancing and treating hooves to prevent injury or lameness.
Emergency Hoof Treatment - Addressing hoof injuries or defects that could impact operational readiness.
Forge Work - Working in the forge to shape and manufacture horseshoes.
Stable & Veterninary Support - Assisting veterinary staff with hoof related health issues and general horse welfare.
Training & Development - Continuing professional development in farriery skills and mentoring junior personnel.
Military Duties - Participating in ceremonial events, exercises and general military taskings.

Where you’ll work

UK Country wide

SO21 2RG

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

BRITISH ARMY

Your training course

Farrier (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Health & Safety: Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others.
Working Environment: Prepare and maintain the working environment, i.e. the forge, van or work area. Identify and minimise hazards and risks in the working environment.
Equipment: Use, maintain and store equipment, tools and materials. Make the most efficient and effective use of materials, resources and time.
Communication Skills: Communicate effectively with members of the public, clients and other professionals. A clear effective communicator who can use various methods of communications to give and receive information accurately and in a timely manner.
Preparation of an equine foot care plan: Preparing a comprehensive individual foot care plan for unshod and shod equines to maintain their welfare needs (Farriers (Registration) Act 1975).
Forging and Fabrication: Forge, fabricate and modify all shoes that may be required by an equine. This will include using the tools of the trade to make shoes from steel and aluminium, with an insight into the use of modern materials to rebuild and affix shoes to equine hooves.
Practical skills: Using tools of the trade be able to: Remove an equine shoe Prepare and trim the sole, Frog and bars Prepare and trim the hoof wall for either an unshod horse or one that requires shoes. If equine is shod choose correct shoe, i.e. material, material size and length depending on the equines discipline. Make or reshape the shoe for the individual equine Nail or affix the shoe in an appropriate and safe manner. Produce clenches from the nail tips or finish the method of adhesion to comply with all health and safety guideline
Business and IT Skills: Use of basic accountancy products, including basic VAT and TAX schemes and the use of the relevant government gateways

Your training plan

An RAVC soldier training to become a Farrier will follow these steps:

Step 1 - Army Initial Training.
Under 17 years, 5 months: Attend the Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate for a 49 week junior entry course.

Over 17 years, 5 months: Complete 14 weeks at Army training Centre (ATC) Pirbright or Winchester for standard basic training.

Training covers military discipline, fitness, fieldcraft, weapons handling and teamwork.

Step 2: Phase 2 - RAVC Trade Training

The individual will report to the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) in Melton Mowbray to begin RAVC specific training.

Step 3: Farrier Apprenticeship Training (Level 3): Selected soldiers will begin their Farrier Apprenticeship at the King's troop Royal Horse Artillery (Woolwich) or Household Cavalry (London/Windsor).

Training includes forging, horseshoeing, hood care, anatomy and blacksmithing.

Complete an intensive four year apprenticeship, working under Master Farriers.

Step 4: Earn a Level 3 Farrier qualification and register with the Worshipful Company of Farriers.

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Physical fitness

Other requirements

The British Army recruits throughout the year and you should ignore the application closing dates shown against this advert.

About this company

Protecting the nation and its dependent territories will always be the British Army's first role. Highly trained soldiers are ready to deploy anywhere at any time to meet a variety of challenges, ranging from support to the Police following a terrorist attack, to specialist capabilities such as bomb disposal and intelligence experts, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, we are always ready to serve. You belong here.

https://www.army.mod.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

The Army offers job security, career growth, adventure and world-class training. Benefits include competitive pay, travel, fitness, leadership skills, a pension, free healthcare, cheaper housing and 30 days of paid leave a year, plus public holidays.

After this apprenticeship

The apprenticeship is a gateway to a full-time career in the British Army. Promotion, along with increased salary and responsibility is dependent on successful completion of the apprenticeship and then on merit by competitive selection. As you advance through the ranks, you will have the increased opportunity to lead and direct people, managing resources and workforce within your area of work to deliver the required outputs whilst maintaining and instilling the highest values and standards expected of the British Army. You belong here.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BRITISH ARMY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000304544.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 1 December 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

At this link you can find more information about the roles offered by the British Army. We have positions available for all roles throughout the year and you can ignore the application open/closing dates shown against this apprenticeship advertisement. Once you have completed an application you will be invited to complete an aptitude assessment, selection interview, health assessment and a fitness test. More details of the requirement can be found at the application link.

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British Army - Farrier - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

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