PCHS and The Horseshoe Barn have a long-standing relationship. Back in 1991, when Bob opened the school, he had to buy 10 sets of farrier tools. He went to The Horseshoe Barn to buy them. Those receipts hang framed in the office today, serving as a reminder of where we started and where we're going.

As far as obtaining farrier supplies goes, little's changed since 1991. We still go to The Horseshoe Barn for our tools. If you've never been to a farrier supply in person, it's pretty overwhelming. There are walls lined with shoes, pads, hammers, hand tools, nippers, rasps, knives, anvils, forges, and everything else you'll ever need.

Where do you start?

We bring our students to The Horseshoe Barn to teach them how to shop for their supplies. We give them an overview of the horseshoes, teaching them how to choose appropriate shoes for their inventory, and how to select the correct nails to go with them.

We also help our students select an anvil. They learn the difference between round horn versus flat horn, the different faces they can choose from and whether or not they need a turning cam.

The most important thing to consider when selecting an anvil is weight. You have to be able to lift that anvil and put it into your truck.

Our students aren't required to purchase their own tools. Tool rental is included in their tuition. Farrier tools are a significant investment, and we want you to get a feel for the job before you buy your own tools. Our trips to The Horseshoe Barn teach you how to shop for them. The first thing we advise you to purchase is a set of chaps. You'll want to get your chaps dirty while you're in school. Nothing says rookie farrier more than a brand-new pair of chaps.

Trip #2

During our second trip to The Horseshoe Barn, the owner Adam talks to the students about accounting, marketing, associations, mentors, apprenticeships, hoof balance, and any other topics that come up during the conversation. He also offers himself as a resource to students if they need help with anything relating to being a farrier. Most of our students buy the bulk of their tools at this time.

We can't thank Adam, Andrew, and Marcel at The Horseshoe Barn enough for the time they've invested in PCHS and our students. It's often more convenient to shop online from your couch, but you lose that relational aspect of purchasing from someone who is invested in your success.

We're huge proponents of getting out there and going to your local farrier supply stores. Tiffany cannot count the number of times her farrier supply Texas, Texas Barry Supply, bailed her out when she was running late or stuck in traffic. They would stay open for her or leave a product on the doorstep, ensuring she had what she needed to serve her clients.

Many farrier supply stores are owned and operated by farriers. They often host educational clinics for their communities. Local farrier suppliers allow us to provide better service to our clients. Let's take a minute to send an email or a note thanking our farrier supply stores. Thank you for all the work that you do, helping us serve our local horses.

Are you interested in starting a career as a farrier? Apply for our farrier school. Apply Now