Is a Career in Farriery Right for You?

Self-Assessment Quiz

Introduction

Farriery is a skilled, hands-on profession rooted in the intersection of craftsmanship, equine health, and biomechanics. It’s a physically demanding, intellectually rich career that requires not only technical ability, but also resilience, precision, and a deep respect for the horse.

This self-assessment quiz is designed to help you reflect on whether farriery aligns with your strengths, interests, and lifestyle. It’s not a test of knowledge—it’s a tool to explore whether this path is truly right for you.

Instructions & Scoring

Each question has four answer options. Use this scoring system:

a = 4 points

b = 3 points

c = 2 points

d = 1 point

At the end, total your score and compare it with the scoring guide.

1. How comfortable are you handling horses, especially around their feet and legs?

a) Very confident and experienced.

b) Comfortable but still learning.

c) Somewhat unsure, especially with nervous horses.

d) Not comfortable at all.

2. How well do you handle physical work like bending, lifting, hammering, and standing for long hours?

a) I enjoy physically demanding work.

b) I’m okay with it if I pace myself.

c) I struggle with physical exertion.

d) I avoid physical labor when I can.

3. How do you react when a horse pulls its foot, shifts its weight, or resists being handled?

a) I stay calm and work through it patiently.

b) I need reminders but manage it.

c) I get flustered or nervous.

d) I feel frustrated or unsafe.

4. Do you enjoy working with tools, metal, or crafting with your hands?

a) I love working with my hands and building things.

b) I like it but lack experience.

c) I find it tedious or hard to control.

d) I prefer digital or clerical tasks.

5. Can you tolerate extreme weather conditions while working outdoors?

a) Absolutely—I prefer being outside.

b) I can adapt with preparation.

c) I strongly dislike it.

d) I avoid outdoor work

6. How interested are you in anatomy, biomechanics, and equine movement?

a) Deeply interested—I want to understand how everything works.

b) Somewhat curious.

c) I’ll learn what I need to pass.

d) I’m not interested in that level of detail.

7. Are you willing to attend an apprenticeship, certification program, or farrier school?

a) Yes, I’ve researched and I’m excited.

b) I’m open to it.

c) I’m unsure about the time or cost.

d) I’d prefer to learn informally or skip school.

8. When learning something new, how do you approach it?

a) I dive in and love experimenting hands-on.

b) I prefer observing first, then trying.

c) I need a lot of encouragement to start.

d) I avoid unfamiliar tasks.

9. How do you handle feedback or correction from experienced mentors?

a) I welcome it and apply it.

b) I take it seriously, even if it’s tough.

c) I get defensive but try.

d) I shut down or take it personally.

10. What’s your attitude toward repetition and practice?

a) I thrive on repetition and mastering a skill.

b) I do it even if I get bored.

c) I find repetition frustrating.

d) I struggle to stay focused over time.

11. How would others describe your attention to detail?

a) Extremely precise.

b) Generally careful.

c) A bit careless sometimes.

d) Easily distracted.

12. When you commit to something, how do you usually follow through?

a) I’m reliable and finish what I start.

b) I try hard but sometimes fall short.

c) I tend to get sidetracked.

d) I struggle with commitment.

13. How do you handle unpredictable situations (e.g., a sore horse, unexpected client request)?

a) I stay calm and adapt.

b) I pause and reassess.

c) I get stressed and uncertain.

d) I tend to walk away from the problem.

14. What’s your emotional response when a horse gets injured or becomes lame?

a) I stay focused and work to help the horse.

b) I get emotional but stay functional.

c) I get anxious or freeze.

d) I avoid emotionally tough situations.

15. How important is craftsmanship or pride in the quality of your work?

a) Extremely—I want every trim and shoe to be right.

b) Important, but I’m okay learning slowly.

c) I prefer just getting the job done.

d) I don’t focus much on precision.

16. How do you respond to early mornings, long hours, and weekend appointments?

a) I’m used to it and don’t mind.

b) I’ll do it if necessary.

c) I prefer consistent weekday hours.

d) I avoid nontraditional work hours.

17. Are you interested in building your own farrier business or working independently?

a) Yes—I want to run my own practice.

b) Possibly, if I get enough experience.

c) Not really—I prefer working for someone.

d) I don’t want the responsibility of self-employment.

18. How comfortable are you talking to clients about hoof care, anatomy, or pricing?

a) Very comfortable—I enjoy educating others.

b) Somewhat comfortable with preparation.

c) I avoid explaining or discussing details.

d) I dislike direct client communication.

19. When your body or hands are sore after a long day, how do you usually react?

a) I stretch, recover, and keep going.

b) I rest and adjust my schedule.

c) I complain and second-guess the work.

d) I want to stop altogether.

20. How do you view working with vets, trainers, and barn managers as part of your role?

a) Essential—I value collaboration.

b) Helpful when necessary.

c) Sometimes difficult to manage.

d) I prefer working solo.

21. When you face a difficult day (ex: horses acting up, mistakes made), how do you bounce back?

a) I reflect, learn, and move on.

b) I feel it but stay the course.

c) I get discouraged easily.

d) I start questioning the career.

22. What motivates you most about becoming a farrier?

a) Helping horses move better and live pain-free.

b) Working independently and using my hands.

c) Earning money while working with animals.

d) I’m still not sure.

23. How do you handle failure or a bad review from a client?

a) I take it constructively and improve.

b) I’m disappointed, but I move forward.

c) I take it personally and withdraw.

d) I avoid situations where I might be judged.

24. What do you believe is the most important trait in a farrier?

a) Patience and horse sense.

b) Physical strength.

c) Confidence and quick thinking.

d) Tools and luck.

25. Do you feel called to farriery, or is it something you’re just trying out?

a) It’s a calling—I can’t imagine doing anything else.

b) I’m very interested and want to see where it goes.

c) I like the idea, but I’m unsure.

d) I don’t feel strongly about it.

Scoring Breakdown

Total Possible Score: 100 points

(Add the score from each question: a = 4, b = 3, c = 2, d = 1).

85–100: Excellent Fit

You show the mindset, grit, craftsmanship, and passion that align beautifully with a career in farriery. You’re prepared for both the technical and emotional demands of the job.

70–84: Strong Potential

You’re on the right path. With hands-on experience and continued growth, you could thrive in this career.

55–69: Worth Exploring Further

You may enjoy aspects of farriery, but success might depend on developing certain traits—especially physical, emotional, or lifestyle readiness.

Below 55: Consider Alternative Equine Paths

Farriery may not align with your strengths or interests right now. Consider roles in equine care that are more suited to your preferences and strengths (e.g., bodywork, training, veterinary assistant, hoof care consultant).