Is a Career in Farriery Right for You? Self-Assessment Quiz

Introduction

Thinking about becoming a farrier but not sure if it’s the right fit? This Career in Farriery Quiz is designed to help you assess your readiness for one of the most physically demanding and rewarding roles in the equine industry.

Farriery combines hands-on horse handling, anatomical knowledge, and metalwork—all under challenging conditions. This quiz helps you reflect on your skills, mindset, and comfort levels so you can make a more informed decision before diving into training.

It’s not a test of ability. It’s a practical tool to guide your thinking and highlight areas where you may already be strong—or where more experience could help.

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).

Conclusion

Your score can help highlight how naturally farriery fits your current skills and mindset. A higher score may suggest you’re well-suited for the physical, technical, and behavioral demands of the trade. A lower score doesn’t rule it out—it simply points to areas where you might need more preparation or hands-on experience.

No matter where you land, remember: farriery is a learnable craft, and passion plus practice go a long way. Use this quiz as a jumping-off point to explore training opportunities, speak with working farriers, and decide what steps make sense for you.

Looking to learn more? Browse our educational resources or consider taking our Equine Anatomy Certification to start building the knowledge every farrier needs.

FAQ: Career in Farriery Quiz

How accurate is this quiz in determining if I should become a farrier?

The quiz isn’t meant to be definitive—it’s a self-assessment tool to help you reflect on your natural fit for farriery. It highlights strengths and areas you may want to explore further through hands-on learning or mentorship.

What score range suggests I might be a good fit for this career?

While results can vary, a total score above 15 generally indicates you're aligned with the physical, behavioral, and skill-based demands of farriery. Lower scores don’t mean you can’t pursue the career—they just suggest where growth or support may be needed.

Do I need prior experience with horses to become a farrier?

Experience helps, but it’s not required to start learning. Many training programs begin with foundational skills in horse handling and safety. What matters most is your willingness to learn and build confidence around horses over time.

What kind of education or certification do farriers need?

Requirements vary by region, but many farriers attend formal training programs or apprenticeships. Studying equine anatomy, hoof structure, and forging techniques is essential. Consider starting with an online anatomy certification to build your base knowledge.

Is farriery physically demanding?

Yes—it involves bending, lifting, hammering, and long hours on your feet. Being physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather is a big part of the job. If you're unsure, shadowing a farrier for a day can be a great way to test your comfort level.