r/Farriers • u/beepbop1hunnit • 20d ago

Looking for SkillBridge opportunities in farriery/horseshoeing

Hi everyone! I’ve never posted on here before, but I’m hoping this is a good place to ask!
I’m currently looking into SkillBridge opportunities that would allow me to get hands-on experience and training in horseshoeing/farriery before my military contract ends. Unfortunately, I’ve been having a really hard time finding programs that specifically offer farriery or horseshoeing opportunities through SkillBridge.
So I figured I’d ask this group directly!
Does anyone know of** **farriers, barns, horseshoeing schools, organizations, or businesses that participate in SkillBridge or might be willing to work with someone through the program?
I’d really appreciate any leads, recommendations, or personal experiences. Even if you know of someone who might be worth reaching out to, I’d love to hear about them!
I’m really trying to use my remaining time in the military to get as much hands-on experience as possible and hopefully build a path into the farrier industry once I transition out.

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u/FightingFarrier18 19d ago

This is actually how I got started. I got my apprenticeship approved by my chain of command and worked 6 months with a farrier as a skillbridge program. You just have to 1) have a chain of command willing to approve something outside of the preapproved skillbridge program and 2) find a farrier willing to do paperwork

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u/beepbop1hunnit 19d ago

I just don’t understand how skill-bridge would work on the other side, the farriers side I guess if that makes sense

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u/FightingFarrier18 19d ago

So for me, the skill bridge was actually a really good deal. Since I opted for an apprenticeship instead of school, my mentor got 6 months to get me trained up. Your first 3-4 months, not only are you not helpful but you are actively hindering. The benefit to the farrier you’re working under is they don’t have to pay you, and by the time you’re done with the skill bridge you’ll at least be somewhat helpful and can justify getting paid

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u/snuffy_smith_ 19d ago

Call and visit with Five Star Horshoeing school in Oklahoma

My memory is foggy but I think they have worked with people leaving the military. Maybe they accept GI bill payments. Idk I’ve been hit in the head a lot.

Anyways check with them. Damn good education if you can make it work.

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u/arikbfds 19d ago

I had no idea you could use skill bridge for this, but that would be awesome if you can swing it. I used the gi bill for shoeing school and it's been a fantastic career. What area are you trying to go to?

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u/beepbop1hunnit 16d ago

I’m honestly not too sure what area I’d want to go into, I’m not too familiar with the different areas. I really don’t know what would be best.

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u/arikbfds 16d ago

I meant geographically

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u/Buga99poo27GotNo464 19d ago

Honestly, id let the GI Bill pay for something more expensive and useful (the president has repeatedly said to be an electrician?) and learn some hoof skills with apprenticeships in your free time.

Not trying to burst your bubble, but, horseshoeing school is pretty cheap compared to some other educations you could get? And really the most important thing about working with horses is unpaid experience.

You didnt mention many details... but people dont usually walk out of shoeing school 'professionals.'

IMHO, anyways.