TAFE NSW Richmond student Jacy Hawkins is trailblazing into the male-dominated equine industry by studying a Certificate IV in Farriery to become a qualified Farrier. 

With only 7 per cent of Farriers in Australia being female, Jacy is encouraging others to turn their love for horses into a career.  

“Growing up, some of my fondest memories have been made being around horses, so I decided to follow my interest and pursue farriery. It’s the perfect job for me,” Jacy said. 

“I would encourage other women to take up the Farrier trade. The support from my TAFE NSW teachers and employer has been great.” 

A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care and combines skills traditionally associated with blacksmiths, with veterinarian-related skills in equine anatomy. A farrier’s work includes the trimming of hooves to balance the horse, improving their performance, and the application of various types of shoes. 

All horses need regular hoof care, and with Australia having the second-largest thoroughbred breeding industry in the world, there is a growing demand for people with specialist equine qualifications.

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TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Horse Industry Studies, Karlene Triffitt, said equine-industry expert teachers ensure students gain the confidence and skills to launch their career as a qualified farrier, with many going on to start their own business. 

“We know the industry needs qualified farriers who understand animal welfare and anatomy and can shoe horses and perform corrective shoeing across a range of disciplines, “Ms Triffit said. 

“TAFE NSW students have access to industry-standard equine learning facilities and a large farrier workshop equipped with gas and fire forges. 

“TAFE NSW also prepares future farriers to succeed in business; many of our graduates are self-employed and make a good living caring for equine podiatry needs.”  

For more information about the range of horse industry courses available at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.  

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au.