FAQs
1. When do classes start?
The 8, 12, 16 and 24 week classes begin on the first Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise notified.
2. Where are you located?
We’re in the west central part of Arkansas. The school is about 20 miles south of Russellville which is on Interstate 40. We’re midway between the Ozark National Forest and the Ouachita National Forest, in a very scenic part of the state with a lot to do outdoors: hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
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Mileage from Arkansas Horseshoeing School
Petit Jean State Park 17
Hot Springs National Park 60
Little Rock 88
Tulsa, OK 215
Memphis TN 218
Oklahoma City, OK 280
Kansas City, MO 365
Dallas, TX 375
Wichita, KS 390
St. Louis, MO 485
3. Can you arrange terms for payment of the tuition?
Yes, we work with people on a case-by-case basis. Talk to Paul at 479-858-1011.
4. Are tools included in the price of tuition?
The school will provide all of the tools you need for the basic 8, 12, 16 and 24 week courses (see list of tools here).
If you successfully complete your course, Paul will even give you the tool set to help you start your farrier career.
It takes tools to work and many students haven’t built that expense into a budget to get them all the way to the point that they’re earning money. When you graduate you have what you need to actually start working.
5. I’m already working as a farrier. Are there options for me at Arkansas Horseshoeing School?
Definitely. We’re always working on new topics for continuing education. And if there’s one area that you want to concentrate on, call Paul at 479-858-1011 and talk to him about it. We may have something coming up or can think about adding a new section, especially if we’ve gotten feedback from other farriers who are interested in the same subject matter.
6. Why take time to do an apprenticeship after I graduate?
Farriers who’ve done an apprenticeship are far more likely to succeed and will also make more money earlier in their careers than those who don’t. You’ll be repaid over and over again for the time you spend.
7. Do I have to stay at the school?
No. If you’d prefer to find other accommodations we’ll help you with that but the cost won’t be included in the tuition. And if you live close by of course you can commute.
8. I’m having trouble scheduling time. Are you ever able to split up a student’s stay at the school—for instance, I come one time for three or four weeks and then return at a later time to finish?
Sure, call Paul at 479-858-1011 and explain your situation.
9. Can I bring my horse with me?
Yes, but let us know well in advance. If you choose stall boarding rather than pasture, it must be on a self-care basis.
10. I’m not 18 yet. Can I still attend?
All we need is written approval from your parents and bring an insurance card.
11. I know nothing about horseshoeing. What books can you recommend?
We haven’t found anything that talks about horseshoeing as a career or what the day-to-day life of a farrier is like. We’re thinking of adding something to the website that goes into more detail but in the meantime … call Paul at 479-858-1011. He’ll talk to you and can also give you the names of other working farriers—maybe even someone near your geographic location—so you can get several points of view on what it’s like to shoe horses for a living.
12. I’m tall. Is that a problem?
No. We think learning to “work smart” is the biggest factor in being able to maintain your health and enjoy a long career shoeing horses. Paul Dorris Jr. is six foot tall–and he recently worked with a 6’ 4” farrier who came to the school for continuing education.