GI Bill Farrier School Training at Arkansas Horseshoeing School
Arkansas Horseshoeing School accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), often still called VA Voc Rehab, for eligible students who want hands-on farrier training in Dardanelle, Arkansas.
Students using VA benefits should confirm eligibility with the VA, request a Certificate of Eligibility, and contact AHS before enrolling so we can help you understand the application steps.
Can you use the GI Bill for farrier school?
Yes. Arkansas Horseshoeing School accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VR&E benefits for eligible students.
Eligibility, benefit amounts, housing allowance, and payment details are handled by the VA, not by AHS. Before you apply, check your eligibility with the VA and use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to search for “Arkansas Horseshoeing School.”
AHS can help you understand our application process, course options, class starts, and school policies, but the VA determines your benefit eligibility.
How to start if you are using VA benefits.
If you plan to use Post-9/11 GI Bill® or VR&E benefits, this is the basic path. Some students contact AHS with questions first, while others submit the application first.
- Review the AHS course options and request the catalog or ask questions if needed.
- Call D. Paul Dorris, CJF at 479-858-1011 to discuss your goals, schedule, and which course may fit you best.
- Submit your application to AHS when you are ready.
- Apply for VA education benefits if you have not already done so.
- Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to find Arkansas Horseshoeing School.
- Gather your VA documents, including Certificate of Eligibility, DD-214, and transcripts if available.
- AHS will explain the school-side VA enrollment steps before class begins.
- Review the formal VA policies before enrollment.
You do not need every VA document in hand before you contact AHS or ask questions. Start by talking with D. Paul Dorris, CJF about your course options and training goals. If you plan to use VA benefits, AHS will explain what documents are needed for the school-side VA enrollment process.
Farrier course options for veteran students.
Arkansas Horseshoeing School offers traditional farrier courses in 8, 12, 16, and 24 week formats. These courses include hands-on work with horses, trimming, fitting, forging, and classroom instruction.
Veteran students should compare the course lengths carefully before applying. The right course depends on your experience, schedule, goals, and the school’s assessment of your training needs.
For a side-by-side view, compare AHS farrier courses.
What veterans should know before applying.
AHS is a vocational trade school, not a college. Students come to Arkansas Horseshoeing School for physical, hands-on training built around real horses, shop work, forge work, and instructor-supervised practice.
Many students come to AHS from outside Arkansas. Classes start the first Tuesday of each month, and optional bunkhouse boarding is available at the school.
Bunkhouse boarding at AHS is $50 per month.
Students using Post-9/11 GI Bill® or VR&E benefits may also qualify for a monthly housing or subsistence allowance from VA.
- VA, not AHS, determines eligibility, payment amounts, and payment timing.
- Allowances vary based on benefit type, benefit level, enrollment status, training schedule, training location, dependents when applicable, and VA rules.
- Before enrolling, use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool, speak with your VR&E counselor if applicable, or contact VA to estimate your benefits.
Students should be prepared for full training days. Most class days run Tuesday through Saturday, and some days may run longer when horses, field work, or training needs require it.
Students also gain experience working on horses brought in by local owners for trimming and shoeing. That gives students practice with different horses, real hoof-care situations, and interaction with horse owners under instructor supervision.
Train with a farrier tool set provided for use.
AHS provides students in the 8, 12, 16, and 24 week traditional courses with a new farrier tool set for use during training. The set includes a forge, anvil, and core farrier hand tools students use while learning trimming, shoeing, and forge work.
Learn more about the farrier tools provided for use.
Review the formal VA policies.
This page is meant to help veterans understand the enrollment path. The formal policy details are kept on the VA Policies page.
Before enrolling with VA benefits, review the VA Policies page for attendance, progress, refunds, prior credit, certification requirements, and Title 38-related provisions.
Review formal VA policies ›A few quick answers.
Does Arkansas Horseshoeing School accept the GI Bill?
Yes. AHS accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VR&E benefits for eligible students. Students should check eligibility with the VA.
What is VR&E?
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) is the current VA name for the benefit many people still call VA Voc Rehab. If you are using VR&E benefits, contact AHS before enrolling so we can help you understand the school-side VA enrollment steps and any information AHS may need from you or your VR&E counselor.
Do VA benefit students have to pay the $500 deposit?
No. AHS currently states that the $500 deposit is not required for students using VA funding.
How do I find AHS in the GI Bill Comparison Tool?
Use the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool and search for “Arkansas Horseshoeing School.”
Which AHS farrier course should a veteran choose?
Start by comparing the 8, 12, 16, and 24 week traditional farrier courses. If you are using VA benefits, contact AHS before enrolling so we can help you review course options, required documents, and the school-side VA enrollment steps.
Is this page the same as the VA Policies page?
No. This page explains the veteran enrollment path in plain language. The VA Policies page contains the formal policy details.
“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Talk with AHS before you apply.
If you are a veteran or eligible student planning to use VA benefits, call D. Paul Dorris, CJF before applying or after submitting your application. He can help you review course options, monthly start dates, bunkhouse availability, and whether AHS may be a good fit for your goals. AHS cannot determine your VA eligibility, but the school can explain the school-side VA enrollment steps once you are ready to move forward.
Or contact AHS online ›