Location and Facilities
Location
The Arkansas Horseshoeing School is located on 11 1/2 acres near Dardanelle, Arkansas, close to Lake Dardanelle and Mount Nebo State Park. For those who bring their horses, Lake Dardanelle State Park and Mt. Nebo State Park are just a few local parks offering numerous trail-riding options for students in their spare time.
The Ozark National Forest and Ouachita National Forests are nearby and the entire area of Arkansas is well-known for its fishing lakes and water sports, as well as hiking, biking and rock climbing. Hot Springs National Park is a scenic 60 mile drive from the school and the town of Hot Springs offers everything from horse racing to nightlife. Little Rock is only 90 miles down I-40.
Petite Jean State Park is considered the crown jewel of Arkansas’s many state parks and its only 25 minutes away. It offers spectacular scenery including Cedar Falls, which cascades an impressive 95 feet into the canyon. Above the falls, you’ll find Cedar Creek and Lake Bailey.
Facilities
Students searching for a school often worry about whether they’re going to get under enough horses and we think they’re right to be concerned about that.
No amount of theory or class work will take the place of getting under a horse and doing the work. Our facility will safely accommodate the occasional rush of owners bringing their horses in to be trimmed or shod by the students.
We always ask people to make appointments but as word spreads of the quality work done here by the students, more and more people hear about us and just show up.
We’re pleased that we have the chance to give our students all the time under a horse they want.
Description of Facilities
The Facilities are approximately 1,200 sq. ft. with concrete floors which includes bunk area, bathroom and open floor which is used to teach and do hands on training. There is also a covered area for hands on training which is about 1,600 sq. ft. This facility is in compliance with all applicable state and local fire and sanitation codes.
We made sure we designed the facility with every concern for the safety of horses and students, so with our ample parking it all works out, and even those we have to turn away usually come back another time.
Farrier Clinic at Our Facility
We make sure each student has access to a forge, even when classes aren’t in session, so they can practice their forgework as much as they like.
Paul Jr. will often spend time in the shop in the evening with students spending some extra time at the forge.
Housing
Bunkhouse boarding is not included in the tuition fee, but is available for just $50 per month and includes wireless Internet access for your convenience. There are separate male and female bunkhouses each with sleeping areas, toilets and showers. The larger bunkhouse has a common kitchen and laundry area for use by all.
There is a store 2 kilometers from the school. When possible, the school will have someone help you get around if necessary.
Horse Boarding
We have a limited amount of horse boarding available for students’ horses. The care of their horses and regular stall cleaning is the responsibility of the student. We have stalls available with turn-out areas, as well as pasture on our 11 ½ acres. We ask that you make a reservation for your horse well in advance of your arrival so that we can manage our barn space.