Role overview
Farriers (ANZSCO 322113) are specialised tradespeople who provide comprehensive hoof care for horses. In Australia, these professionals combine traditional blacksmithing skills with modern equine podiatry knowledge to maintain equine health and performance. Their work involves assessing hoof condition, trimming hooves, and fabricating custom horseshoes to address individual horse needs. Farriers typically work with various equine breeds across racing, agricultural, and recreational sectors.
The occupation requires physical stamina, animal handling skills, and metalworking expertise. While ANZSCO classifies farriers under metal trades, their practice spans both agricultural and manufacturing contexts. This classification remains relevant for Australian migration and workforce planning despite being part of a legacy system, with many practitioners operating as mobile service providers across rural and regional areas.
Key tasks in practice
Australian farriers typically perform these core duties:
- Examining horses' legs and hooves to identify abnormalities, injuries, or wear patterns
- Trimming and balancing hooves using specialized tools like nippers, rasps, and knives
- Heating, shaping, and fitting custom horseshoes using forges, anvils, and hammers
- Applying corrective shoeing techniques to address gait issues or veterinary recommendations
- Maintaining equipment including forges, anvils, and hoof care tools
- Consulting with veterinarians and horse owners about ongoing hoof management
Many farriers also manage business operations including scheduling, inventory, and client communications as independent contractors.
Skill level explanation
ANZSCO assigns farriers Skill Level 3, indicating occupations requiring AQF Certificate III or IV qualifications or equivalent experience. In practical terms, this means:
Most Australian farriers complete formal apprenticeships combining technical training with supervised practical experience. The skill level reflects the combination of theoretical knowledge (equine anatomy, metallurgy) and practical competencies (forging, animal handling). Skill Level 3 occupations typically require 2-3 years of training and are considered skilled trades rather than professional or managerial roles.
This classification level remains significant for migration purposes, though actual registration requirements may vary by state and industry sector beyond the ANZSCO framework.
Industry context
Farriers operate across multiple Australian industries classified under ANZSIC codes including thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing (2121), horse farming and breeding (2141), and other equestrian services. The occupation intersects agricultural, sporting, and manufacturing sectors.
Employment arrangements vary from direct employment with racing stables or breeding farms to independent mobile operations serving multiple clients. Regional distribution follows equine population centers, with significant demand in racing hubs like Victoria's Mornington Peninsula and New South Wales' Hunter Valley.
The classification's crosswalk to ISCO 7221 (Blacksmiths, hammersmiths and forging press workers) reflects the metalworking aspects of the role, though Australian farriers require additional equine-specific skills beyond general blacksmithing.