Courses are tailor-made in response to a particular need. Far from being a « one size fits all » approach, courses will be adapted to requirements which are likely to vary between different countries and regions. FAF undertakes to provide only the most experienced trainers to meet these requirements. The Foundation will be working closely with the trainer, providing careful preparation for each mission.

FAF in India (Rajasthan)

Within the vast country of India, many people remain very attached to their local breeds of horses. An example is the Marwari, the traditional horse of Rajasthan which is bred and kept by small-scale farmers. These people, who are rightly proud of and keen for protection of their breed, have created an association which aims to identify thoroughbred examples which can be listed in a new “National Stud Book” for these horses.

The need to improve hoof care of the Marwari horses has been identified as a priority. There is a need to raise awareness among the farmers of this aspect, farriers lack up to date knowledge and their tools are not appropriate for the care which is required.
A preliminary series of training sessions is to be held on the occasion of the Marwari horse fairs at Dundlod in Rajasthan. The Jaipur Veterinary College is working with the FAF, providing logistics and organisational support at the location.

FAF in Karnataka

As in other parts of the world, equestrian activity is developing rapidly as a leisure pursuit in India. Small scale riding clubs are appearing on the scene and youngsters are discovering the delights of poney clubs. While the horses may be fed correctly, the need here is for better fixing of the horseshoe to the hoof so it is resilient enough for  use on dry, stony and rough terrain.  With few resources available in this environment, the farrier has no experience of working with fine and sometimes fragile horseshoes which require precision application so they can help the animal move comfortably.

Arrangements have been made with a club in Bangalore which has agreed to host FAF and where all farriers working locally can be invited to attend a first round of farriery training sessions.

FAF in Mexico (Yucatan)

A group of farriers from Yucatan have approached FAF asking for a training programme. The region is somewhat isolated and the farriers working there feel cut off from the outside world and want to be brought up to date with modern know-how. Approaches such as this are encouraging for us and reveal the real needs felt by the craftsmen. Specifically, the difficulty they face relates to the deterioration of hooves, how to anticipate this, and how to apply more appropriate and modern methods of shoeing.
FAF is in touch with this group and will be setting up a training course which will meet their needs.

FAF in Nepal (Pokhara)

Donkeys, mules and horses are widely used for transportation in Nepal. FAF is in touch with the local NGO, HART, (“Himalayan Animal Rescue Team”) who have expressed concern about the poor treatment suffered by animals and in particular the neglected state of care for horses’ hooves. Thanks to the local infrastructure already available to this charity we are in a position to set up a training programme for farriers, and possibly install a forge for their use.

FAF intends to organise training courses which will be specifically adapted to the needs of each project. The training will be adapted by FAF taking into account the level of farriers’ knowledge, the breeds existing in the region and in relation to the daily functions performed by the animals.

A flexible approach will be demonstrated at all times so as to ensure that positive outcomes are achieved within a short space of time.  It will be necessary to adapt to local potential so as not to upset local tradition and culture. The trainee farriers will be able to learn modern techniques within the limits of the technical means available and within the framework of local development.

Please complete and send the following form for further information about planned training courses. On receipt of the form we will provide details  and on how to apply for a place on the training course.

In the Comments field, please indicate brief details of the type of training you are looking for.

Form 8