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Data last updated on 2 August 2026
What does a Farrier do?
As a farrier you take care of the feet of animals such as horses and cattle. In Dutch the trade is also known as hoefsmid, bekapper or klauwverzorger voor rundvee. You agree the work with the customer and restrain the animal safely. You identify hoof or claw disorders, trim the hooves and choose the right type of shoe. You then shoe the animal skilfully and advise the owner on hoof and claw care. You always take the needs and characteristics of the animal into account and follow the safety and hygiene rules. In Flanders you work in animal care, often as a self-employed professional travelling from stable to stable, with plenty of outdoor work and manual craftsmanship.
Typical tasks
- Agree the work with the customer
- Restrain animals safely
- Identify hoof or claw disorders
- Trim the hooves of animals
- Choose the type of shoe and shoe the animal
- Advise owners on hoof and claw care
Required skills
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
- See Farrier matchesSwipe through vacancies that fit your profile and preferences.
- Chat with employersOn a match you talk directly to the employer, no middleman.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a Farrier do?
A farrier takes care of the feet of animals such as horses and cattle. You identify hoof or claw disorders, trim the hooves, choose the right type of shoe and shoe the animal. You also advise owners on hoof and claw care, always taking the needs and characteristics of the animal into account.
How much does a Farrier earn in Belgium?
As a farrier in Belgium you usually earn between 15 and 20 euro gross per hour. The exact amount depends on your experience, your specialisation and whether you are employed or self-employed. Experienced farriers with a loyal customer base often sit at the higher end of that range.
Which diplomas or certificates do you need as a Farrier?
There is no legally required diploma to work as a farrier, but a specialised course in farriery or claw care is strongly recommended. You need solid knowledge of hoof and claw anatomy and of disorders, and that is hard to build without training. Most farriers combine a course with years of practice alongside an experienced colleague.
Can you start as a Farrier without experience?
You rarely start alone without experience, because the work demands skill and confidence around large animals. The usual route is learning the trade alongside an experienced farrier while following a specialised course. Step by step you build up the technique, the physical routine and the customer contact.
What can you grow into as a Farrier?
Many farriers grow towards their own practice with a loyal customer base, or specialise in claw care for cattle or in making shoes themselves. If you want to broaden your work with animals, a related profession such as Animal breeder is a logical extension of your experience.