Podiatry Farrier Apprentice

The Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a farrier apprentice. This is a 12-month long position in the Farrier Service within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). This position is designed to further the knowledge and skills of the farrier apprentice. The majority of the farrier apprentice’s time will be spent in the Farrier Service of the VTH alongside farrier Travis Burns. During this time the apprentice should expect to spend the majority of their time working as a farrier aide. The apprentice will be afforded the opportunity to attend the Equine Podiatry course. This course provides advanced training in Equine Podiatry for veterinary students intending to see horses as a significant part of their veterinary practice. Specifically, students will learn anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and farriery as they relate to preventative foot health care and management of lameness in clinical practice. Throughout the year the farrier apprentice will also be allowed to attend select lectures/labs in other courses. The farrier apprentice will also be expected to assist with the instructional efforts of the service, specifically to farrier students and veterinary students. The farrier service sees approximately 1,200 cases per year. These cases are seen both on farms and at the VTH. The service provides on the farm farrier services for the Virginia Tech Equestrian Program, a Quarter Horse breeding operation within the Virginia Tech College of Animal and Poultry Sciences, as well as a select group of local clients. The remaining case load is made up of cases referred to the Equine Podiatry, Equine Sports Medicine, and Large Animal Surgery and Medicine sections from practitioners in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and West Virginia. During the program the farrier apprentice will gain valuable experience in the care of performance horses and therapeutic farriery. Upon completion of the program the farrier should be confident in the forging traditional handmade horse shoes, modifying manufactured shoes, fabrication/welding, along with direct, and in direct glue on shoe application. Graduates can also expect to become proficient in the treating of various hoof pathologies and lameness cases along with a veterinarian.

High school graduate; Successful completion of a farrier school program and/or an apprenticeship with several months of experience.

“Certified Farrier” status with the American Farrier’s Association

3; Wage

Restricted

Wage; Starting at 15.33/hour, commensurate with experience

6/30/2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.