BUTLER PROFESSIONAL FARRIER SCHOOL
At Butler Professional Farrier School your success is very important to us. BPFS offers you: (1) the best instruction available by experienced teachers who are leaders in the farriery industry; (2) a focused learning environment where you receive one-on-one instruction and extensive practice time to develop your skills; and (3) a customized curriculum that is designed to meet your individual needs. BPFS produces qualified and motivated practitioners who are confident at their level of practice.

Teaching Philosophy And Curriculum
BPFS is the only farrier school in the United States with three CJF certified instructors (one is also an FWCF). We teach fundamental (basic) and advanced horseshoeing classes using a proven sequence of instruction designed to help you learn more in a shorter period of time. We work with you one-on-one to ensure that you thoroughly understand not only the how but the why of each step in the shoeing process.

The curriculum at BPFS teaches you progressive skill levels based on a unique matrix of learning created by Doug Butler as he studied how farriers learn best while he was writing “Six-Figure Shoeing.” This unique learning matrix combines the best ideas from American and British  farrier training schools and emphasizes the importance for farrier students to realize they must master one part of the craft before they can grasp and master another.

“These six weeks are as six or seven months because it is very intensive. This has been the greatest learning experience of my life as a vet or as a future farrier.” – Cristiano, DVM, Italy

Our world-class facilities were built in 2002, and classrooms, individual learning stations, large arena for observing movement, office and dormitory are all under one roof. We have over a hundred of our own horses for students to practice on daily, as well as shoe for many area horse owners. You’ll use the best working tools to learn with, and have access to the largest collection of horseshoes, pictures, teaching aides, and foot models in America.

Class Size And Course Lengths
We accept between 6 and 10 students per class, and there are three instructors, so our student:teacher ratio and proven teaching matrix allows lots of one-on-one time with each student. You want and deserve the best instruction and training available to “get it right the first time.”

“The size of the class was perfect ... you’re not getting lost in the mix ... It’s been the opportunity of a lifetime.” – Steve, Colorado

Over the years we have taught courses of varying lengths, and we have found that six weeks is the minimum time one really can learn the basics of horseshoeing. Any less time provides merely an introduction and doesn’t give students the time to fully develop each skill before moving on to the next level. At BPFS we shorten your learning curve with the teaching techniques we’ve learned by experience.

“After talking to other farriers about the schools they attended, I realize the foundation course we get here at BPFS includes most of what other schools’ advanced classes contain ... I really respect that with Dr. Butler the horse comes first ...” – Kelly, Canada

BPFS Focuses On Balance And Firm Foundations
Balance is critical to maintain a horse’s soundness. We teach traditional three-dimensional balance techniques that have been verified by scientific research. These are the most practical and effective means of maintaining or restoring soundness.

Yes, we spend a lot of time learning about and forging horseshoes. Yet, horsemanship, people skills and business training are also important parts of a successful career as a farrier. We believe the “Cowboy Code” plays an important part in forming that firm foundation and encourage our students to develop healthy, positive attitudes and habits.

Along with teaching horseshoeing, our students learn about horses and the horse business – from how to handle horses to how to interact with clients to how to organize your business records. We require students to learn about and learn how to apply the material from the textbook on these topics – not just read about them.

“The classroom time really sold me because other schools don’t emphasize that. The daily schedule helps you know what you’re going to be doing each day and know what to expect.” – Dani, Iowa

About Our Students
We expect students to be serious about attending BPFS and come willing to learn. They must have a good work ethic, be disciplined and have a desire to excel. We expect our students to have high standards of character and to be dependable and responsible.

“I tried another school ... but had to deal with a group of people that weren’t serious [about learning]. The attitude at BPFS is, we’re here to learn and Dr. Butler is here to teach.” – David, Texas

Meet the Butler Team

Jacob Butler, CJF, DipWCF
Jake has been shoeing horses for more than 15 years. He taught horseshoeing at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for four years. Jake has a special interest in the anatomy of the horse’s leg and has taught at the AFA convention’s anatomy lab for nine years. He is co-author of The Principles of Horseshoeing (P3).

Peter Butler, CJF
Pete has been shoeing for more than 7 years. He has studied and practices the methods of the masters of horse behavior modification, and relates well to the beginner. Pete helps students feel comfortable around horses and develop their horse skills.

Doug Butler, PhD, FWCF, CJF
Doug Butler is an internationally known farrier and professor with over 45 years of practical teaching experience at colleges and universities. After retiring in 1995, it was Dr. Butler’s dream to open his own horseshoeing school. A number of years passed before the “right” property became available, and in January 2007, the Butlers and their two sons, Jacob and Peter, (and their families) started Butler Professional Farrier School near Chadron, Nebraska.

Over the years, Dr. Butler has trained hundreds of the top American farriers and farrier educators in the United States. His book “The Principles of Horseshoeing” (co-authored with Jacob Butler) is the most widely used and referenced textbook in the world on the subject of horseshoeing. Doug is the only person in the world who is a PhD, CJF and FWCF. He has won national shoeing competitions and has dedicated his life to excellence in horse foot care. In Conversations with Great Teachers by Bill Smoot, published by Indiana University Press in 2010, Doug is the only farrier educator named as one of the top 51 educators in all fields in America.

Why YOU Should Attend BPFS
Butler Professional Farrier School is clearly one of the best choices in American farrier schools today. While the cost may be comparable to other schools, the education and quality of instruction you receive at BPFS will be the highest and best value for your dollar -- making it truly one of the most affordable farrier schools in the United States.

“Talking to people who have attended other schools, I know there’s nothing that compares. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to come here to study at this special place. Everything is well thought out and organized.” – Ronen, Israel

At Butler Professional Farrier School you learn it right the first time. But as one student put it: “Farriery is not for the faint of heart! You need to be prepared for the commitment that is involved.”

Call Jake today to discuss your future as a farrier! We look forward to hearing from you. 800-728-3826 (press 2) or check us out at our website!