These Boots Are Made For Walking – Farriery Positions

I am nearly twenty-five years old and have a high school education. My husband is currently training for a job in which he will be working on ships for the U.S. Navy. Our two children and I will be living “on the farm” with his parents. They have a lovely farm with land, animals, and garden.

The problem is the only place to work there are a couple of fast-food restaurants and a retail store or two. I love being outdoors. I love the farm and want to learn a trade so I can stay on the farm and out of a greasy kitchen if at all possible. Please help! I’ve thought about Farrying but would like to know what my other options are.

Farriery work would be an interesting job and a tough one at that!

For readers who are more used to the city life (or on a boat), Farrier’s prepare and treat the foot of a horse who will be getting shoes.

You could consider the other side of that and try blacksmithing. Try talking to the local college and ask if they have a list of blacksmiths or metal shops in your area. There are quite a few blacksmiths that are available to teach blacksmithing.

Of course, there’s always the position of a farm worker. Typically a farm worker moves animals around from range to pasture and oversees the animals on the farm making sure they don’t wander off. Some farm workers also clean stalls. That’s back breaking work, at least it was for me, and the smell is something I never quite got used to.

You said there was a big area for gardening. How about growing your own ingredients for Salsa and take your (nicely packaged) salsa around to the few local restaurants and non chain grocery stores? My mouth is watering already. Before you get too deep into that, you’ll want to come up with a great recipe and purchase store bought ingredients. Then take samples to the local establishments. Smaller, non franchise restaurants and groceries could agree to take the salsa (or other food) on consignment and pay you as your product is purchased. You’ll have to check to see if you’ll need licensing.

You can also take some vocational classes in Horticulture. Contact the local FFA to see where they might be offered. Many night classes offer horticulture. From there you have a large variety of jobs, which would depend where “the farm” is located.

Most farm positions are for 6 months out of the year so take that into consideration. Let us know how you do!

The Captain