Select Your Style

Choose your layout

NAHEF Veteran Farrier Training Program

NAHEF Veteran Farrier Training Program

NAHEF Veteran Farrier Training Program

vet and horse

ESTABLISHED IN AUGUST 2006 TO HELP FURTHER THE DIGNITY AND SELF-SUSTAINING NATURE OF NATIVE AMERICANS THROUGH FARRIERY.

Navajo code talker

Native American veterans are highly regarded within tribal communities for their dedication and commitment to serving in the Armed Services throughout America's history.

However, many of them find it hard to adjust once they return home. American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the U.S. Armed Services at a higher rate than any other group.

We offer 3-day and 2-weeks mobile courses, as well as 4-weeks and 8-weeks farrier courses.

We provide the knowledge of correct shoeing and its importance to health and performance, allowing for hundreds of dollars in savings enach year.

We offer the education on the importance of proper diet and foot care as it relates to the quality of life for all horses.

According to the 2010 Census, it is estimated that over 150,000 veterans identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone.Farriery is a career which allows for a sustainable income with flexible hours and increased self-confidence, as well as the pleasure of working outdoors with animals.Farriery is a combination of art and science that creates a critical foundation for all horses.
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
The Native American Horse Education Foundation is supported through donations and grants that provide scholarships to Native American youth and adults. Training is available on the reservation or it can be an outreach program.
The Native American Horse Education Foundation is supported through donations and grants that provide scholarships to Native American youth and adults. Training is available on the reservation or it can be an outreach program.
PURPOSE
PURPOSE
To inaugurate the basic concepts of horse anatomy, hoof care, and minimize animal abuse whereas; youth ranchers and person who loves animals will have an insight into proper animal husbandry.
To inaugurate the basic concepts of horse anatomy, hoof care, and minimize animal abuse whereas; youth ranchers and person who loves animals will have an insight into proper animal husbandry.
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES
To teach the basic structure of the horse anatomy.Provide instruction for corrective shoeing.Teach correct use of various tools.Prove proficiency in real-life applications.
To teach the basic structure of the horse anatomy.Provide instruction for corrective shoeing.Teach correct use of various tools.Prove proficiency in real-life applications.

(Hover your pointer over the image above to pause the slide show)

NAHEF Veteran Farrier Training Program

Twin Lakes Native American Veteran GraduateOur founder, George Goode, travels to each reservation when he teaches horseshoeing to Native Americans. He brings his custom trailer full of shoeing equipment: anvils, forges, hammers and tongs for each student. George will visit any reservation that will host his classes. Along the way, George has befriended many Native American Veterans. These brave individuals face special challenges unique to the Native Veteran.

Native American veterans are highly regarded within tribal communities for their dedication and commitment to serving in the Armed Services throughout America’s history. However, many of them find it hard to adjust once they return home. American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the U.S. Armed Services at a higher rate than any other group. According to the 2010 Census, it is estimated that over 150,000 veterans identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone.
https://www.ncai.org/policy-issues/education-health-human-services/veterans

George Goode realized that the Native American Horse Education Foundation (NAHEF) could craft a training program specifically for Native Veterans. The NAHEF’s Veteran Farrier Training Program.

5 Challenges for Vets who return to the Reservation

  • 1. Veterans want to work with their hands at home

    Many of these veterans return home to their tribe and family. These veterans need to help their families take care of their homes and livestock, while they seek options for self-employment. Many veterans turn to native arts like jewelry making, pottery, weaving, and heritage arts like Kachina crafting. Others pursue outdoor work in livestock or the rodeo. These are the perfect candidate for NAHEF’s Veteran Farrier Training Program.

  • 2. Crowds can make vets uncomfortable

    There are a number of ceremonies and traditional methods to address Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, they don’t work for all veterans. One alternative therapy involves working with horses. The NAHEF’s Veteran Farrier Training Program is a perfect fit for a vet who needs some alone time and can find relief building trust with a horse.

    https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/vietnam_american_indians.asp

    Also: https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/horse-therapy-helps-veterans-overcome-trauma

  • 3. Horseshoeing classes are not available on the reservation

    The NAHEF has a forge trailer that is designed to teach farriery on the reservation. This enables instructors to demonstrate custom corrective hot shoeing and anatomy of horses. Each student receives their own set of tools, which they keep at the end of the course. This is a 75% hand-on course.

  • 4. Veterans need business operation skills to sustain their own business

    The NAHEF’s Veteran Farrier Training Program shows students how to create and run a business. This training includes how to set up and manage bank accounts, prepare taxes, apply for and process credit cards, and promote a new business. Veterans are trained to be self-sufficient and able to contribute to their family.

  • 5. A new education can be costly

    NAHEF courses are certified and are fully paid for by G.I. Bill benefits.

    How to Apply
    Native Veterans should start with their Chapter House in the veterans affairs office.

    Note: family members may also qualify for paid NAHEF classes. See links below.

    The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide additional tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.

    Also: https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-tribal.asp

Twin Lakes Chapter House, Gallup, New Mexico. Navajo VP & Director of Agriculture Resource
vets and horses