The Thriving Equine Professional | Career Connections, Equine Industry Resources, Career Advice. · JodiSpeaksLIFE: Speaker, Career Success Coach, Podcaster

59 | Diego Almeida's Journey to Becoming a Farrier

·48 min·4 clips

Jodi Lynch-Findley talks with Diego Almeida about a farrier career that reaches far beyond the barn aisle. The conversation opens with Jodi introducing Diego as an educator, organization member, student of the horse, and working professional with many certifications and awards. He explains that farriery is a trade shaped by standards, judgment, and a willingness to keep learning. Jodi frames the interview as a chance to surface a career path she has not covered before. Diego then walks through the American Farriers Association certification structure. He describes the progression from certified farrier to tradesman and journeyman. He also names the endorsement paths, including educator, forging, and therapeutic work. He explains that some AFA roles, such as testing and certification instruction, require separate approval and updates. The show stays with the idea that credentials come with real responsibility. Jodi contrasts that with the broader U.S. landscape, where there is no required education or schooling to enter the profession. England comes up as a different model. There, formal college training and apprenticeship under an approved mentor are part of the path. Jodi highlights that Diego is active internationally as well, including with the Worshipful Company of Farriers in England. That detail gives the conversation a wider professional frame. Diego says he loves waking up to do the work. He admits that some parts of the business are draining. Even so, the work of being around horses clearly still matters to him. Jodi keeps circling back to the practical lessons behind his story. Education matters. Connection matters. Commitment matters. The episode treats the farrier world as one of the many hidden careers inside the equine industry. It also shows how a person can build credibility through service, certification, and steady commitment. The closing moments point listeners toward curiosity and toward the Montana State University Farrier School. The overall effect is a measured career conversation that turns an uncommon job into a useful map for anyone who wants to thrive in equine work.

As heard by us

A practical look at farrier work as a trade, a career ladder, and a profession built on standards.

Diego Almeida's path into farrier work makes the episode feel grounded in a trade shaped by standards, mentorship, and international ties. Jodi Lynch-Findley keeps the focus on what listeners can actually take away: how schooling, certifications, teaching, and professional roles…

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Why you'd press play

You want the real path into farrier work, not a romanticized barn story.

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