No Retirement Age, Earns 10 Million Won a Month... "Just 70 Nationwide": High-Paying Career Draws Attention in China Despite Being a Shunned Major

Horse Hoof-Care Specialist Known as a "Farrier"

A little-known profession involving trimming horses' hooves in China has become a topic of discussion after reports that it can also bring in a high income.

A farrier working on a horseshoe. The photo is not directly related to the article. Korea Racing Authority

On November 14, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Fu Huadong, a fourth-year student in a horse-industry-related department at Wuhan Business University, has recently drawn attention on local social media after choosing to become a farrier.

A farrier is a specialist who trims horses' hooves and makes or replaces protective horseshoes. Farriers also check the condition of a horse's hooves and correct their shape to prevent injuries. There are reportedly only around 70 certified farriers in China, and their monthly income can reach up to $7,500 (about 10 million won), depending on their level of skill. Fu is reportedly the youngest certified farrier and the only one still enrolled in university.

Fu initially planned to study sports rehabilitation, but was assigned to a department related to the horse industry during the university admissions process. When choosing a specialty, he decided to pursue farriery. He was the only student in his year to choose the field. For nearly two years, he devoted himself to practical training. Even during school breaks, he stayed at the university stables to trim and shape horses' hooves. At first, he practiced using tools by carving wooden boards to resemble hooves, then went on to train on replacing horseshoes on real horses.

Farriers need knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanics, as well as metalworking skills. Improperly trimming a hoof can affect a horse's gait and lead to serious injuries. Farriers must also hold the legs of horses weighing hundreds of kilograms and work on their hooves while bent over for more than 40 minutes.

The work can also involve serious risks. While Fu was working, a horse suddenly moved its leg and cut his hand on a sharp horseshoe nail. The wound was deep enough to expose the bone, and he had to receive stitches at a hospital. In another incident, a horse stepped on Fu's left foot. It swelled so badly that he was unable to get out of bed for two weeks.

However, the high level of skill required and the profession's scarcity can lead to high earnings. According to local reports, caring for one horse costs around 1,000 yuan (about 200,000 won). Experienced farriers earn tens of thousands of yuan a month, and some specialists reportedly earn much more. There have also reportedly been cases in South Korea of farriers earning tens of millions of won a month without a fixed retirement age.

However, not a few people enter the field expecting high earnings, only to quit because they cannot endure the physical strain and working conditions. Fu, however, said, "My teacher told me that even after working in this industry for 30 years, there is still more to learn." He added, "I will work hard like my teacher and keep learning through practice."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.