Chinese student chooses unusual career with Rs 1.4 lakh starting salary, sparks buzz

A university student in central China is pursuing a career rarely considered by graduates, choosing to become a farrier who trims horses' hooves and fits horseshoes. The specialised profession can offer experienced practitioners monthly earnings of up to 50,000 yuan (about Rs 7 lakh), according to the SCMP, which reported on the student's decision to enter the niche field.

Fu Donghua, a fourth-year student at the Equestrian School of Wuhan Business University, earned his junior farrier certificate in April. His teacher, Li Jixin, expects him to earn more than 10,000 yuan (about Rs 1.4 lakh) a month after graduation. Li said the fee for fitting a horseshoe usually starts at 500 yuan (about Rs 7,000).\

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Only 70 certified farriers in China

Fu is the youngest certified farrier in China and the only one among the country's 70 certified practitioners who is still pursuing a university degree, according to the China Horse Industry Association, as cited by SCMP.

Farriers are responsible for trimming and treating horses' hooves, fitting horseshoes and adjusting their angles to maintain hoof health and support the animals' performance. The work requires a combination of physical strength, precision and an understanding of horse anatomy and behaviour.

Fu views the profession as a way to provide horses with protection and cushioning for their feet, much like running shoes do for people. A horseshoe typically lasts around 40 days before it needs replacing.

Farriering requires physical endurance and patience

The work is physically demanding. A farrier has to hold a horse's hoof between their legs, bend over for extended periods and repeatedly switch between tools while trimming the hoof and fitting the shoe. The posture and sustained effort can make it difficult for practitioners to straighten their backs after a long session.

Fu's training also involved developing control and strength before he began working directly on horses. He recalled being asked to peel wood for half a month to improve his ability to handle tools and maintain precise angles.

Building trust with the animal is another essential part of the job. Fu said farriers need to gradually familiarise horses with touch by patting their necks and faces, handling their noses and jaws, and gently holding their legs so the animals become comfortable with the process.

Training injuries have tested Fu's commitment

Fu's decision to pursue the profession has come with physical risks. During his first month of training, a nail cut deeply into his palm, exposing the bone and leaving him unable to work for two weeks.

In another serious incident, a horse stepped on his left foot, causing severe swelling that kept him from getting out of bed for a fortnight.

Despite the injuries and demanding working conditions, Fu intends to continue developing his skills and obtain a senior farrier certificate. He said his teacher, who has spent three decades in the profession, continues to learn through practice, and Fu hopes to follow the same approach.

Li has shared his professional knowledge with Fu and believes the student can build a career in the specialised trade. While Fu's projected monthly earnings after graduation are above 10,000 yuan (about Rs 1.4 lakh), the higher earning potential of experienced farriers has also drawn attention to the profession.