What Do You Do If A Prospective Customer Owes Money To Other Farriers?

Options % of Farriers
Work for her until she fails to pay 28%
Demand cash when the footcare work is done 38%
Refuse to work for her until she pays the other farriers 31%
Tell her to find another farrier 3%

— 2017 International Hoof-Care Summit survey

Are There More Small Or Large Equine Operations?

Based on 2015 data from operations with a minimum of five animals:

67% housed 5 to 9 animals.

22% had 10 to 19 horses.

11% kept 20 or more horses.

— Changes in the U.S. Equine Industry Report, 1998-2015, U.S. Department of Agriculture


Friday's Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance.

Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL) is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, and investment operations around the world. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia and founded in 1930, Markel reports its ongoing underwriting operations in three segments, and products originate from four insurance divisions and one reinsurance division. Markel Ventures, a subsidiary that makes strategic investments in companies outside of the insurance marketplace, is another important component of our business.


In each of our businesses, we seek to deliver innovative products and responsive customer service so that we can be a market leader. Our time horizon is long-term, our underwriting approach is disciplined, and our focus is on continuously improving the quality of the customer experience. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and to combine those profits with superior investment returns to build shareholder value.