So, you’ve graduated farrier school or finished an apprenticeship and are ready to launch your own farrier business. You might be thinking, “What are my next steps? How can I stand out from other farriers? What does it take to run my own business?”

You’re not alone. Many farriers have these same questions as they begin their careers. Running your own business may seem daunting, but if you are aware of common business mistakes other new farriers make, you can avoid them and start off on the right foot.

George Goode, director of the Tucson School of Horseshoeing in Tuscon, Ariz., stresses the importance of aspiring farriers attending school.

“A mistake I see is people not going to school long enough, not getting enough hands-on experience,” he says.

It is important to supplement anatomical knowledge with hands-on experience, which shoeing schools provide. The longer the program is and the more you are in school, the more experience you will gain that you can later apply in the real world.

Learning shouldn’t stop after you’ve graduated, though. Many farriers make the mistake of not working on their professional development and getting their name out there.

Richard Duggan, director of the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing in Ramsey, Minn., says that new farriers should apprentice with an established farrier after they graduate and also establish a professional development plan. They should seek certification through the American Farriers Association and “be active, be visible” by attending farrier/vet clinics, workshops, conventions and other horse events. The more events and workshops you attend, the more visible you will become in the farrier community. You’ll also be furthering your education by keeping up-to-date with the latest equine-related news and scholarship.

Since farriers work by and for themselves, you need to be aware of how to actually establish your farrier business in the first place.

“Apply for your federal self-employment and tax number, [and] be aware of your state business and sales tax laws,” says Duggan.

Additionally, consider setting up a credit card account and ask your clients to pay right away, so that you can establish accountable and reliable clients.

Both Goode and Duggan warn about overcharging your customers as well.

“Your pricing structure should be in line with the prevailing rates in your area,” says Duggan. If you are charging more than other farriers nearby, there is no reason why potential clients would choose your practice over less expensive and more established farriers in the area.

Lastly, besides technical knowledge and experience, a farrier’s behavior is just as important as their skill level when establishing their business.

“[Farriers] are getting too comfortable,” Goode says. “Make sure to clean up after yourself and watch the language you are using while around a customer.”

When on-site and interacting with clients or potential clients, present yourself in a professional manner. It is a mistake to think your work will speak for itself, or a job well done excuses unprofessional behavior.

If you are going to be late or have to miss an appointment, you have to let your client know.

“We all have cellphones now, so there’s no excuse,” says Goode.

Effectively communicating with your client will show that you are reliable and can be trusted even if you have to cancel an appointment.

Being aware of mistakes other farriers have made and actively working to try to avoid them will give you a huge leg-up when starting your journey as a farrier. Establishing a successful business takes time, but following these business tips will help you stand out from others and allow you to have a long, prosperous career.

2018 Getting Started In Hoof Care Contents