ON THE COVER: In this image captured by American Farriers Journal Executive Editor Jeremy McGovern, Justin Galli, right, instructs his associate Joseph Mustello. Galli’s farrier practice is primarily in New York and Connecticut, and Wellington, Fla., during show season.

Farrier’s life is the ultimate blank canvas. You can make of it what you wish. It offers you freedom and unlimited opportunities — as long as you’re willing to work for it.

A farrier’s life is the life of a small business owner. You’re the boss, an entrepreneur. You call the shots. Rest assured, it’s not all chocolates and roses. It comes with great responsibility and there’s no safety net. When you call in sick, you don’t get paid.

You’re Not Alone

Although the buck stops with you in your small business, there is a wealth of resources at your disposal. The farrier in-dustry is filled with incredibly generous people who are armed with valuable experience. There’s no greater example than the knowledge and advice that you will find within the pages of this 13th edition of the American Farriers Journal’s “Getting Started in Hoof Care.”

The valuable information you will read comes from knowledgeable hoof-care professionals who have invested their lives in this industry. They don’t sugarcoat the tasks ahead as you embark on your career in farriery.

You will find advice on the hurdles you face, the mindset necessary to succeed and strategies for a profitable apprenticeship.

Operating a small business will have its share of land mines. You might find that you are having difficulty finding the right clients, determining how to set your prices, managing finances, navigating liability and when to begin planning for your retirement. You’ll find answers to these questions and more in this issue.

Your Job

While you are new to the industry, you have important responsibilities within it. You must continue learning, improve your skills and respect your trade. Reading this magazine is a good start, but there’s so much more available to you. Join a farrier organization, get to know others in the trade, attend clinics and conferences, and above all, ask questions. 

American Farriers Journal is your magazine and an educational ally. Please contact me at any time and share your ideas, questions and struggles. Call me at (262) 787-8292 or email jcota@lessitermedia.com.

Best wishes in your new career. Now let’s get to work.