American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Advertise Follow Us
Federal Legislation Could Force Tough Hiring Decisions for Multi-Farrier Practices
What you need to know before converting independent contractors to employees
Second in a Series:
This is the second in a series examining the potential effects of the federal Protecting the Right to Organize Act on farriers’ hiring practices and their hoof-care businesses.
Farrier Takeaways
- Employers should consult with the appropriate state and federal agencies to ensure legal compliance.
- Withholding or payments of employment taxes must be deposited and reported on a monthy or semi-weekly basis.
- Employees are entitled to overtime pay that is 1 ½ times their regular rate of pay when they work more than 40 hours a week.
- Employers must supply employees the appropriate safety equipment and training.
- Farriers can expect worker’s compensation insurance premiums to cost at least $4,500 annually.
Demand for equine hoof-care services across the United States are at its highest levels in recent memory, stretching farriers thin. Yet, proposed changes to federal labor law could force multi-farrier practices into tough decisions that could make it increasingly difficult to service clients.
House Bill 842 and Senate Bill 420 — both titled Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2021 — aim to amend the National Labor Regulations Act (NLRA) by replacing the Common Law Rules with a full ABC Test as its definition of employee.
The House passed its version, 225-206. It was sent to the Senate, which read the bill twice and referred it to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The Senate’s version was read twice and referred to the same committee.
Should the Pro Act become law, it will…
Top Articles
Current Issue
5 Lessons & Insights from Farriers Who Shoe for a Living
When Should the Equine Hoof & Pastern Angle Line Up?
Iron Sharpens Iron in the Scenic City
Current Issue
Special Report For Equine Veterinarians
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Must Read Free Eguides
Download these helpful knowledge building tools
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
- Winter Hoof Care
Videos
Hoof Care on Parade
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Events
Michigan Horseshoers Association 55th Annual Clinic
Date: 01/02/25
Location: Lansing, MI
View Event
Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs Inc
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell USA
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.