Embarking on a hoof-care career is no easy task. It takes several years to establish a successful farrier practice, so it is crucial to make an informed decision on where you will build that business.

Often, aspiring farriers will elect to set up shop in the areas where they grew up. Hopefully, that area is prosperous and populated with plenty of good horses. If not, moving to another area will be in the best interest of a footcare practice.

Once you are established in a home and work life, it is difficult to move and start over in your footcare practice. Just the expense of moving can be considerable, plus the lost income during the time you are finding new clients.

Networking with other farriers, establishing relationships with local veterinarians and finding a mentor in the new area can speed up this process of re-establishing your business. However, this process will require the same dedication and patience as it did when you launched your career.

Things To Consider

Everyone has priorities in life that are different from everyone else. Lifestyle may be more important to you than making as much money as possible. Consequently, what may be a good decision about a good location for one farrier may not be suitable for another.

I moved early in my career from central Minnesota to southeast Wisconsin. Here are some things I took from that experience for you to consider:

What part of the country do you want to live in? While…