There is one way that the farrier profession is similar to that of professional athletes. Athletes are compensated richly because they are good at what they do, but also because the required physical endurance means they can usually only perform professionally for a relatively short period of life. Their bodies break down prematurely due to the hazards of their business. The same goes for farriers.

How do we put a price tag on our health, which is being compromised in the job we perform? Why shouldn’t health be considered in determining the value of horseshoeing in the marketplace? From this perspective, the value the service farriers provide should command a higher cost: the price of health and well-being.

Horseshoers regularly receive treatment from the following professionals:

  • Medical doctors.
  • Chiropractors.
  • Physiotherapists.
  • Massage therapists.

Some even have surgery as a result of their work. All of these work-related injuries and strains are going to affect our health and the quality of our life as we get older.

Note: This is an excerpt of an article that ran in the 2012 Getting Started in Hoof Care (A Career Guide for the New Farrier).


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