I didn’t start with the top line of tools when I went out on my own. And through my career, I’ve met more than one farrier who could drive a nail with a rock. It isn’t the tool — what’s more important is whose hands the tools are in.

Don’t get me wrong, for feel and performance, the high-quality tools are worth the price they demand. They will last a long time, which repays your investment. 

If you are starting out on your own and working part-time, it doesn’t make sense to invest in the best equipment. Your goal is to find reliable, professional tools that will hold up to day-to-day wear and tear. 

There is a wide middle range for tools that are trustworthy. I’ve always told my students that if you wear out a set of tools then you are working, and you most likely will be able to afford to buy any brand you want. Some tools wear out faster than others, but you can always upgrade as you go along. Take a look at what other farriers at your barns are using and ask them what they like or dislike about their equipment.

All of the tools you worked with in class are necessary. Part of the trick is realizing what and how much you need in the way of supplies. 

Use the experiences of your fellow shoers to eliminate the guesswork. When you return home, locate and join a local farrier organization so you’ll have a list of members throughout your region. Contact any members nearby and ask them what shoes are most popular in this area. 

Supplies are needed, but you don’t have to stock everything. After getting to know your area, its clients and what you are working with, it becomes easier to decide what you need for inventory. 

When I buy supplies in the summer months, I try to double up on the popular sizes. In the winter, they come in handy. A pile of shoes, nails and supplies in the corner is like a savings account.

Get More Mileage From Your Equipment

Farrier tools are a significant investment, so it is important that you take the extra steps to ensure that your tools perform at their best and last as long as possible — especially when money is tight in your career’s early years.

The best way to extend the lives of your tools is to use them for what they are designed for. Using a hoof pick and wire brush to clean dirt and rocks from a hoof prior to trimming will save wear and tear on your hoof knife, nippers and rasps.

Store your tools properly in your shoeing box or rig to prevent them from banging together — causing unnecessary chips and nicks.

I feel a little maintenance goes a long way to getting your money’s worth and preserving your tools. 

Your crease nail pullers, clincher, clinch cutter and other tools can be dressed up with files and grinders, as most are made of good steel. If for some reason you heat something up to adjust it, just air cool it — don’t apply water. The longer your tools do a quality job, the more money stays in your pocket. 

When they are absolutely worn out, make something else out of your tools. Give them new life; for example, clinchers make great tongs, nippers make good hoof testers, etc. 

Use the Internet to chat with other farriers on website message boards, like the Farriers’ Forum at www.americanfarriers.com. Your fellow shoers can lend you advice on rehabbing or making your own equipment.

Your Buying Options

If one is nearby, it may be best for you to drive to the local supplier. More often, people are using the Internet to buy from manufacturers and suppliers. 

Don’t forget, supplies and tools aren’t light stuff — if shipping costs are involved, it may be cheaper to buy from a local supplier at the brick and mortar store.

Be a critical shopper online. Most suppliers have their prices listed online. When it is time to buy, bring up the suppliers you will normally use and click on everything on your shopping list. You’ll see your entire purchase there, down to the shipping cost. After you do this with all of the suppliers, you’ll find the best prices. Also, you can usually find deals like free or discounted shipping.

Whether you buy online or directly at the supplier, consider buying in bulk with others, as mentioned above.

If you are starting out, do not hesitate to contact local farriers with more than 20 years experience on the job. Ask them what they might have lying around in the shop. You do not need the latest and greatest shoes for backyard horses. It is a great way to get supplies for next to nothing.  

Danny Ward is the owner of Danny Ward Horseshoeing School and is a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame.