1. What Are My Needs Vs. My Wants?

A booming music system or seat warmers might be “nice-to-have” options, but when it comes to shoeing rigs, the experts all advise identifying the essentials first.

A well-organized work environment saves time and effort. “One of the first priorities is to determine your work platform, whether you’ll eventually work out of a cap or a trailer,” advises Lou Sposito, president of Stonewell Bodies of Genoa, N.Y. 

“Once I know the general platform, then I can get into the efficiencies of working, such as how often is it practical for me to pick up my anvil, pull out a stump and work on that?

“Look at the process flow of moving around the rig; what steps are involved? From there, take those steps and convert them into what tools are required and where to position them.”

Know what you need to meet your target market’s expectations. Sposito adds that knowing your current clientele and geographic area are important in selecting rig features, but you should also consider what you might need when new business opportunities present themselves.

“Select features that allow you to cater to your clients, but allow you enough flexibility to take on new work,” he says. “For example, if a new customer calls or you get a local referral from another shoer, you’ll want to be sure you can address their needs.”

Get the best quality basics you can afford, and consider used or reconditioned rigs. As general manager of PurdyBilt by UPSCO, Inc., Ken Scott recommends buying as much vehicle as you can initially afford, and adding features over time. 

Workflow is important to the layout of your rig. These farrier have set up the rig where one works at the rear of the truck, while the other is inside the barn. When the farrier inside the barn needs to work at the truck, he will work at the rig’s side.

“What rig will provide you the greatest benefit at this point in your career?’” he asks. 

One option involves re-working an existing rig through trade-ins, upgrades and reconditions, something that PurdyBilt allows. “We recently had a customer bring in a 10-year-old truck body, and we reconditioned the body and mounted it on an axle, converting it to a trailer. It certainly didn’t look like a 10-year-old rig.”

It can take years to determine what you really like. Sometimes a career direction can take years to evolve, so Roger Newman of SomerSong Forge Trailers advises starting out with less equipment and waiting until you’ve gained clarity based on experiences.

“There are so many different styles of shoeing, different ways of doing things, different rigs and places to live and work,” says the Somerset, Wis., manufacturer. “I didn’t make my final choice for a rig until the 10th year of my career. You just develop a different understanding of your needs over time.”

Evaluate your territory’s geography. Your shoeing territory and the types of roads you’ll encounter are also a factor in selecting a rig, especially when it comes to trailers. Scott points out that gooseneck trailers can provide a better ride and improved gas mileage over bumper pull trailers, in addition to allowing a greater turning radius.

Newman adds that trailer jackknifing and U-turns are inherent problems of the trade. “Farriers can be determined to get their rigs closer to the horse,” he says. “It happens more in California, where so many people live on cul-de-sacs that require tight turns, but not so much in Texas, where you’re driving up a straightaway on a large ranch. 

“Tandem axles don’t like U-turns because the torque is tremendous. When you spin it around on concrete, you’re putting an ungodly amount of pressure on the spindles.”

2. How Can You Improve Efficiency?

The adage of “time is money” certainly is true for farriers, but with horseshoeing you can also consider that effort equals time. Looking at ways to save both will have an effect on your bottom line. 

Using a swing-out anvil can be an improvement. According to John Halko, partner and operating officer of Georgia Farrier Supply in Jasper, Ga., lifting an anvil and stand in and out of a truck and trailer several times each day is a waste of time and critical energy. 

“Having an anvil that swings out saves the energy required to shoe at least one horse per day. By the end of a year, that really adds up,” he says.

Easy access to tools and supplies saves time and effort. Continuing that evaluation of where your time and energy goes, Halko says all equipment and supplies should be organized and easily accessible on racks, shelves and in drawers.  

“Don’t have deep drawers or ‘junk holes’ with stuff piled on top of stuff,” he says. “Searching around for supplies while the horse and owner are waiting is a waste of everyone’s time.”

Below-waist tool and supply storage is preferred for efficiency plus a lower center of gravity. “I eventually came up with storage drawers underneath the waist. It’s like a chef’s galley, with doors and drawers underneath the worktop, rather than on top,” says Newman. He reports that low-profile design has also become an important safety feature. 

“Having the heavy storage below the waist instead of hanging on the trailer walls gives it a lower center of mass. It helps the trailer track better with the pulling vehicle, a critical factor in rain, snow or muddy road driving.”

Think in multiples to optimize results. When outfitting your rig, Halko advises having a double set of all critical supplies, including a complete second set of hand tools and a second shoeing apron. 

“For instance, if you have only one tube of a hoof repair material and it’s defective or gets damaged, then you must come back to finish the job,” he says. “How much money was saved by buying only one of a critical supply item?”

3. Will Your Choice Endure The Trials You’ll Put It Through?

The raw materials a rig is made of determine its longevity and usefulness. As a first shopping step, look for quality in production materials and methods.

Durability is defined in the quality of your rig’s construction. “I would say to any manufacturer that they should have the best standard features they can have,” says Scott. “We use top-quality raw materials and building methods; that’s why we stand behind all our vehicles as long as the original owner has them.” 

Scott suggests farriers to look for these materials: 

• Aluminum tubing and welds, including 100% tungsten inert gas welding which creates a strong, clean weld.
• Decking and exterior sheeting that can stand up to road vibration and the stresses of daily use.
• Structural tubing made of high-strength, extruded aluminum.
• Electric brakes.
• Sealed doors and trim.
• Easy-lube axles.
• Riveting system that helps wick moisture away from the interior.

Prevent water in all forms from getting into your rig. “There’s nothing more frustrating to a farrier than to open the door and find water inside their rig,” adds Scott. “We incorporate what we call ‘triple threat weather protection’ by having a triple seal along all doors and trim that prevents any water from getting inside the trailer.”

4. Does The Rig Meet Your Customer Service Standards?

Clients expect proficient shoeing and hoof care, but using professional business practices where your rig is concerned is another way to instill customer confidence. Unfair as it is, clients may judge your ability on something as fickle as a rig’s appearance.

Stock your rig with gear and supplies that help your practice. Carry professional-looking business forms and marketing materials (including business cards) in a clean, protected place along with a current copy of client contact information. Keep a mobile phone charged up and ready to go in your rig.

Research will help you understand the needs and expectations of your clients. Halko feels the quickest and most professional way to learn about something new is to read up on it using whatever online resources you can find, then go to a clinic where it’s the focus. “Using this approach, you’ll also be able to gain insight into what owners might expect, from prices to how your truck should look,” he says.

5. How Safe Is The Rig?

Although these two farriers are working on pleasant weather days, a rig that provides shelter can be a blessing if your region regularly is brutalized by scorching sun or pounded on by driving rain.

Safety is everyone’s business; when outfitting your rig, be sure to think through potential problems to get prepared for any trouble coming your way.

Place equipment at proper working heights. According to Halko, equipment should be mounted at safe work heights. “Equipment such as grinders and drill presses can be dangerous to the user if they’re either too high or too low,” he says.

Thoughtful propane tank configuration is good for safety and simplicity. Placing a propane tank inside a trailer is asking for trouble,” says Newman. “If you’ve forgotten to shut off the valve and bleed the line before closing the doors, you could end up with a big bang if friction builds up.”

From his own experience, Newman developed an external, dual-tank system that’s not only safe but also convenient. 

“I put two tanks side-by-side in liquid petroleum vertical tank brackets,” he says. “It’s easier to switch out the tanks, and if I’ve parked my trailer at a horse show, I can swap out the empty tank at night, leaving the trailer on the show grounds.”

Fire safety is crucial. Another safety tip from Halko involves being prepared for fires, especially when working around highly flammable horse barns. “Be sure to have a proper, working fire extinguisher, and keep a small quantity of fresh water on hand for emergencies,” he advises.

Be sure you can handle emergencies at client locations. Provide a service to clients by asking them for up-to-date emergency contact information on your first visit and periodically afterward, advises Halko. 

Ask about details such as what vets they use, and who’s the nearest neighbor that can help in a crisis. Don’t count on a client to have first aid supplies — pack supplies for humans and horses in your rig.

6. Does Your Rig Help To Advertise Your Practice?

In the eyes of your clients, how it looks is a reflection on your business.

Consider your rig’s presence and flexibility at events. If you shoe at horse shows and other events, Newman says having a trailer is a benefit. 

“At the 10- or 15-year mark as farriers, guys begin doing major shows. At horse shows, I could set up the trailer and then disconnect my vehicle to go back to the hotel,” he says.

Scott adds that graphics can enhance the professional image of a rig. 

“Our vendor can create any graphics if a customer supplies an image,” he adds. “Custom graphics not only supply business information, but also improve the rig’s overall look.”

Rig cleanliness is also good business. “Keeping one’s truck or workspace clean and free of used shoes, nails, etc., will make work easier and safer, plus the professional image is priceless,” says Halko. “You can save on propane expense with a quality forge that’s kept in good repair, with clean mixing chambers and an intact liner.”

7. Have I Asked My Fellow Farriers For Their Opinions?

There are many ways to learn about rigs today, and it’s especially helpful to reach out and ask questions of those with experience on the topic.

Learn about rig features from other farriers, and look at lots of rigs before making decisions. “I would say that instead of ‘best features’ it’s more ‘best practices’ and you’ll learn about those from things like reading American Farriers Journal, doing apprenticeships, working with recognized people and participating in educational clinics,” advises Sposito.

Manufacturers and farrier supply companies can be rig sounding boards. Another way to learn is by asking questions of the equipment experts. 

“You should be able to look at your farrier supply shop and rig-maker as sounding boards,” says Sposito. “Ask them how features may or may not work for you. Quite often a farrier will come to us and ask for a feature, but we’ll disagree because it’s not practical.”

8. How Will The Rig Augment Your Knowledge Growth?

How much storage do you need? Consider the type of clients you work with and the inventory you need to carry to serve them. Your rig must efficiently carry your essentials, but also accommodate the growth of your practice.

When you’re just starting out or perhaps learning a new skill, there’s a lot to absorb, including variables on how your new direction affects rig selection.

Analyze your training to determine what features you’ll need. There are more opportunities than ever before for farriers to become not just the guy that puts shoes on horses, but part of a total care solution, according to Sposito. And that influences what type of rig features you’ll need.

“If someone has gone to a classical school, the features they need are fewer. But, if they’ve gone to a school like Cornell and worked with vets and understand lameness and preventive care, then you’ll find you start to carry more of the advanced podiatry tools,” he says. “That’s when things like being able to use the new composites, pads and making your own shoes becomes important.”

Sposito adds that a deeper understanding of foot issues, and how a horse presents with hoof problems, is key to developing a high-dollar clientele. 

“Top shelf veterinarians treating million-dollar equine athletes are a great source of referrals, but you’ve got to understand how to address their requirements. And you’ll need the right tools and the knowledge to use them properly.”

Consider what’s tax deductible in your budgeting process. “A trailer is an awesome calling card, and it’s a 100% tax deduction. Plus, I was a hobby farm owner, and I needed my truck for hauling lumber and other things,” says Newman. However, tax codes do change, so be sure to check with your tax advisor on any planned deductions.

Carrying reference books and hoof models in your rig can help you out in unfamiliar territory. “I used to carry Doug Butler’s book in my truck for years — it’s got all kinds of specifications, and both medical and mechanical information,” says Halko. “His book is a great resource for new farriers for the first 5 or so years.”

9. What Are The General Vs. Specialized Add-Ons?

You can learn a lot about your own rig needs from what’s happening in the industry and what others are finding useful for their own rigs.

Consider the type of hoof care you’re providing to determine the features you’ll need. “When I’m thinking of the raw materials needed, it’s based on the type of shoeing,” says Sposito. “There are platers doing racetrack work; guys doing backyard or pleasure horses; and then you’ve got the specialty breeds, plus disciplines like dressage, hunter/jumper, reining and cutting. 

“The biggest bulk of what we’re seeing is very little in terms of necessary features for the platers, and then it goes up from there.”

Newman adds that any specialties, such as lameness, breeds or disciplines, affect rig set-up, along with  abilities. “Skill can bridge so many things. If you’ve got a lot of skill in the fire, you need a lot less stock, so you can set up your rig accordingly.”

10. Does This Rig Allow For Future Planning?

You might not be thinking about where you’ll be 5 or 10 years from now, but it’s useful to weigh options and opportunities before buying.

Consider not only where you are, but also where you’re going. Scott reports he’s been talking to farrier school graduates about what they’re using, their career direction and how they can upgrade to get the most utility as their business grows. 

“Most start with a pickup truck, a forge, anvil and stand, and a few tools. They’re going to work with some keg shoes and nails,” he says. “They know what they’re doing because they’ve either apprenticed or gone to school, or hopefully both. Where they can improve is in their organization, but that will come over time.”

Evaluate your rig’s return on investment potential. Since your shoeing business will evolve, you might eventually require a different rig altogether. If you’ve bought quality and kept things in good repair, you’ll often get a better trade-in value or selling price.

Remember to reinvest in yourself. Sposito says it’s helpful to think of yourself when considering where to spend business development funds.

“Even though we sell ‘stuff,’ it’s not always the gadget, but how you use the gadget that counts,” he advises. “If you really think about your return on investment of everything you buy, you might be better off investing in a skill or improving your forging ability rather than buying a new forge.”