Thoughtful research and planning are crucial when selecting a new shoeing rig. Whether it’s your first truck or trailer, an upgrade to accommodate a new aspect of your practice, a second rig to use part-time in another state or the “dream rig” you’ve been wanting for years, mapping out what you like is a good way to get exactly what you need and avoid buyer’s remorse.

While the variables of rig features can be mind-boggling, we’ve gathered some important considerations for you to review and evaluate how they fit into your own business.

1.What Are My Needs Vs. My Wants?

A fully-integrated 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. That includes analyzing your workflow, geographic variables, necessary supplies and tools and what you can afford.

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?”

Sposito adds that in a perfect world, you wouldn’t ever pick up an anvil, because it’s heavy and takes time; he recommends a similar evaluation for each step of your workflow. 

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