When it comes to recommending products, tack options or health-care ideas to horse owners, you probably have more impact than any other equine professional.

Regardless of whether owners need advice on hoof care, deworming programs, saddle selection or another product, they’re more likely to seek advice from you than anyone else.

Since you deal with many clients every week, they know you’ll be able to share ideas that other owners are making work. They’re also likely to visit with you many more times during the year than with veterinarians, nutritionists or other horse-care professionals.

Product Advice Is Sought

Data from the recently completed 2006 Farrier Business Practices Survey conducted by American Farriers Journal indicates 86 percent of full-time farriers recommend products to clients. This number increased by 5 percent in the past 2 years. Some 28 percent of full-time farriers also sell various types of products to customers.

As you know, owners and trainers frequently seek your advice when it comes to helping them reach product decisions. In fact, many owners prefer to seek advice from farriers since they believe other horse care professionals will attempt to sell them products or services when they seek advice. Since you’re only involved in hoof care, they don’t have similar concerns about you.

The latest survey data indicates that typical full-time farriers work with 113 clients during the year. Trimming and shoeing 1,453 horses per year, they work on an average of 33 horses each week for a dozen clients.

Averaging five to…