At the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School we spend lots of time discussing how to start a farrier business. One of the first subjects commonly discussed is “Tools, Equipment and Inventory” or how to set up your rig. Remember these students have been unemployed for 2 1/2 months, paid tuition and living expenses, continued to pay monthly bills and now need to purchase tools, equipment and inventory to generate income. Their minimum requirements are generally the cheapest ones you can work with.

On the next page is a list of the absolute minimum tools, equipment and inventory you need before you drive up to your first customer’s barn. You need to present a professional image and the ability and equipment to shoe most horses presented to you is very important. Your shoeing rig should have at least these items every time you head out to work.

You can make your own anvil stand out of scrap 2 by 4s or a tree stump, and a three-legged hoof stand with a welder (approximately $10.00). You can also make a vise using locking pliers and an old file with a piece of tube steel welded to the bottom that fits into your anvil hardie hole (about $10.00). This brings the total equipment cost to $1,281.50.

Some catalogs have cheaper prices but if you live far away shipping costs may eat up the savings. (These tools are heavy!)

Supplies

If you are lucky enough to live near a farrier supply shop, you won’t have…