The transition from a horseshoeing school student to a full-time farrier can be rough, even for those who graduate at the top of their class. New graduates and those just starting their farrier business understand the challenges you’ll face, regardless of education and skill.

In 2008, American Farriers Journal established the Rising Shoeing Star award program. This program honors farriers for making outstanding career progress in their first 3 years out of horseshoeing school. Along with farrier industry suppliers, this program promotes the importance of education and encourages new farriers to succeed.

These former Rising Shoeing Star winners were once in your shoes and quickly realized they’d soon be out on their own. Here they share some advice based on their own experiences starting out in hoof care.

Q: What were the major obstacles you faced in getting started?

A: Establishing a balance between family and work was tough. It meant determining what I needed to earn to reach my desired standard of living.

— Mike Caldwell, Paso Robles, Calif., 2009 Rising Shoeing Star

A: My gender and age were obstacles. Some farriers and horse owners heard “19 and female” and didn’t want to give me a chance, even though I graduated at the top of my class.

It was also challenging to find the right apprenticeship. I knew that I wanted to continue my studies under someone who was accomplished and knowledgeable.

To overcome these challenges, I vowed to not give up until I landed the apprenticeship I wanted. I clearly defined my ultimate goal and what I was looking for in an apprenticeship. Then, I sought out farriers who I respected. I used the contacts from my school and other students who already landed their apprenticeships. I ended up finding my apprenticeship at Forging Ahead through a web listing.

New farrier graduates who are looking for apprenticeships need to remember that shoeing styles vary regionally, so when you apprentice in an area you’re going to learn that style. Do your best to find a farrier practice that specializes in the kind of shoeing you hope to do when you’re on your own.

— Gwen Nardi, The Plains, Va., 2012 Rising Shoeing Star

A: My timing for graduation was certainly an obstacle. Graduating at the end of November in Illinois made kick-starting a farrier service challenging to say the least.

Start-up expenses were also challenging. I wanted to be prepared for almost anything, and doing that meant investing a fair amount of money up front, hoping that it would all be needed. I wanted to be prepared, but did not have money to waste.

Another hurdle was setting a competitive price that didn’t undercut other farriers in the area, but also recognizing that I did not have the experience that most of them did.

— Steve Hedges, Divernon, Ill., 2011 Rising Shoeing Star

A: Scheduling was one of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome when first starting out. I cover a large area and being able to service my entire client base can be difficult. I alternate areas every other day to be able to take care of everything in a timely manner.

— Cassidy Robyn, Hollister, Calif., 2015 Rising Shoeing Star

Q: How did you spend the first 6 months after graduation?

A: I worked with three different farriers, as well as independently. I attended every clinic and competition I could to get as much education as possible.

— Robert Whitt, Phelan, Calif., 2009 Rising Shoeing Star

A: I started building a solid client base and made horseshoeing a full-time job. I also began working closely with area veterinarians on therapeutic cases.

— Jake Giguere, Smithers, B.C., 2013 Rising Shoeing Star

A: I apprenticed a couple days a week with a farrier for 2 years before going to shoeing school, and for another year after graduation. I did this while working a full-time job.

— Mike Caldwell, Paso Robles, Calif., 2009 Rising Shoeing Star

Q: Looking back, what were the biggest mistakes you made?

A: My biggest mistake was working part-time as an apprentice instead of tackling a full-time apprenticeship. I needed to support a family and was not making many dollars as an apprentice, but I let that control my learning.

If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t have taken on new clients as quickly and scheduled my own work only after finishing a day of apprenticing. Sometimes, I would pass up a full day of valuable learning with another farrier while trying to figure it out on my own.

I was hurting for money, so I’d take on work above my ability. While I learned a lot from each situation, I’m not sure I always made the best choices for the horses.

Find the best farrier in your area for an apprenticeship and beg and plead to work with them. Show them how much you want this and dedicate yourself to learning what they have to offer. Working with just anyone isn’t always best. You may get under a lot of horses, but you may not always be learning.

— Robert Whitt, Phelan, Calif., 2009 Rising Shoeing Star

A: The biggest mistake that I made early on was taking my work home with me. I take a lot of pride in the work I do, so when something goes wrong, I take it personally. If a shoe came off, I felt it was my fault. If a horse went lame after I had been there, I thought it was my fault. Those things killed me, and I could not shake them. I took it home and let it eat me up.

What I discovered since is that there is usually something else involved that I was not told about. I do the best I can at every stop and know that if something is wrong after I have been there, I need to ask a lot of questions. Then, I can fix any mistake I make or discover what the true issue is.

Early on, I took every horse that came my way. I needed to if I was going to pay the bills and feed my family. The mistake I made was not learning to say “no.” Eventually I had a full schedule, but still kept saying “yes” to new customers.

I was working so much that I barely took time to eat. I had dropped 20 pounds in 3 months and became anemic.

Learn to recognize when to say “no.” Ask questions before you say “yes.” If you take on a new customer, consider dropping a lesser-quality one to keep balance in your life.

— Steve Hedges, Divernon, Ill., 2011 Rising Shoeing Star

A: One of the mistakes I made was not developing a business plan earlier in my apprenticeship. It takes time and a lot of research to understand the market in the area where you want to work.

It’s also a good idea to set some money aside, even if it’s just a little, so you can gradually start purchasing your basic tools. This way it’s possible to acquire high-quality equipment that will last a long time.

— Diego Almeida, Divernon, Ill., 2014 Rising Shoeing Star

Q: What were the smartest moves you made in getting started?

A: The smartest moves I made were attending as many clinics as I could, getting hooked up with a good farrier in the area who has solid basics (he will more than likely be the most expensive guy in your area) and staying committed to the trade.

Keep learning, stay hooked on the forging aspect of the trade and challenge yourself to get the highest certification title you can.

— Joe Nygren, Seymour, Wis., 2011 Rising Shoeing Star

The smartest move I made was getting an apprenticeship — no doubt about it! Students always have the choice to start their own business or find somebody to be their mentor.

It’s very hard in the beginning because there’s not a lot of money to be made as an apprentice, but this period should be viewed as an investment in your future. However, it’s very important to make sure the farrier you choose as your mentor is really willing to teach you the trade and not just have you work as their helper. Sweeping, pulling shoes and clinching nails are all part of the job, but if there’s no teaching or sharing of information it becomes pointless.

I was very fortunate to be part of a multi-farrier practice that promotes learning. A good mentor understands that the better their apprentices get, the better he or she gets and the more the business grows as the apprentices become assets for the company.

— Diego Almeida, Divernon, Ill., 2014 Rising Shoeing Star

Q: What other suggestions do you have for graduates?

A: Establishing a reputation for doing quality work is more important than going fast and possibly making mistakes. You may get razzed for being slow, but you shouldn’t lose any customers because of taking your time and doing the best job possible. Be more concerned with the quality of your work than the quantity.

Learn all you can about horses, be seen at local horse shows and talk with horse people. This is very important as you learn about new disciplines and different trimming and shoeing needs. I grew up on a 2,000-acre crop operation and had a background with horses, but someone who hasn’t been around horses will have to work much harder at developing the necessary horsemanship skills.

A thorough knowledge of horses is essential for success as a farrier. Your clients expect you to know much more about horses than just feet.

— Keith Green, Wakeman, Ohio, 2009 Rising Shoeing Star

A: Find humility and maintain it. Credentials and success both come with pride, but the challenge is staying humble.

— Sam Zalesky, Lexington, Ky., 2015 Rising Shoeing Star

A: Aim high, maintain your integrity, work hard and never give up. I don’t think anyone should graduate farrier school and start their own practice right off the bat. There is just too much to know. Farrier schools are fantastic, but they only give you
the basics.

Find an apprenticeship and be open-minded. Realize there is so much to learn and use every second to build your experience.

— Gwen Nardi, The Plains, Va., 2012 Rising Shoeing Star

A: Never talk bad about other farriers in front of clients! I can’t stress that enough.

It’s important to be polite and willing to learn. Continue your education and have fun with what you do.

— Martin Zimmer, Vass, N.C., 2011 Rising Shoeing Star

A: Don’t walk away from a job that you’re not happy with. Keep an open mind and don’t stop learning. Look after yourself by keeping in shape and eating properly.

Have mentors to look up to. Pay attention to the horses you work on and do your best every time.

— Jake Giguere, Smithers, B.C., 2013 Rising Shoeing Star