Shane Westman

As much as farriery is art and science, it’s also a business. No matter where you are in your career, you need a plan.

“It’s really important at the beginning of your career, at the mid-stage of your career and toward the twilight of your career to always have a plan,” Bow, Wash., farrier Shane Westman told attendees of the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) Hoofcare Essentials Clinic at Life Data Labs in Cherokee, Ala. “A business plan is a road map for your business life. It helps guide you in making your decisions.”

Your plan should plot where you want to be at various milestones of your career — 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, etc.

“When I started out as a farrier, I had some business experience, mostly in the retail industry,” says the AAPF board member. “I knew that after a year, I wanted to make $100 a day. That was my goal. In 3 years, I wanted to be set with my clientele. In 5 years, I wanted to close my book. In 10 years, I wanted to hire employees. In 20 years, I wanted to have a multi-farrier practice.”

Westman has been shoeing for about 23 years and hasn’t attained all of his goals. That’s OK, he says, changing plans are part of the business.

Unbury.me helps you determine which method to use to eliminate your debt.

“I’m still a solo practice,” he says. “I’m not shoeing high-profile horses, although I hope…