The best business card that you can offer a potential client is the foot that you place on the floor.
By and large, horse owners pay attention to horse’s feet. They might not understand how or what makes a good foot, but they recognize what it looks like.
While attending farrier school, you’ve learned the foundations for putting your best foot forward — the importance of anatomy, hoof balance, forging and applying horseshoes.
Providing top quality hoof care is the highest of priorities. Yet, it’s not as simple as buying a few tools and getting under some horses. You’re also striking out on your own as a small business owner. You’ll find that it’s difficult making ends meet in this industry when you invest in the wrong supplies, choose the wrong clients, employ poor scheduling and fail to balance your budget. Neglecting the business side of your hoof-care practice will find you in another line of work before too long.
A Good Start
Fortunately, you have allies who want you to succeed. They are well-established farriers with hundreds of combined years of experience who are eager to share their knowledge and insights with you. A small collection of them can be found within the pages of this special issue.
Now in its eighth edition, Getting Started In Hoof Care is designed to help you navigate the business side of equine footcare. These knowledgeable men and women have walked in your shoes. They understand the struggles you face and those that await you on the horizon. They share what you need to know to get your career off on the right foot.
You will find important advice on how to build your clientele, and when it’s time to cut ties. You’ll receive insight into how to avoid common mistakes that young farriers find themselves making when embarking on their new business. There’s also guidance on how to price your services so you’re not only fairly compensated, but also putting money aside for a rainy day and your golden years.
Embrace these lessons and many others that you’ll find in this issue, and you will be in a better position to put your best foot forward.
Best wishes in your new career.
