Toe Vs. Side Clips

When clips are required with shoes, 37% of full-time farriers use side clips and 15% use toe clips.

— 2016 American Farriers Journal Farrier Benchmark Study

Hiring Footcare Helpers

Some 27% of full-time farriers use an apprentice, whether full-time or part-time, who works with them for an average of 6 ½ years.

— 2016 American Farriers Journal Farrier Benchmark Study


Friday's Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance.

Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL) is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, and investment operations around the world. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia and founded in 1930, Markel reports its ongoing underwriting operations in three segments, and products originate from four insurance divisions and one reinsurance division. Markel Ventures, a subsidiary that makes strategic investments in companies outside of the insurance marketplace, is another important component of our business.


In each of our businesses, we seek to deliver innovative products and responsive customer service so that we can be a market leader. Our time horizon is long-term, our underwriting approach is disciplined, and our focus is on continuously improving the quality of the customer experience. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and to combine those profits with superior investment returns to build shareholder value.