More farriers across the country are increasing their production, enduring less physical stress and in turn boosting the industry, all after making one decision - hiring an apprentice. As a result, some show their appreciation with generous compensation.
If you apprenticed, how long did you serve the apprenticeship before you worked with horses on your own? Did you work as an apprentice while taking on horses on your own during your free time?
The art and craft of horseshoeing used to be passed on from master to apprentice, but today there are schools, books, DVDs and other opportunities and tools available for learning.
When a student learning horseshoeing commits to his craft, he (or she) is entering a traditional profession that has been around since the 5th century and was once considered to be an essential part of the Blacksmith's services. The core skills of the farrier today are relatively unchanged since medieval times, and the student falls into the same role of the Blacksmith's apprentice as many others have before him during the past 800 years.
Many farrier business owners utilize novice farriers, apprentices and other interested individuals to help with day-to-day tasks such as loading and unloading tools, clean-up and finishing feet. But you need to be aware that a person being utilized in this manner may very well be an employee, entitled to employee benefits.
I was really impressed at this year’s 10th annual International Hoof-Care Summit to see the growing number of farriers who brought their young apprentices to this mid-winter event.
In the March 2012 issue of American Farriers Journal, we looked at apprenticing and internships from the view of the mentoring farrier and business owner.
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.