This week's facts and figures ... What About Pad Usage? and Multi-Farrier Businesses Still in the Minority. This edition of Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance Co.
Kirk Underschultz has been a hoof-care professional since 1979 — a testament to his love of the work and devotion to his clients. But it wasn’t long ago that his future as a farrier seemed uncertain.
Several years ago, Underschultz started experiencing painful arthritis in his fingers and wrists — the most critical tools of any farrier.
There are many equine professionals that you will work with throughout your career. One of the most important relationships you can build, is with equine veterinarians. Together, farriers and vets develop solutions to help the horse. Both need to understand their respective roles to keep the horse’s health above all else.
When I was getting started in the farrier business as a teenager, I struggled with efficiency while shoeing horses, along with the myriad of other issues that plague a young, green farrier.
Shoeing rig manufacturers are constantly looking to improve their products, knowing they can attract and satisfy customers by giving farriers what they want.
When Cicero, Ind., farrier Cody Bogard started shoeing a little over 10 years ago, his mentors told him not to worry about getting clients. He would have plenty of work in a couple of years if he did two things: show up on time and return phone calls.
If you want to start a heated discussion amongst a group of farriers, just ask, “Do you charge different prices for new shoes vs. resetting shoes?”
It is a simple question, but there will be some strong opinions.
Ed Robinson has been a farrier for about 30 years, providing services in Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. About 70% of his clients pay by check and 20% with cash.
One of the major concerns every farrier deals with is how to help lame horses. This was evidenced by the responses from farriers participating in a recent survey who indicated they routinely deal with a number of horses with lameness issues.
In this episode, Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin, recalls Red’s relationships with area veterinarians, his legacy and the second career as American Farriers Journal’s technical editor.
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