Working in a clinical veterinary setting is much different than a normal day-to-day shoeing practice, and it poses interesting challenges that aren’t present in your normal life. Winston Churchill, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, once said, “Sometimes doing your best is not good enough. Sometimes you must do what is required.” This quote is appropriate for the topic and we can break it down into two different parts.

The mindset with which you approach your hoof-care practice can often be the difference between fulfillment or frustration with your chosen career. Many successful people in various career fields have adopted a positive mindset. When this mindset is developed early and followed regularly, it tends to allow beginning farriers the courage to try new things, learn from experiences and approach their chosen trade without being controlled by fear of the unknown.

About 20 years ago, Jessica McGrane wanted to begin a career as a farrier. She asked West Chester, Pa., farrier Dave Werkiser if she could learn the trade from him. Werkiser admits that he was at first hesitant, having had some previous helpers join his practice, but leave just when they became useful.

To build loyal customers, look for opportunities to educate your clients about footcare. This proves important when encountering clients who question the amount they pay for footcare. Rather than getting defensive, I like to provide insight. Most clients have little understanding of what it costs us to shoe their horses.

Hiring help can be one of the most advantageous moves that a farrier makes. Yet, it also can be daunting, especially when the arrangement ends unexpectedly. An American Farriers Journal internet poll finds that the vast majority do not look positively on hiring. When asked about their experiences, 75% say that it’s typically a struggle finding and retaining apprentices. Another 24% say that finding and retaining apprentices is a mixed bag. Just 1% say it’s typically a smooth process.

Two years ago, the gross annual income for full-time farriers crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in the American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices Survey. For 2019, the full-time farrier yearly income increased by an $14,283 compared with that 2017 figure.