Sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest difference in your own business. That’s what Steve Wiberg, a Hayward, Calif.,-based farrier discovered when he made the switch from leather impact horseshoe pads to plastic pads. 

A farrier gets a call. The voice on the others end of the line asks how much to shoe a horse. He is told. That voice then says he needs his horse Dobbin shod by tomorrow late afternoon. The prospective client gives an address and signs off, “See you then.” 

Who has directly influenced your farrier career? If you’re just starting out, your list likely isn’t long. A little time and initiative will eventually fill the gaps. If you have some skin in the game, your list might resemble the one compiled by Chris Gregory in his book, For Want of a Nail, the Shoe Was Lost.

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• Farrier Industry Offers Help to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
• Biden Administration Proposal Could Change Farrier Hiring Practices
• Researchers Examine Benefits of Controlled Exercise for Foals to Prevent Bone Fractures