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Farrier Pat Broadus shaping a shoe at a stall jack.

Your Costs Help Determine the Prices You Set

This article was originally published July 27, 2018 and has been updated.

By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 3, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices, Equipment

There are differences in how every farrier approaches his or her business. Still, the most common and effective way to manage the finances of a farrier business remains knowing what it costs to shoe a horse.

Farrier Jason Critton works with apprentice at a farrier rig outside.

5 Stages of Growth Unveils Plan for Success

By Tiffany Gardner CJF, APF-I posted on August 2, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

Being successful will mean different things to each person and the pictures of success will change as you go through different stages of life. Just as life has different stages, every small business will go through different stages of growth.

Young farrier working at grinder wearing the proper safety equipment.

Take Precautions While Shoeing Horses

By Jeff Cota posted on August 2, 2021 | Posted in Safety & Healthcare

While it’s easy to wave off safety measures as inconvenient, cutting corners just to save time could prove costly.

Farrier Lee Olsen establishes boundaries to separate personal and work times.

Set Boundaries for a Successful Farrier Practice

By Lee Olsen posted on August 2, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

Farriers are self-employed small business owners. Each one of us wants to work hard and earn lots of money. That’s possible, and with a little thought, we can make just as much money with less effort.

Close up of hot fitting for a horseshoe.

4 Easy Steps to Grow Your Business

By Jeff Cota posted on August 1, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

Six years ago, Wes Meyer was trimming and shoeing a lot of horses and making good money. Yet, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., farrier's practice wasn't doing as well as it should be. Meyer was chasing outstanding payments, his inventory was too high and his horses were losing shoes. He recognized the need for an improved way of doing business.

Farrier rasps back foot of black horse. Customers want to do business with people they can trust.

Promptness for Hoof-Care Appointment is a Sign of Integrity and Trustworthiness

By Doug Butler posted on August 1, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices, Clients

The horse owner’s number one complaint concerning farriers is that they are always late for an appointment, according to a 2020 American Farriers Journal survey of horse owners who changed farriers in the past 3 years.

farriers Dave Werkiser (left) and Jason Hillman (right) work together to shoe a horse.

4 Traits Needed to Succeed as a Farrier Apprentice

By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 1, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

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.

Establish Mutual Expectations for a Successful Hoof-Care Work Relationship

By Tiffany Gardner CJF, APF-I and Adam Wynbrandt posted on August 1, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

Expectations are part of life and are inescapable. We have expectations for ourselves, as well as for those we share personal and working relationships.

Online Extras: Career Guide 2021

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August 1, 2021

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Products in Action, G.E. Forge

July 31, 2021

Products in Action, G.E. Forge – Getting Started in Hoof Care 2021

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Hyperinsulinemia, Laminitis, and PPID: Diagnosis and Management – Part 1

Date: 05/08/25

Location: CO

Join Dr. David Rendle to learn about the link between obesity, insulin and laminitis, and discuss the diagnosis and management of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

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Life Data Labs Inc

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 USA

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.

SmartPak

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.

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