Immigration continues to be a hot- button topic for American political debate. Core to this issue has been the influx of workers from Latin America. Every industry with a physical labor element has been impacted by Spanish-speaking laborers joining the workforce. For the equine industry, that is most obvious among grooms. From high-priced Thoroughbred farms in Kentucky to boarding barns in California, the grooms at barns more often than not will originate from a Latin American country.

Customer service has always been a popular business topic in the pages of AFJ. We’ve pulled 25 of the best tips on the subject, beginning in 2000 that will serve as solid advice for delivering your best customer service.

You can make little things in your farrier business go a long way in ensuring your success. A farrier business is a service-based business and it is important to pay attention to more than just nailing shoes on feet. Here are some tips on little things that cost you nothing, but go a long way to ensure a successful farrier business.

You are beginning a career in which you rely on clients for income. Perhaps the realization has set in that you are likely launching this new occupation with no clients on your books? Despite this apprehension, there are ways you can grow your business and acquire customers in an ethical manner.

It isn't unusual for farriers to find themselves having to make difficult decisions. When part of your job involves meeting the expectations of others, you will often find yourself struggling to address unfair or confusing issues.

Congratulations on your choice of industries. If it becomes for you half of what it has been to me, you are in for a great life. There are few jobs or industries that I know of that will give back like this one, so enjoy the ride.

Last year, American Farriers Journal celebrated its 35th anniversary. Over the years, we've seen impacts that have hurt those trying to enter the industry.

What is expected of a professional farrier? Members of the horse-owning public have the right to expect their chosen farrier to act in a professional manner.

As a farrier, you're going to be working in a field with certain inherent dangers. You already know that and if you're finishing up horseshoeing school, odds are you've already had first-hand experience with some of them.

Horsemanship is a necessity for longevity and success as a farrier. It contributes to your safety and is the essence of understanding of horses. Without it, a farrier will have a short, unproductive career.