Dave Farley CF, APF-I

Foot Notes

Good Ideas Become Reality When Combining Ideas & Goals

By Dave Farley CF, APF-I posted on April 17, 2025 | Posted in Education

On one of our late evening telephone calls, when a few of us friends were kicking around the idea of the American Association of Professional Farriers, I asked Henry Heymering about his thoughts concerning another association. I was fascinated with his answer.

How to Make a Hoof-Knife Vise for a Hardy Hole

Sharpen your straight blade hoof knife or loop knife using this DIY tool

By Dave Farley CF, APF-I posted on March 28, 2023 | Posted in Equipment

After the clinic at the Fredericksburg, Ohio, store wrapped up, several farriers and I stood around my truck, sharing ideas and swapping stories. Among the hand and power tools filling this truck body, it was a simple sharpening vise that I made that caught the others’ eyes

What Does it Take to be a Successful Farrier?

Here’s a list of the traits successful farriers — and none of them involve luck

By Dave Farley CF, APF-I posted on July 31, 2022 | Posted in Business Practices, Education

Any web search on “how to achieve a goal” will yield a seemingly endless list of articles. Likewise, search on “why are some people more successful than others” to find even more advice on self-improvement.

Explaining the Expenses Can Educate Your Clients About Footcare Costs

By Dave Farley CF, APF-I posted on July 28, 2022 | Posted in Business Practices

The graduation ceremony is over. That unforgettable feeling of finishing the first horse without the instructor’s help is still fresh. It’s time to head into the real world of farriery. Where do you start?

What Does it Take to be a Successful Farrier?

Here’s a list of the traits successful farriers — and none of them involve luck

By Dave Farley CF, APF-I posted on October 30, 2021

Achievement? Success? Goals? If you are falling short on these in your farrier practice, are you willing to be realistic and accept why you are falling short?

Close up of a variety of horseshoes nails in a farrier's cart.

Explaining Your Expenses Can Educate Clients About Footcare Costs

By Dave Farley CF, APF-I posted on August 3, 2021 | Posted in Business Practices

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.

Explaining Your Expenses Can Educate Clients About Footcare Costs

By Dave Farley CF, APF-I posted on November 10, 2020 | Posted in Business Practices

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.