When American Farriers Journal first recognized Farriers Week 24 years ago, the goal was to celebrate farriers during a busy time of year. Today, when aren’t you busy? Some days are busier than others, but it seems most farriers remain busier than ever, in part thanks to a surge of interest in horses over the last 2 years.
The most common question farriers discuss is how much should they charge. The answer is never simple. Guidelines provided throughout this issue, especially those of Shelbyville, Ky., farrier Pat Broadus, show how complicated the formula can be.
With the hoof-care season about to hit full stride, many farriers have already raised their trimming and shoeing prices for the coming year. And if you haven't already done so, now's a good time to think about the impact higher supply costs can have on the need for boosting your prices.
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.
Late in 2003, I began my journey into the exciting world of horseshoeing. The school I chose to attend was a very reputable one, that offered 2-, 12- and 16-week courses. I chose the 16-week course, thinking that would be plenty of time to learn everything there is to know about horseshoeing.
Over the past 2 years, the typical full-time farrier in the United States has boosted the income for his or her hoof-care business by three and one-half times the average 1.9 percent inflation rate — by 7 percent or an average of $5,454 per year.
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
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 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.
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.