Data from the exclusive American Farriers Journal “Farrier Business Practices” survey offers essential information to help you evaluate how well your business compares with those of other footcare professionals. Compiled every 2 years, farriers not only use this data for business analysis purposes, but also rely on this data when raising trimming and shoeing prices.

One of the stone cold, lead pipe locks in the industry is that the overwhelming majority of farriers work on backyard horses. Only 8% of all farriers do not have a single backyard horse client, according to American Farriers Journal’s 2016 Farrier Business Practices Survey, which starts on Page 22. That percentage has not moved appreciably in 14 years. It’s a safe bet that the needle won’t move in the foreseeable future.

I like to surround myself with people in the industry who have the same passion, loyalty and integrity as I do. When it comes to buying supplies, it baffles me that farriers don’t buy from the same shop each time simply because of the tremendous advantages that you can reap.

The sale of any business is complicated, and selling a small, personal-service business like a farrier practice that is built around developing successful client relationships is even more difficult. A business sale is composed of two parties exchanging assets that they agree are of similar value. In this case, this usually would mean paying all cash or coming up with some type of a combination of a cash payment plus an earn-out arrangement when purchasing a farrier business.

When a farrier starts opening up a shoeing rig at a clinic, a curious thing occurs. The stories that are being swapped among the small pockets of congregants in the parking lot begin to lose their allure, and an easygoing migration begins. Like moths to a flame, farriers can’t resist checking out someone else’s shoeing rig. They amble on over, greet the farrier who graciously offers the welcome distraction and casually explore the mobile office.

There are few professions tougher mentally or physically than being a professional farrier. I believe the only job remotely close would be that of a professional athlete. The daily repetitive nature of the job and an awkward working posture definitely take their toll on the farrier’s and athlete’s body.

Surviving the rigors of the farrier industry often relies on whether you can build a clientele that helps to make ends meet. On the other hand, the survival of your sanity often depends upon the quality of your clientele, rather than the quantity.

What do a hammer handle and a wooden spoke from an Amish buggy have in common? For Hall Of Fame farrier Roy Bloom, both represent quality and durability.

Understanding how quarter cracks occur is critical to managing the injury, not to mention keeping the horse going. Wellington, Fla., farrier Curtis Burns classifies quarter cracks into three categories — concussion, rotational and blunt trauma.

Since its inception, the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) Board of Directors identified the need for a program that recognizes the knowledge, education and skills of its members. Four years later, that need was met with the launch of its farrier credential program.