This special publication is published once per year by American Farriers Journal. The career guide delivers advice from farriers on how to establish and operate a successful equine footcare practice.
The art and craft of horseshoeing used to be passed on from master to apprentice, but today there are schools, books, DVDs and other opportunities and tools available for learning.
While a farrier's top priority may be the care of hooves, the farrier must be equally concerned with earning a living and dealing with the business aspects of the profession.
At some point in your career, you may want to become a specialist with a specific discipline or breed of horse. Becoming specialized in a breed or discipline is easier said than done.
The definition of continuing education is as it reads — there’s no mystery there. Farriery is a lifelong endeavor, but sadly there are many farriers who believe that once they can trim or nail a shoe on a horse, they are done learning. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trimming a hoof, shaping a shoe and nailing it on is just the beginning. Only then are you ready to really start learning.
Regardless of the level of horsemanship that clients possess, they inevitably will ask you hoof-care questions. But the less experience a client has with horses, the more that volume of questions will grow. This is especially true of those who are new to ownership and are learning with a backyard horse.
I didn't start with the top line of tools when I went out on my own. And through my career, I've met more than one farrier who could drive a nail with a rock. It isn't the tool - what's more important is whose hands the tools are in.
Buying a farrier rig is the most expensive single purchase you will make in your hoof-care career. Even the combined costs of your required tools and necessary inventory don't come close to the cost of a reliable, well-planned rig. As costly of an investment a rig is, it is a necessity.
The transition from a horseshoeing school student to a full-time farrier can be rough, even for those who graduate at the top of their class. New graduates and those just starting their horseshoeing business understand the challenges you'll face, regardless of education and skill.
In this episode, Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin, recalls Red’s relationships with area veterinarians, his legacy and the second career as American Farriers Journal’s technical editor.
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.