Farrier Business Practices

Is it appropriate for me to provide care/service for other horse owners?

Background:

I am a horse owner and have recently begun trimming and treating

horses. I used local farriers for some time until I realized "something"

was wrong with my horses. My 'Ol Reliable turned up with a limp, split

heels, and deteriorating frog. Two farriers both told me they "didn't

see anything to worry about" and just kept on trimming and charging.

I

have always contacted the vet or farrier when I suspected something

wrong with my animals. I think I have pretty good horse sense, and have

always trusted the professionals ... until recently.

After

discovering my horses had some real hoof problems I bought some books

and educated myself. Turns out just about everyone's horse in the local

area is suffering from deep thrush, WLD, contracted heels, etc.

I

though my horse was crazy as every ride we went on he'd try to throw me

... this was a horse that would go anywhere and do anything for me.

After 3 months of treating/soaking, trimming and treating again my boys

hoofs almost look like a textbook hoof;and my boy is back blazing

trails.

Back to my original concern: Is it appropriate for me to provide care/service for other horse owners?

Its

seems I'm becoming the local hoof medic. I am obsessed with hoof

hygiene and have neighnbors bringing me their horses for trimming. Am I

out of line here?

I want to pursue working as a farrier as I find

the work quite fulfilling and enjoy seeing the progression to wellness.

I've watched horse go from depressed, limping and lethargic animals to

horses that run and play now.

I've approached this the same way I

have my career in healthcare ... scientifically. I've obtained books,

videos and seek counsel with the vet when I have concerns. I think I'm

being safe and have caused no harm to any animals.

I've put the

cart before the horse here...should I keep going in the direction? Would

it be appropriate to charge for service? Thoughts, opinions and

concerns?

Thank you

I agree with Diane, but this is how many people get started in a hoof care career. You absolutely need formal training and education in order to do an outstanding job for each horse you work under. You did not indicate if you plan to shoe horses in addition to trimming, but I cannot imagine even considering nailing a shoe to a foot without first going to a qualified farrier school and apprenticing with a top notch farrier for months.

If you wish to focus on trimming, there aren't too many actual schools out there, but several organizations, such as Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners, offer good training programs that include courses on various subjects, such as anatomy, nutrition, radiographs, boot fitting, casting, and other alternatives to traditional shoeing, along with a series of mentorships with experienced professionals. It takes about 1-2 years to complete PHCP's program, so it's not the same as taking a weekend clinic and hanging out your shingle as a professional. 

I applaude your enthusiasm and dedication to learning as much as you can, but please get formal training as much for the horses' sakes as your own.