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looking for advice on becoming a farrier
Post At
10/ 2/2009 - 3:53 pm
reply from
Carly Smith
I live in Medina, Ohio, and have minimal horse experience - mainly from what I've gleaned volunteering with hippo-therapy programs - but have been considering becoming a farrier for a few years now and am starting to think seriously about it. I don't know where to start, though. Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated!
Reply at
10/17/2009 - 11:11 pm
reply from
Steve Elliott
have abut 5 years of pateience, and back up income more so these econonmic times just as you think things are going well horse come and go be a phyciatrist of humans they will tear you up . Be very physcial and endure pain mental fustration and bodily pain its just not a horseshoeing job you mhave to handle your own books, horse and human handling with many years of expience helps if you own and ride horses too i handled horses for 19 years shod for 10yrs part time 5 year full time still doing it casue i ran my self out of other hatefull jobs i dont know if id reccomend anyone this occupation your on call like a dr these tough times trying to make your own bills with out vacations i'll stop here i can go on and on
Reply at
10/24/2009 - 11:26 am
reply from
William Billock
Carly,
The farrier profession is a wonderful line of work. I have been a full time farrier for 14 years and would never take it back for many many reasons. I live over in Portage County which is not far from you. Feel free to call me at 330-281-9302 and I will be happy to help in any way I can. I can't quite understand what the previous poster is saying but it sounds like Steve is not too happy with the farrier trade. It is a wonderful line of work with very little effect from the recession. Bill Billock
The farrier profession is a wonderful line of work. I have been a full time farrier for 14 years and would never take it back for many many reasons. I live over in Portage County which is not far from you. Feel free to call me at 330-281-9302 and I will be happy to help in any way I can. I can't quite understand what the previous poster is saying but it sounds like Steve is not too happy with the farrier trade. It is a wonderful line of work with very little effect from the recession. Bill Billock
Reply at
10/29/2009 - 11:16 pm
reply from
Steve Elliott
William and Carly: it was too late to spell check and edit this the forums and the lap top has a slip of the typo .. before i was able to go back and delete or edit but seems i can not..
now don't get me wrong i'm 55 years old and out of all the trades and certifications i have this is my best occupation and i dont care about 8-5 or hours to go home my donation on making a horse sound is most complete a great felling to me. .. but with these hard times here in CA. There is really not enough work to make a living i am driving further and further with fule costs and this is not just me, horses are given away and the hay prices did all!, and owners job losses. I love this work and it is not easy i give credit to all farriers that do this line of work we are all special rare folks what i tell is the truth and the schools and many other job related schools are still pumping out the students , there is just not enough to go around and this line of work is getting more scarce here. try to even get insurance for this occupation it is rare or will cost you plenty.
This is it for me to say the least im never going to be able to retire this is my life and yes i love it and it comes with costs and im going to make the best of it i hate to say this but if it does not pick up in early 2010 i will have to look for a part time job at the moment im at 7 days a week with a huge income drop. Steve E
now don't get me wrong i'm 55 years old and out of all the trades and certifications i have this is my best occupation and i dont care about 8-5 or hours to go home my donation on making a horse sound is most complete a great felling to me. .. but with these hard times here in CA. There is really not enough work to make a living i am driving further and further with fule costs and this is not just me, horses are given away and the hay prices did all!, and owners job losses. I love this work and it is not easy i give credit to all farriers that do this line of work we are all special rare folks what i tell is the truth and the schools and many other job related schools are still pumping out the students , there is just not enough to go around and this line of work is getting more scarce here. try to even get insurance for this occupation it is rare or will cost you plenty.
This is it for me to say the least im never going to be able to retire this is my life and yes i love it and it comes with costs and im going to make the best of it i hate to say this but if it does not pick up in early 2010 i will have to look for a part time job at the moment im at 7 days a week with a huge income drop. Steve E
Reply at
11/24/2009 - 12:21 am
reply from
Tom Taylor
I have to agree with Steve, on some points. It is a very demanding job, and you are trying to make a living off peoples hobby. In tough economic times, thats bound to cut into your income. But that dosen't mean you should'nt do it. I would suggest that you consider the fact that you work hard physically, and mentally, alot of hours. Sometimes you get hammered in the rumor mill. Your costs to get started are high, and the income low. You will probably need another income, until you have built up enough clients to make a living. But if none of that bothers you, I would say ride along with an established shoer for a week to see how it really works. Then if your still interested, go for it.
Reply at
01/31/2010 - 7:26 pm
reply from
Derek Grimwood
Carly, I bet you didn't expect this would be such a loaded question, but yes it is hard work. I would recommend you contact Mr. Billock and see if you can ride with him awhile and see if it is for you. If so, go to school and apprentice with someone reputable. If you find someone who is on the tail end of their career you may be able to apprentice for several years and then buy the business. The clients will know you and should have the confidence to continue using you. Believe it or not this is a much quicker way to earning a living as a farrier than starting at the bottom paying your dues on the most unruly. I love shoeing horses for a living. Learn all the aspects of business management. If you have good people skills you will only be limited by how much you want to work. I have to refer customers to other farriers all of the time because I can't get to everyone.
Reply at
02/ 1/2010 - 4:52 pm
reply from
Steve Elliott
The Single Most Important Item in HorseShoeing, is CONFIDENCE
Reply at
02/11/2010 - 11:25 am
reply from
Steve Elliott
Choosing to do what you love to do means you'll face whatever comes with confidence. Obstacles will be opportunities to learn the lessons you need at that time.
When you choose your special path you will be giving up the security of being within the herd,(doing what others are told to do ) you'll be accepting the uncertainly of the next moment, next year, next forever.
Only you know how you want to interact with the horses and the people in your life, so you can discover how to apply your special gift to benefit all those you touch.
This is on my dashboard of my truck.
I can say my best part is no longer being told what to do ,and out of all herds
When you choose your special path you will be giving up the security of being within the herd,(doing what others are told to do ) you'll be accepting the uncertainly of the next moment, next year, next forever.
Only you know how you want to interact with the horses and the people in your life, so you can discover how to apply your special gift to benefit all those you touch.
This is on my dashboard of my truck.
I can say my best part is no longer being told what to do ,and out of all herds
Reply at
02/14/2010 - 2:44 pm
reply from
Wayne White
First I would ask why do you want to be a farrier? How much experience do you have with horses? Farrier work can be rewarding and demanding. It is something that you have to REALLY want to do. If you don't like it you start making excuses and not showing up for appointments and the next thing you know you don't have any clients. I don't care what people think, it is not recession proof and 90% of the farriers in my area will attest to the same. When people loose their jobs the first thing they get rid of is something they don't need. To most people horses are a luxury and not a necessity so therefore they are the first to go. Don't let them kid you. Even though you may be your own boss you still have to keep the client happy so you are really working for the client and not yourself. You will fire some clients and some clients will fire you. What I would suggest is going to one of the schools that have one or two week classes and get your feet wet and see if it is something you really want to do. I know people that have done this job and not had any horse experience and both said it was a tough row to hoe with out horse handling experience. It is not a matter of "will I get kicked" it is "when will get kicked". If you do decide this career is for you, then I would suggest a minimum 12 week course at a good school and then ride with someone when you graduate. Good Luck!
Reply at
02/21/2010 - 9:54 am
reply from
Marilyn Wilson
Carly, I've been a farrier for over twenty years, full time and now part time. Really it comes down to desire, if you have it you can do it. I was fortunate to be able to attend a year course, I didn't have any money, I lived out of my car part of the year and earned a small amount cleaning our shop everyday after class. Then I had to go out into the world and find my own clients and start making the mistakes we all make when we're green. I did seek out other farriers and ride with them and take in all that I could. It's been a wonderful career and I would recommend it to anyone with the desire to carry on this art. Good Luck and learn as much as you can.
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