RSS_Ben_Barhorst_2.jpg

Advice from a Farrier Who Has Just Started His Career


Pictured Above: Ben Barhorst of Lexington, Ky., advises speaking up about foot health issues to be proactive instead of reactive.

Farrier Takeaways

  • Communicating with clients is critical. Speak up and be honest, especially when it comes to the foot. It’s easier to prevent a problem than to react to one.
  • People hire you for your footcare knowledge, not just your ability to use sharp tools. If the horse doesn’t need a trim, don’t trim.
  • The only guarantee that comes from focusing on speed are mistakes and poor work.

Completing farrier school represents a significant accomplishment. It also represents a significant step as a full-time professional and, most often, small business owner. You will face challenges that will test your resolve. The good news is that there are resources to help — your fellow farriers.

American Farriers Journal established the Rising Shoeing Star award program in 2008. This program recognizes farriers making incredible progress in their first 3 years after farrier school. In partnership with industry suppliers, the program highlights the importance of education. Program co-sponsors for 2020 include Adeptus Nutrition Inc., American Farriers Journal, Dechra Veterinary Products, G.E. Forge & Tool, Pyranha and Texas Farrier Supply.

This year’s winners are Ben Barhorst of Lexington, Ky.; Audrey Williams of Edmonton, Alberta; and Gary Gullo Jr. of Old…

To view the content, please register or login.
Registration is free. Use your registered user account to download eGuides, watch webinars and manage your user profile.

Top Articles

Current Issue

View More

Current Issue

View More

Must Read Free Eguides

Download these helpful knowledge building tools

View More
Top Directory Listings