When driving across several states to shoe horses, a farrier requires a reliable truck. Shelbyville, Ky., farrier Paul Human has counted on a 2005 Chevrolet C5500, which has logged more than 300,000 miles traveling across the seven states his clients reside. Because his practice combines traveling long distances and shoeing gaited horses, Human’s truck body also must fit his business.

“There are usually three of us working, so we have to work together efficiently,” says Human. “We also make sure we have everything we need so we don't waste time getting supplies.”

Coming from South Africa, Human started shoeing in the United States about 25 years ago. He spent 9 of those working for Simpsonville, Ky., farrier Bud Willimon. He says no money in the world can replace the knowledge and experience Willimon has to share. These lessons are more critical, says Human, because the discipline isn’t as well documented as others.

He credits Willimon not just for the lessons on shoeing gaited horses, but also for instilling business sense. That isn’t only understanding the dollars and cents of the business or how to operate a multi-farrier practice, but additionally working with and moving around horses.

Human sees his shoeing rig as one of the many tools supporting his goal of preserving his body and aiding in the longevity of his career. For example, his crew uses DeWalt orbital polishers with 60-grit disks to finish feet. He also uses them to clean the foot while trimming, with what he believes…