The graduation ceremony is over. That unforgettable feeling of finishing the first horse without the instructor’s help is still fresh. The former strangers who became close friends during the long days of learning and practicing must now go their separate ways. It’s time to head into the real world of farriery. Where do you start

These thoughts and feelings are normal for most newcomers. Once the reality sets in, the road to building a successful farrier business might not seem as easy as you once believed. It is indeed a very long road. Mastering farriery requires a lifetime of commitment to learning and self-improvement and these tips will help you overcome the initial challenges.

1. Continue Learning

Horseshoeing schools lay down the foundational skills upon which the real learning takes place through exposure to the trade. But newly learned skills, if not balanced by experience and proper guidance, can be a detriment to the horse and to your fledgling business.

The absence of farrier standardization in many countries, including the United States, allows for numerous training opportunities ranging significantly in curriculum and duration. With such fierce competition and limited student financial aid, it is virtually impossible for schools to run a…