Although there are roughly 28,000 farriers scattered across the United States by American Farriers Journal estimates, little is researched about their business habits. Even with AFJ’s biennial Farrier Business Practices Surveys, information is limited concerning how the average farrier impacts the broader economy. American Farriers Journal has compiled the most reliable information concerning the farrier industry’s economic impact to provide a snapshot of the industry you are entering

The growth of the farrier industry is exceptional, with the average farrier gross income having increased significantly over the past 5 years, from $98,000 in 2017 to $116,500 in 2020, as data from the 2017 and 2020 Farrier Business Practices Surveys reveal. These figures come from the typical farrier shoeing backyard, trail and recreational mounts; although farriers can earn more from shoeing more specialized breeds and disciplines, such as dressage horses or racing Thoroughbreds. Farrier earnings account for more than $2.250 billion in total gross income. Gross income can vary depending on a number of factors, not least of which would be the region you’ve set up your business in. 

For instance, the far west region of the U.S., which includes California, the second most populous state for horses, has generally higher costs for shoeing horses. The southwest region, which includes Texas, the state with the most horses, has slightly lower costs for trimmings and various types of shoeing, where the average cost clocks in a few dollars lower than the Pacific Coast. These regional differences can affect a farrier’s bottomline and…