Becoming a farrier does not happen overnight, nor in a vacuum. Developing the shoeing and interpersonal skills, confidence and business know-how necessary to achieve your version of success often means learning from peers on the job. This takes time and guidance, which is why many farriers choose to become or take on apprentices.

“I came to this career late in life; I was 28 when I shod my first horse,” says Beck Ratte Randall, the U.S. Eventing Team farrier. “It was practically my second career, so I’d already built up a lot of life lessons that gave me a head start on a successful trajectory.”

Leaning on her mentor, retired U.S. Eventing Team farrier and Hall of Famer Steve Teichman, Ratte Randall says he helped set her up for success. This is partially thanks to open communication, including Teichman establishing clear expectations of Ratte Randall and her defining career goals so Teichman could help her reach them.

For any young person, it can be difficult to articulate long-term goals. They may not exist yet. However…