Starting out in the farrier industry after horseshoeing school can be daunting. The startup costs can add up, and building your client list does not happen overnight. In addition, becoming a farrier comes with other growing pains like learning from mistakes, fighting isolation and overcoming mental barriers. 

Here are some tips from former Rising Shoeing Stars on how they launched their careers. The Rising Shoeing Star program — sponsored by Pyranha Animal Health and American Farriers Journal — was established in 2008 and recognizes farriers making incredible progress in their first 3 years after farrier school. 

The Big Picture

It’s a long frustrating road, but you have to look at the big picture and see the long-term progress. It’s hard to do the first few years because you are driving all over the place to try and shoe two horses, and you are waking up early to help guys out.

There’s no magic in this trade. You have to just work hard and keep on working hard on the stuff that you are not so good at, and, at some point, you’ll just make it.

You have to remember that all these big names that we know and see around, they weren’t always at that level. They had to start somewhere.

— Gilad Friedman, Blacksburg, Va., 2020 Rising Shoeing Star 

Overcoming Obstacles

One of the biggest obstacles was determining the worth of my work. There’s a battle inside my head between the thought that I can’t expect clients to pay normal prices for someone so green and the thought that I'm confident enough in my work and results that I can comfortably charge those prices. After talking to more experienced farriers, confidence ended up being the answer. Be confident in your work, set your number and stick to your guns.

Another obstacle was client communication. Whether setting up appointments, trying to explain the importance of a regular trim schedule or communicating a potential foot problem, I had the bad habit of just staying quiet.

While I’m still improving, I’ve found that it’s better when I speak up and am honest, especially when it comes to the foot. It’s easier to prevent a problem, than react to one.

— Ben Barhorst, Lexington, Ky., 2020 Rising Shoeing Star

Learning from Mistakes

No mistake is a bad mistake, because you always take something away from them. One big mistake I made was over-trimming the foot. Not every knife swipe or rasp stroke is beneficial. Mass trumps everything in my eyes. I learned to leave some things behind, so I’d have enough depth to burn a healthy piece of steel on and get good nails safely in the hoof.

— Stan Mullen, Richmond, Ky., 2018 Rising Shoeing Star

Building Your Business

I thought that when you get out of school, people would be calling immediately. But no one knew I existed. I picked up an apprenticeship with Dripping Springs, Texas, farrier Austin Edens. I spent the next 2½ years working for him, every week, 2-3 days a week. Austin asked me one day what my goal was. I responded, “To build my clientele and get my CJF.” He said I had it backward. His advice was to learn to shoe horses correctly, and the clients will come to you.

— Brody White, Seguin, Texas, 2017 Rising Shoeing Star

Know What You Want

My gender and age were obstacles. Some farriers and horse owners heard “19 and female” and didn’t want to give me a chance, even though I graduated at the top of my class.

It was also challenging to find the right apprenticeship. I knew that I wanted to continue my studies under someone who was accomplished and knowledgeable.

To overcome these challenges, I vowed to not give up until I landed the apprenticeship I wanted. I clearly defined my ultimate goal and what I was looking for in an apprenticeship. Then, I sought out farriers who I respected. I used the contacts from my school and other students who already landed their apprenticeships. I ended up finding my apprenticeship at Forging Ahead through a web listing.

New farrier graduates who are looking for apprenticeships need to remember that shoeing styles vary regionally, so when you apprentice in an area you’re going to learn that style. Do your best to find a farrier practice that specializes in the kind of shoeing you hope to do when you’re on your own.

— Gwen Nardi, The Plains, Va., 2012 Rising Shoeing Star

Helpful Resources

Certifications and contests. Obtaining certifications is essential to a farrier’s career. The more we promote certification and inform our clients and the horse industry about continuing education, the more we can raise the standards in our industry and the better off we all will be.

Horseshoeing contests are also important. It’s really not about the contest itself, but how much you can learn in the shop getting ready for one. A contest will really hone your skills and keep you on your toes.

The opportunity to learn from a lot of other people who are willing to share knowledge with you is priceless. Contests can be very humbling as well. When you think you are on top of the world, all it takes is one contest to show you how much you still have to learn.

— Diego Almeida, Three Forks, Mont., 2014 Rising Shoeing Star