Even with a sluggish U.S. economy, political worries and hardships in the equine community, high-quality footcare work is still in high demand.

That’s among the significant conclusions drawn from the recent 2012 Farrier Business Practices survey conducted among American Farriers Journal readers earlier this summer.

On the other hand, equine veterinarians say the last 4 years have been a downer when it comes to income. In fact, many of these businesses have reduced the number of both vets and support staff as owners deal with less disposable income and increased costs for maintaining their horses.

This exclusive survey is drawn from a random sample of American Farriers Journal subscribers from around the country. A four-page, 70-question survey was mailed to 2,000 subscribers and 319 farriers responded, representing a favorable return rate of 16%. The results included 74% full-time farriers and 26% part-timers.

Compiled every 2 years, this survey continues to be the only one of its kind for the equine hoof-care business in the United States.

Farrier Income Remains Healthy

Full-time farriers reported an average gross income of $92,726, which was $458 higher than 2 years ago. While this certainly doesn’t match the cost of living increase over the past 2 years, it’s good news that incomes haven’t dropped for farriers.

Part-time farriers reported an average gross income of $24,683, an increase of $3,530 over 2 years ago.

While farriers have been doing fewer trimmings and shoeings than 2 years ago, they’ve been able to increase prices to improve their…