Despite a slower than anticipated recovery in the overall equine community, farriers appear to be doing considerably better than 2 years ago with average incomes increasing by 12% for full-time farriers and by an astounding 50% for part-time farriers.

It’s an indication that quality footcare work is still in high demand. Plus, the age among part-time farriers has apparently shifted dramatically upward with many veteran full-time farriers reducing their workload as they get up in years.

That’s among the many significant conclusions drawn from the 2014 Farrier Business Practices survey conducted among American Farriers Journal readers this summer. Compiled every 2 years, this exclusive survey continues to be the only one of its kind for the equine hoof-care business in the States.

This exclusive survey is drawn from a random sample of American Farriers Journal subscribers across the United States. A four-page survey with 70 questions was mailed to 2,000 subscribers and 346 responded, representing a favorable return rate of 17%. The survey results represent 73% full-time farriers and 27% part-timers.

Sizeable Income Growth

Full-time farriers who answered this survey reported an average gross income of $103,598 in 2013. This was a $10,872 increase from the 2011 average of $92,726. Part-time farriers reported an average gross income of $37,099 — an increase of $12,416 from the 2011 average of $24,683.

Combining the survey data for both full- and part-time farriers, their gross annual income averaged $85,838 in 2013. This was a 17% increase from 2 years earlier.

How your hoof-care…