A farrier practice is a business — there is no surprise about that. As professionals, practitioners have a responsibility to maintain accurate records to ensure proper scheduling, billing, payment and taxes. At the same time, farriers also should keep records on clients and the type of work conducted on their horses, including photographs of the feet or radiographs shared by veterinarians.

Farriers have dozens of clients, and details on their specific horses and any long-range measures and goals can be difficult to recall. Horses also can relapse and notes on techniques that worked previously could prevent unnecessary work and potential pain for the horse.

Accurate notes on horses must be accessible at all times, as farriers never know when a client might call with an issue. Having crucial information about the horse in hand, rather than sitting in a file cabinet, saves time and money. It also can keep a client happy with the provided service, which ensures his or her continued use of the farrier and can even lead to recommendations from clients and other professionals in the equine business. Professionals, such as vets, like to work with other professionals and often will recommend those who appear more professional, as it makes them look better to their own clients.

Because so much of the information shared and methods of practicing business are digitized, so should the system that manages and organizes a farrier’s practice. Handwritten notes can still manage a practice, but proper use of computer technology can improve…