In an ideal and unrealistic world, horse owners would be model clients with mounts that had perfect conformation and feet. Rather, it’s necessary to ask questions and gain some knowledge about that horse and client before saying “yes.”

Farrier’s life is the ultimate blank canvas. You can make of it what you wish. It offers you freedom and unlimited opportunities — as long as you’re willing to work for it.

The mindset with which you approach your journey into the world of hoof care can often be the difference between fulfillment or frustration with your chosen career. Adoption of a successful mindset provides beginning farriers with the courage to try new things, learn from experiences and approach their chosen trade without being controlled by fear of the unknown. Let’s look at these ideas and how they can help you develop a successful, fulfilling career in hoof care.

The graduation ceremony is over. That unforgettable feeling of finishing the first horse without the instructor’s help is still fresh. The former strangers who became close friends during the long days of learning and practicing must now go their separate ways. It’s time to head into the real world of farriery. Where do you start?

This week's facts and figures... 7 Major Footcare Concerns Among Horse Owners and How Effective is Social Media in Marketing Your Footcare Business? This edition of Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by the International Hoof-Care Summit.