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10 Tips For Recession-Proofing Your Business

August 1, 2009
Even when times are good, you need to be getting ready for when they are not. Prepare for an economic downturn by implementing good business practices to help ensure your farrier business's survival. Here are few of the most important ideas to help recession-proof your shoeing practice.
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Putting Your Money To Work: Saving The Smart Way

Develop a plan to keep from living paycheck-to-paycheck.
By Esco Buff posted on August 1, 2009
Many farriers' idea of "saving" money is to hoard just enough to buy the new forge that they can't live without. If they would only properly invest a few dollars a month, this type of paycheck-to-paycheck living would be a thing of the past. How do you properly invest money? Here are a few smart ways to invest.
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Bookkeeping And Maintaining Solid Business Records

Dedicate yourself to a system that fits your business style.
By Red Renchin posted on August 1, 2009
It's been said that horseshoeing is a necessary evil, but the same can be said about farrier accounting. The thought of sitting down to do my bookwork is about as appealing to me as working on an old broodmare in a muddy lot. If you find it an equally distasteful subject, it is essential to make keeping your books as easy and efficient as possible.
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Get The Tools And Supplies You Need

You get what you pay for with high-quality tools, but you can find good tools at lower prices.
By Danny Ward posted on August 1, 2009
If you've just finished hoof-care school, no one needs to tell you about the financial commitment you've made to your education. You paid for your school, housing, food and more. Unless you have an apprenticeship lined-up or know several people who need farriers, it's going to take a while to develop a business and steady income.
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What To Do, What To Avoid When Getting Started

Clients will expect you to know much more about horses than just the feet.
By Frank Lessiter posted on August 1, 2009
Starting any career is no easy task and that's certainly the case for new horseshoeing school graduates. After a few weeks or months of schooling on the equine foot, you'll quickly realize that you don't have all the answers or the confidence needed to succeed.
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Building Healthy Relationships With Clients And Equine Professionals

Trainers see your clients’ horses every day — tap into that expertise.
August 1, 2009
Farriers have a tendency to live and work in a cave. The "going-it-alone" mentality may cause you to forget the clients, other farriers, veterinarians and trainers that make up your business or help it run smoothly. Not only should you make it a point to strengthen these critical relationships, you should make it a top priority.
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Graduation Doesn’t Mean Your Hoof-Care Learning Is Over

Seek out experts who will share their knowledge.
By Chris Gregory posted on August 1, 2009
There are few occupations that I know of which give a practitioner the same feeling of accomplishment that teaching farriery does. Granted, the only things I have done since high school have been shoeing horses, some time in the Army and teaching farriery since 1992. So you have to understand that I have a somewhat biased view on this subject.
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Developing and Maintaining Your Hoof-Care Business Plan

Recognize your worth and know how to set your prices.
By Bob Smith posted on August 1, 2009
I believe that the difference between successful and unsuccessful people is that successful people work on a vision of their lives every day. Successful people create their lives actively, while unsuccessful people passively wait to see where their lives take them.
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Not Ready To Start Out On Your Own? Find An Apprenticeship

Ask trainers, horse owners, veterinarians and others about quality farriers in the area.
By Jeremy McGovern posted on August 1, 2009
Most farriers will agree that newbies can improve their abilities and knowledge right after hoof-care school by riding with a mentor. Although needs like having to support your family or a late start in the career can force you to go it alone, serving as an apprentice can develop your ability and give you invaluable connections in the equine community.
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Farrier Education: Heartland Horseshoeing School

Farrier Education: Heartland Horseshoeing School

Farriery requires knowledge and skills to provide proper equine hoof care. In this series, sponsored by VICTORY, American Farriers Journal visits Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo. In this edition, Chris Gregory discussed his journey to becoming an educator, his focus in teaching farrier students and the state of farrier education.

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Life Data Labs

Life Data Labs Inc

Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
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Kawell USA

Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
Smart Pak

SmartPak

From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.
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