As we enter the final quarter of 2026, small businesses are often searching for ways to reduce their tax burden. One way to do so is by investing in yourself.

Each year, tax deductions fall through the cracks and farriers end up shelling out hard-earned money that could remain in your pockets. According to 26 U.S. Code § 162, farriers may claim deductions for “all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business.”

“You may be able to deduct the cost of work-related education expenses paid during the year if you’re a self-employed individual …,” according to the Internal Revenue Service. “To be deductible, your expenses must be for education that (1) maintains or improves skills needed in your present work or (2) your employer or the law requires to keep your present salary, status or job. … Expenses that you can deduct include:

  • Tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and similar items.

  • Certain transportation and travel costs.

  • Other educational expenses, such as the cost of research.

  • In certain cases, eligible educators may also be able to deduct a limited amount of work-related education expenses.”

In addition, ordinary and necessary expenses that generally apply to farrier businesses include:

  • Airfare.

  • Automobile expenses (either the standard mileage rate or the percentage of business auto expenses, such as payments, insurance, fuel, repairs, etc.).

  • Train and bus tickets.

  • Car rentals.

  • Hotels.

  • Meals (50% is deductible).

  • Parking.

  • Taxis.

  • Tolls.

  • Books, magazines and videos required for your business.

  • Business entertainment (50% is deductible).

  • Business meals (50% is deductible).

  • Continuing education seminars and conferences.

A good way to take advantage of these tax deductions is to register for the 24th annual International Hoof-Care Summit, which takes place Jan. 26-29, 2027, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., just across the river from Cincinnati. Registering for the Summit by Dec. 31, 2026, can qualify you for a deduction this year, while the remaining related deductions for meals, travel, etc., can be applied toward 2027.

The 2027 Summit is shaping up to be one of the strongest lineups in the event’s history. Eight speakers are members of the International Horseshoeing and Equine Veterinarian Halls of Fame and four Fellows of the Worshipful Company of Farriers — three of whom have earned honors.

The Hall of Famers include:

The Fellows of the Worshipful Company of Farriers include:

In addition, Yogi Sharp — The Equine Documentalist — will be appearing on the Summit stage for the first time to share his peer-reviewed hoof-care research, experiences and insights.

Stuart Muir, a resident farrier at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., returns to the Summit stage to discuss “Vascular Pathways of the Hoof Capsule” and “Physiological Factors that Influence the Distal Limb.” In addition, he leads a bonus hoof mapping workshop that you can add to your Summit registration.

Learn about many more speakers, the Summit agenda topics and how to register at IHCS2027.com. We look forward to seeing you at the Summit.