Several months ago, I had dinner with a group of farriers in Texas. We learned another farrier couldn’t join us because he was working late because his helper didn’t show up, leaving him alone to shoe that day’s horses.
U.S. House Approves Horseracing Integrity Act
The United States House of Representatives on Sept. 29, 2020, approved the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act by voice vote with no opposition.
Team Revolution Wins WCB Southeastern Team Challenge
Farriers from across the country had an opportunity to compete in what was for many the first four-person team contest of 2020 when the World Championship Blacksmiths hosted the Southeastern Team Challenge at the beginning of October in Greensboro, N.C.
My approach to horsemanship consists of working the horse from the inside out. This involves listening to the horse’s intelligence, observing its behavior, thinking and using finesse. It allows the horse to use its brain to figure its way through a dilemma.
It’s been said that “success doesn’t come and find you, you have to go out and get it.” That’s been the mentality for my farrier business. I’m always striving to do better, learn more and improve.
Two years ago, the gross annual income for full-time farriers crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in the American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices Survey. For 2019, the full-time farrier yearly income increased by an $14,283 compared with that 2017 figure.
To say there is a subject in which farrier opinions differ doesn’t make much of a story. Instead, sharing the farriers’ experiences on the topic and allowing the audience to come to their own conclusion that best fits their practices.
Hiring help can be one of the most advantageous moves that a farrier makes. Yet, it also can be daunting, especially when the arrangement ends unexpectedly.
An American Farriers Journal internet poll finds that the vast majority do not look positively on hiring. When asked about their experiences, 75% say that it’s typically a struggle finding and retaining apprentices. Another 24% say that finding and retaining apprentices is a mixed bag. Just 1% say it’s typically a smooth process.
To build loyal customers, look for opportunities to educate your clients about footcare. This proves important when encountering clients who question the amount they pay for footcare. Rather than getting defensive, I like to provide insight. Most clients have little understanding of what it costs us to shoe their horses.
About 20 years ago, Jessica McGrane wanted to begin a career as a farrier. She asked West Chester, Pa., farrier Dave Werkiser if she could learn the trade from him. Werkiser admits that he was at first hesitant, having had some previous helpers join his practice, but leave just when they became useful.
The mindset with which you approach your hoof-care practice can often be the difference between fulfillment or frustration with your chosen career.
Many successful people in various career fields have adopted a positive mindset. When this mindset is developed early and followed regularly, it tends to allow beginning farriers the courage to try new things, learn from experiences and approach their chosen trade without being controlled by fear of the unknown.
Working in a clinical veterinary setting is much different than a normal day-to-day shoeing practice, and it poses interesting challenges that aren’t present in your normal life.
Winston Churchill, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, once said, “Sometimes doing your best is not good enough. Sometimes you must do what is required.” This quote is appropriate for the topic and we can break it down into two different parts.
Farriers are self-employed small business owners. Each one of us wants to work hard and earn lots of money. That’s possible, and with a little thought, we can make just as much money with less effort.
Even with new products filling supply shop shelves every year and initiatives in farrier-based scientific research, the farrier industry isn’t one for swift and universal change. Lexi Barron says insurance is somewhat similar. The Snohomish, Wash., attorney and insurance broker notes that the insurance industry can be old fashioned. But old-fashioned doesn’t mean that impactful changes don’t occur.
More than 30 years ago, Roy Bloom set his sights on making the American Farriers Team. He spent a great deal of time in the fire to improve his skills, efficiency and time, all while shoeing full time. Then he felt it.
Tradition that is based on sound principles should be retained and mastered. It is the foundation for everything else we do.”
Dr. Doug Butler, a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, wrote those words nearly a quarter-
It’s been said that “success doesn’t come and find you, you have to go out and get it.” That’s been the mentality for my farrier business. I’m always striving to do better, learn more and improve.
More than 30 years ago, Roy Bloom set his sights on making the American Farriers Team. He spent a great deal of time in the fire to improve his skills, efficiency and time, all while shoeing full time. Then he felt it.
Hiring help can be one of the most advantageous moves that a farrier makes. Yet, it also can be daunting, especially when the arrangement ends unexpectedly.
An American Farriers Journal internet poll finds that the vast majority do not look positively on hiring. When asked about their experiences, 75% say that it’s typically a struggle finding and retaining apprentices. Another 24% say that finding and retaining apprentices is a mixed bag. Just 1% say it’s typically a smooth process.
Now view magazine-like digital flipbooks on your desktop and tablet. Starting in 2015 issues, included for FREE with your Digital or Premium subscription, view the magazine on your laptop, tablet, and mobile device. You need to be logged in to view.
Tips for Setting Boundaries Register for a VIP account to watch Lee Olsen’s Farrier Business Success Academy presentation, “Setting Boundaries and Increasing Your Rates.”
The Need for Apprenticeships Kentucky Horseshoeing School owner Mitch Taylor details what a farrier school graduate and a mentor should expect before starting a working relationship.
In this episode, Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin, recalls Red’s relationships with area veterinarians, his legacy and the second career as American Farriers Journal’s technical editor.
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.
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.
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.