Mental Health Awareness

How Are You ... Really?

jcota@lesspub.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

How are you? Most reply reflexively with fine or good. It’s a polite response. You might not want to burden someone with what’s really going on. Of course, you might not want to talk about it yourself. Then again, how many people truly want to know how you are?

Community Involvement Helps Avoid Isolation as a Farrier

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

By nature of the profession, farriers are susceptible to feelings of isolation.

You’re Not an Imposter

jcota@lesspub.com — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Chances are good that there are people reading this who feel like they are imposters. You might find yourself in a roundtable at the International Hoof-Care Summit or a farrier clinic thinking, “I’m not as smart as these people. I’m not good enough. I don’t deserve to be here.”

Frankly Speaking: If Your Business has Skyrocketed, Beware of Burnout

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

As in the past, our November issue provides several articles to help our readers improve their business practices. One of these articles shows how the onset of COVID-19 eventually gave way to increased business for most farriers.

Are You Burned Out with Farrier Work? | Part-Time Farriers Work with About Four Dozen Horses

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week's facts and figures ... Are You Burned Out with Farrier Work? and Part-Time Farriers Work with About Four Dozen Horses . This edition of Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by the International Hoof-Care Summit.

Balance isn’t Just for Horse’s Feet

jcota@lesspub.com — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Farriery is more than a career, it’s a lifestyle. It instills a strong work ethic, sense of duty and pride. Yet, a balance is necessary. Without it, you risk costly consequences.

Tips for Identifying and Managing Compassion Fatigue

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:01:00 -0500

Missouri farrier Sydney Kotow remembers that one horse, that one case, above all others. Early in Kotow’s career, she was asked to work on Flash, a foundered horse. Kotow also holds a Bachelor of Science in equine nutrition and remembers thinking that through her nutrition and farrier expertise she could save the horse, or at least make it more comfortable.

Seeing the Invisible Illness

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:01:00 -0500

For farrier Steve McConnell, the day his life changed started out like any other. One moment, the Waterford, Ontario, native was absorbed in the ordinary task of fueling his shoeing rig for the week; the next, he was drowning in a powerful vortex of emotions and memories he’d spent years trying to forget.

Identify Problem Clients and Discharge Them

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 00:01:00 -0400

As your shoeing career progresses, you are going to have clients who raise your blood pressure as soon as you see their name on your schedule. After working hard to build a solid business, getting rid of clients seems to fly in the face of your desire to increase your client base and income. But firing clients just might be what your business and your mental health need.

Heed the Warning Signs for Stress

jcota@lesspub.com — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 00:01:00 -0500

Harry Trosin loved his job. The Oklahoma shoer simply couldn’t wait to get to work each morning for more than 30 years. Then it all changed.

Frankly Speaking: Business Management Means Focusing On Yourself

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 00:01:00 -0500

The annual Farrier Supplies And Services Directory has become a trusted resource for the industry in its years of existence. Another benefit to this issue is the collection of business articles that appear in its pages. Since 1982, this special issue has helped farriers find valuable strategies for growing and protecting their businesses, earning more income and keeping that money in their pockets.

Everyone Needs a Break

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0500

I doubt there is a profession whose practitioners are more passionate about what they do than farriers. While passion fuels our drive, it can only be sustained for so long.

Recognize Different Types of Problematic Clients

Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0400

I'm sure you have clients who raise your blood pressure as soon as you see their name on your schedule. After years of hard work building a solid business, getting rid of clients seems to fly in the face of your desire to increase your client base and income. But firing clients may just be what your business and your mental health need.

Burnt-Out? Recharge At A Clinic

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0400

Burn-out is a danger to everyone who works. For farriers, as with other industries, it can occur when you become singularly focused on the day-to-day work.

The Danger of Overdoing It

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0500

Today marks the first day I've felt better since being infected with norovirus earlier this week. This wasn't a pleasant way to spend time off from work, but thankfully this illness wasn't long-lasting. Others are not so lucky when it comes to being sick.

Challenge the Most Important Tool Every Farrier Has

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 -0500

To Succeed at Farriery, Take Time Away From it

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Despite how much you enjoy your work in farriery, you need to spend time away from it to maintain your passion.

Avoid Making These Mistakes

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

One of the most intimidating things facing you at the beginning of your career is the realization of how little you actually know about hoof care. Mistakes will happen, but you must be wiling to learn from them.

Who's Most Important? Clients or Meeting Your Own Needs?

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Sometimes farriers tend to focus so much on their clients’ footcare problems that they forget to look after themselves.

Do You Control Your Own Shoeing Business? Or Does It Control You?

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Sun, 01 Jul 2001 00:00:00 -0400

A few weeks ago, the owner of a horse breeding facility shared some insights about their former farrier.