Business Practices

Poll: Ignoring Advice

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:08:48 -0400

What's one piece of advice you're glad you never listened to? Let us know in this AFJ poll.

Footcare & Farrier Business Insights

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Each week our editors will bring you data we collected in our American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey. Check back weekly for our latest update.

The Farrier Apprentice’s Path: What Happened to the Willing Hands?

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As the industry shifts, a Hall of Fame farrier explores why the old ways of learning are fading and how mentors can bridge the gap for today’s aspiring hoof-care professionals

So, You Want to Run a Farrier Business?

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Master the essential habits, expense management & tax strategies to build a profitable enterprise

Purcell Farrier Supply Earns Third-Annual Supply Shop of the Year

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Roths invest in farriers through continuing education and customer support, so farriers can invest in themselves

Purcell Farrier Supply Earns 2026 Supply Shop of the Year

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:41:27 -0400

Purcell Farrier Supply of Purcell, Okla., is honored as the third annual American Farriers Journal Supply Shop of the Year.

Purcell Helps Drive the Industry Forward

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Farriery can be an isolating profession. Horseshoers are often stuck behind a wheel for a good chunk of their time, while others might spend their day alone under a horse.

Knowing When & How to Fire Hoof-Care Clients

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:54:05 -0400

Farrier-client relationships are not always perfect. While no one wants to lose business or risk damaging relationships, sometimes the best decision is one to let a client go from your books.

Invest in Yourself While Diminishing Your Tax Burden

jcota@lesspub.com — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

By How Much Do You Expect to Raise Prices for 2027?

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:12:33 -0400

Find out the results from the 2026 Farrier Business Practices Benchmark Study.

Do You Need A USDOT Number for Your Farrier Rig?

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Even if the federal government doesn’t require a USDOT number, your state might.

Learn to Pace Yourself with Farrier Work

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Many farriers — especially the young ones — will push themselves to shoe more horses in a day than what they should. The key is to get to the point where you can shoe fewer horses and charge more money.

Tips from the 2020 International Hoof-Care Summit

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Our latest set of International Hoof-Care Summit "flashback" tips comes from Doug Anderson and Curtis Burns at the 2020 Summit.

Poll: Firing Clients

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:55:14 -0400

How do you let difficult hoof-care clients go? Share your method in this American Farriers Journal poll!

Passing Along Sky-Rocketing Diesel Prices to Clients

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

With nationwide diesel prices going through the roof to over $6.20 per gallon in mid-September, you may want to consider adding a fuel charge to your hoof-care invoices.

No Easy Fuel Choice for Shoeing Rigs

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

With the 2026 mid-summer national average price of diesel around $1.50 per gallon higher than gas, here’s a look back to 2008 when American Farriers Journal produced this in-depth comparison of fuel choices for shoeing rigs.

Where Equine Veterinary Practices Spend Their Dollars

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A recent study of equine veterinarian businesses shows payroll and employee benefits account for than average of 41% of a clinic’s yearly income.

Tell 'em You're Off the Clock

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you are like most farriers after a hard day's work, you might be winding down at a restaurant, a birthday party. your teen-age girls’ softball game or attending a school meeting. And that’s when someone walks up and asks you for free foot-care or veterinary advice.

Is Your Farrier Business Competitive?

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Data from the Farrier Business Practices Survey can help set you up for success

How Farriers Maintain Communications & their Businesses

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In the age of social media and instant communication, operating a business is often about more than just showing up and shoeing.

How Efficient Scheduling Can Save Your Business Money

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

There is more to operating a successful farrier business than shoeing horses.

I Only Did What the Horse Owner Wanted: A Cautionary Tale

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

John had been shoeing most of his adult life. He was competent. Experienced. Busy. And like many of us who’ve done this long enough, he’d grown a little complacent when it came to owner requests. Arguing just wasn’t worth the energy. After all, he was “just doing what was asked.”

When Raising Prices, Go Face-to-Face with Clients?

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

"Whenever backed into a corner on pricing, being polite and honest has saved me every time."

How Trimming Charges Changed in 30 Years

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Trimming charges among farriers has drastically increased since 1996.

The ‘Nuts & Bolts’ Behind the American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices Survey

lessitef@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A number of recent Facebook comments about the American Farriers Journal (AFJ) yearly Farrier Business Practices Benchmark survey provides me with the opportunity to explain the details and methodology behind the only in-depth analysis of the farrier industry. Anvil Brand, Glue-U, Hoof MD and Vetericyn sponsor the survey.

Prepare for the Future with These Financial Tips

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Keep a healthy emergency fund while avoiding debt & liability

12 Traits of Successful Farriers

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Learn from others & stay humble, focused & positive

3 Ways to Protect Your Profit Margin

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Charge, schedule & manage expenses appropriately to maintain a healthy farrier business

Understand Your Horseshoeing Market & Charge What You’re Worth

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Data from the Farrier Business Practices Survey can help you establish your pricing structure

Establish Boundaries with Yourself & Your Clients for a Successful Farrier Practice

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Scheduling efficiently, charging appropriately & having a good work-life balance are essential