Dave- the tools are included in the price of the school. I cant find anyone to ride with yet. I just sent the OFA an email today asking them if there are any farriers in the area that might take an apprentice. I was working at a stable and watching farriers and talking to them when ever i could but i dont work there anymore cuz i was just filling in for someone.

Gilreath- Its now taught by Regan Kester, who is Reggie's son. Frank Dice and David Goodman

Tom- Ill be sure to be prompt about getting back to all my clients and be reliable and on time for all appointments. Well thats the plan at least lol and Im going to study hard and try to get that certification.

Gilreath Horseshoeing wrote:Never saw "Hoof Problems" so have no comment. All the other stuff mentioned are not about how to shoe which is what he's looking for.

Doug Butler also offers a series of tapes (probably on DVD now) that I'd also highly recommend. Only downside is you need to buy the whole set and can't pick and choose the ones you want. Is ok, buy them anyway.

The Bob Marshall vids are real good too.
George

I second the Bob Marshall forging videos. They are the best I have seen yet. If you don't want to buy all of them, begin with basic shoe making and keg shoe modifications. Great detail and information.

ok thanks for the video recommendations, they would probably help me a lot. Because if i can actually see how to do something it is easier for me to remember and understand

George Geist wrote:
"Shoeing in your right mind" has a lot to do with learning how to shoe a horse. It was probably the second book I bought. You have to be able to look at feet and visualize an end goal to even get started shoeing one.

Justin

Somebody will no doubt start to talk to you about a business plan.
How much you will make, how much you spend, taxes, advertising, all that stuff.

The bad news is that you will not make enough $ fast enough in most markets. So watch those overhead expenses very hard and resist all temptation to spend $ on fancy trucks, trailers, or paint jobs on said truck and trailer. Don’t run out and buy a large stock of consumables. Start out with small purchases of what you need and as the client list builds you will be able to see what you need to have on hand. This can be rather regional. What they do in Chicago is not what we do in Colorado or Kentucky. You will find local forces and conditions to be the driving force so don’t fall for advertising gimmicks and fads or some clown saying we all do it that way, you’re an ***** if you don’t agree.

The good news is that after you get good in ???? years you will have the market to yourself and the $ will be a coming. Have fun, it’s a great ride.

OLDTRUCK wrote:
I agree. When I started I owned a 1980 Cevette so that's what I used. I wouldn't say it's the best way to go but I shod a lot of horses out of that little hatchback.

Ya i know its going to be hard to resist buying a bran new truck, especially when i see all of the guys around my area with new F350 super duties with matching trailers But im not sure id fit in a chevette so ill stick with my ol 89 f150 for now.

Dustin I might be wrong, but I think the Prince George B.C. area could use a shoer.Something to look into. Good Luck Bill Lawrence

like others has said here before no farrier school can teach you and prepare you for every situation that comes along.After school try to hook up with the best guy around and travel with him,if he isnt taking anyone hook up with the second best guy etc.......dvds,seminars,farriers groups are a huge source of continuing ed.Like my instructor told me in school 30 years ago "do your best when you get home and start up a business, if you dont know the answer tell the customer you will find the answer, be honest and sincere and people will trust you". Travel with local vets for additional insight into lameness work.Believe in yourself and the rest will come along in time........

Dont fall into the trap of spending alot of money on a rig right away.I met a young fella at a barn this summer driving a brand new custom Hummer all set up for shoeing, complete with custom farrier paint and graphics.After he watched me shoe for a while he gave me his card and said he wanted to talk. He proceeded to break down and cry because he couldnt make ends meet.He was shoeing less than a year and had ample clients to make ends meet for most new farriers.He said he was about to be evicted from the apartment him and his wife had because he didnt have enough money for the rent due to the massive payment on the custom Hummer.I simply said get rid of the Hummer and get a used basic truck or van. He stood up whipped his head around in anger and said
" no way I need the Hummer so it looks like I am a big time farrier"...........then he walked away.....

Rick Sweitzer wrote:
i work out of a 1969 ford 3/4ton and a 1991 bmw my self.

Hey Canuck,
It's always nice to hear about a sincere young person interested in our trade. Your height will definitely be a challenge because my brother in law was 6'2" and lasted 19yrs before it gave out. He kept in shape and was much stronger than I but wasn't as sturdy as myself in the lower back....I did 6 hoses today and am 6' and ancient.
Here is an address and a very successful outfitting business that employs a farrier or two full time and could be valuable experience for you starting out, seeing as how you're interested in going out west. These people use to be neighbours of mine.
Anchor D Guiding & Outfitting Ltd.
Dewy and Jan Matthews
Box 656, Black Diamond
Alberta, Canada T0L 0H0
Phone: (403) 933-2867
Fax: (403) 933-2255
Good luck,
John

hey john,

thanks a lot for the info on the people in alberta, ill definately keep it, but i think i might try to apprentice around here for awhile. Now the trick is to find some one to apprentice with haha. Ive started my own business but its slow as expected, ive only been out of school for 3 weeks now so i cant expect much. Im doing around 2 trims or shoeings a week. Its not quite enough to keep my muscles in shape tho, everytime i go out again my legs start shakin like im shoeing my first horse again.
but im just tryin to keep busy reading horseshoeing books and putting my name out there.

thanks a lot,
dustin

Canadian wrote:Hi Dustin,
Good idea to try and find someone to go with, even though that is difficult. I would take you on but I just don't want to work that much to have someone with me. My son is still getting new calls, so there's work out there but you must go slow. Much harder to correct a reputation than to build it properly the first time. I find that even I'll puff a little harder if I'm not working as much as usual, so don't be to alarmed, hitting the gym wouldn't hurt. All the best.
John