gchotshod wrote:I am 37 years old and gave up everything for this quit my job and went to school for this. allways wanted to do this and for a beginner I am not to bad. I just can't beleave that I cant find someone to help me.
Sounds like you bet the farm on this. Unless you're already financially independent, at 37 you need to do more than just apprentice; you need to earn a living. That's going to be tough to accomplish in a reasonable amount of time given your experience level. It takes years to build a successful business and even then the risks of failure, as with any new business, are high. Expect to work a non-farrier job to pay the bills while you continue your farrier education and start to build a business. Speaking of building a business... do you have a business plan? Goals? Specific expectations?
Have you joined the AFA? Have you contacted the Pennsylvania Professional Farrier's Association and joined their group? They offer a hammer-in every first Saturday of the month. Seems a good place to introduce yourself and seek help.
Phil Bower, on the PPFA website, has a standing offer to assist on request (presume for members) and can be reached at 717-677-0024.
Have you contacted any of the PPFA members? Chris Diehl? Dave Deppen?
Have you taken time to review the PPFA website? Contacted your AFA regional representative? Asked for a referral from the school you graduated from?
Networking is important if you want to learn! Attend every clinic you possibly can. Join any local association or farrier groups you can find in your area. Attend the International Hoof Care Summit, the AFA Convention and the WCB events if you can.
I am willing to help someone for free thats how bad it is.
That's not "bad" in this country. It's the "norm". Taking on an apprentice can, in some cases, be more of a liability for a working farrier than an asset. You aren't going to increase the teaching farrier's income so anything he would pay you comes right out of his salary. That farrier only has so many horses on his book. Unless you're bringing a lot of new client horses to the table, the income is basically fixed with or without you. The best you can offer is to potentially shorten his work day a bit while learning in the process.
One farrier I asked for help said no because he doesent want competition.
It used to be a lot worse. Many farriers are now far more willing to share their knowledge and assist but much of the "old world" attitude still exists. Some still fear the competition. It's a legitimate concern for any business. Many non-farrier franchise businesses include non-competition guarantees within a specified radius as part of the franchise contract. It's just the way things are in some places. Get used to it, get good, get tough and move on.
I live around lansdale pa so if you want to learn how to be a farrier don't live around me.
The challenges you are encountering are by no means unique to Lansdale, PA. Becoming a farrier is generally an uphill battle and it's up to you to seek out and develop the skills and experience you'll need to be successful. No one is going to come knocking on your door offering to help. You have to go to them!
This forum is a good start to meeting those who are willing to help. So is your local AFA chapter. Get out there; meet and greet; be honest about your skills and your goals and things will start to happen. Just don't expect it to happen overnight.
How about providing a bit more information than "I just finished school"? What program did you attend and how long were you there? What horsemanship skills/experience do you have? Had you tried to do any farrier work prior to school or work with someone who has? Perhaps you worked on horses of your own. Have you had any experience since school? Are you able to relocate? What is your availability?
Think of it like a resume. Give people a reason to want to help you.
Okay.. pep talk over. Now pick up the phone and start making some calls. Get out your calendar and start scheduling attendance at clinics, seminars and conventions.
Cheers, best luck and welcome to the trade.
Mark