How to start a farrier business
Being good under a horse is the craft; running a farrier business is a second skill. Here's what it takes to turn shoeing into a steady book of clients — and to keep that book from becoming a mess of texts and sticky notes.
Meet Shoein' — the farrier's app →The foundation
- Get trained and confident. Most farriers come up through a horseshoeing school and an apprenticeship under an experienced farrier before going out on their own.
- Set up the truck. A reliable rig, a full tool kit, an anvil, and a forge if you hot-shoe — your shop travels with you.
- Sort the business basics. Register your business, sort insurance, and set clear pricing before you take your first paying client.
Build and keep a client base
Early clients come from barns, vets, trainers, and word of mouth — do good, reliable work and referrals follow. The harder part is retention: keeping every client on cycle so your calendar fills itself.
From day one, keep an organized book: who your clients are, their horses, where they are, and when each is due. The farriers who stay booked are the ones clients never have to chase.
Frequently asked
Is a farrier business profitable?
It can be a solid living. Income depends on your rates, how many horses you can do well in a day, and how full you keep your schedule — which is why staying on cycle and organized matters as much as the shoeing itself.
How do new farriers find clients?
Referrals from barns, trainers, and vets are the main source, along with word of mouth from happy clients. Reliability and keeping horses on a consistent cycle is what turns a first visit into a standing client.
What's the easiest way to stay organized as a new farrier?
Start with a single system for your whole book instead of texts and notebooks. Shoein' keeps clients, horses, addresses, and last-service dates in one place from your very first client.
Keep your whole book in your pocket
Shoein' keeps every client and horse in one place — addresses on a map, one-tap call and directions, and a due badge so you never miss a cycle.
See Shoein' →Built for farriers · Coming soon to iOS & Android
More farrier guides
This page is general information for farriers and horse owners, not veterinary advice. Every horse is different — for a specific animal, rely on your own farrier and veterinarian.