How Much do Farriers Make?

Having the opportunity to work with horses is something that some people would adore and that who farriers are.

But, unfortunately, it is a career that is not quite as popular as some others. You can work part-time or full-time; the choice is yours.

The article will address questions commonly asked about farriers, such as how much do farriers make and so many others.

We will also try to explain what a farrier does, especially if you’re hearing about it for the first time. So, sit back, relax and have fun reading.

Table of Contents

What is a Farrier?

A farrier can be described as a highly-skilled horse hoof-care specialist who uses various tools, including rasps and nippers, to trim or shape a horse’s hooves.

They are sometimes called a blacksmith. They also make adjustments, reshape and apply horseshoes to the trimmed hooves if necessary.

Farriers work with different breeds of horses. They also work in different environments where there are horses.

For example, they work in racetracks, farms, and riding stables. They also work with other breeds such as racehorses, pet horses, show horses, et cetera.

Farriers also make customized horseshoes for horses by forging them from iron hence the name blacksmith.

How to Become a Farrier

Learning how to become a farrier requires dedication and commitment because being a farrier is hard work.

To become a farrier, you must undergo training. It would help if you also were physically strong to be able to do the job.

Another essential part of the job is communication; you should be able to communicate well with horse owners and vets.

To be a farrier, you need to go to a farrier school, but you must be sure it is what you want.

Once you’ve made up your mind about being a farrier, you need to take the following steps;

Apply to any accredited farrier school closest to you.
After applying, you need to complete the coursework, including horse anatomy, welding, veterinary care, learning how to shoe horses, and making tools.
Look for an apprenticeship to enable you to learn under the guidance of an experienced farrier. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, a four-year apprenticeship is required.
After working under the guidance of an experienced farrier, you need to get your certification. Certifications in several countries, such as the United States, are graded from entry-level to advanced.
After getting your certification, it’s time to register your business.
Ensure you get insured (Health, liability, and disability insurance). Being a farrier can be both dangerous and hard, which is why getting insured is a must.
Build your clientele base.

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How Much does a Farrier Make?

According to data from the latest Farrier Business Practices Survey in November 2020, there was an increase of about eleven percent in the annual gross income of farriers when compared with the figures from two years prior.

The gross yearly income for full-time farriers as of two years (2017) ago crossed the $100,000 benchmark to $102,000 for the first time.

According to the latest survey, it increased by $14,000 two years later (2019).

So, for 2019, which is the most recent data, full-time farriers earn a gross yearly income of $116,000.

Sadly, this is not the case for part-time farriers, as their average gross annual income continued the freefall from two years earlier.

It dropped from $26,000 in 2017 to $24,900 in 2019. No reasons were given.

Factors that can Affect a Farrier’s Salary

The amount of money a farrier can make usually depends on several factors.

Before registering your business and setting up your practice, you should consider the following factors;

Experience

You are likely to earn less as an apprentice or if you’re just starting out.

But as you continue to build on your experience, you become able to command a much larger income.

Location

Another important factor to consider is the location you intend to practice.

Locations like California are profitable for farriers because they work all year round. Not all places in the United States are this lucky.

In Michigan for example, it is impossible to work all year due to the weather. This is likely to have a negative impact on your income.

Conclusion

At the start of the article, the question before us seemed ominous “How much do Farriers Make?” but by the end of the article, we’re better informed.

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