What industry is a farrier?
James Olson
Updated on February 24, 2026
equine industry
The Farrier Industry is one of the most lucrative divisions of the equine industry. The professional farrier is respected as the expert in the lower limb and hoof areas of the horse more so than the equine veterinarian who only received six hours in horseshoeing techniques during their years at college.
Is being a farrier a good career?
Farriers get satisfaction from being able to use their skills and tools to solve problems and make the lives of the horses they work on and their owners, more pleasant. They make a very good wage for the hours they spend working. However, there is risk involved in today’s litigious society.
How much money does a farrier make per horse?
“This is a more realistic estimate of what your body could take over a 20- to 30-year shoeing career.” With this in mind, Lee-Gustafson says based on the outlined factors (five horses per day over 234 working days), this salary goal requires $51.28 per horse in net revenue.
How much is a farrier a year?
With an average of seven farrier visits per year, the annual farrier cost per horse will range from $294 for trimmings only (no horse shoes) to $840 for four new shoes each time the farrier visits. Let’s average $600 per year for a horse with horse shoes on the front hooves only.
What is a farrier called today?
History. At one time, a farrier and blacksmith had almost the same job, which can be seen by the etymology of the word: farrier comes from Middle French: ferrier (“blacksmith”), from the Latin word ferrum (“iron”). Today, farriers usually specialize in horseshoeing, and on the care of the horse’s hoof.
How much do farriers cost?
Overall, the services of a farrier will be between $50 and $150 per horse. A trim can cost about $30 or so, while a full set of shoes can cost $90 to $150. With an average of five services needed annually, horse owners may pay anywhere from $450 to $750.
Can I make a living as a farrier?
A farrier specializes in the care of horses’ hooves. The average farrier income is between $18,749 and $27,984 a year, but pay can vary widely. Annual farrier salary for those who work with thoroughbred racehorses can top $200,000.
How Dangerous Is Being a farrier?
The farrier does give this care and in so doing is subject to occupational hazards. These hazards cover a wide range and include bites from horses and farmer’s dogs, ergonomic problems, noise and exposure to metal and welding fumes. Many of the hazards he encounters are unique to his profession.
How much should a farrier cost?
Nationally, the typical full-time U.S. farrier charges $131.46 for a trim and nailing on four keg shoes while part-time farriers charge an average of $94.49 for the same work. The charges for resetting keg shoes averages $125.52 for full-time farriers and 95% of farriers reset some keg shoes.
What kind of environment does a farrier work in?
Farriers can work with a variety of breeds in different environments, from the farm to the racetrack. Pet horses, racehorses and even zoo animals can require attention from a farrier. The majority of farriers working today are self-employed.
How much money does a farrier make a year?
While compensation may vary widely based on geographic location and type of work, this field is well known in the equine industry for its very solid earning potential. According to PayScale.com, the median annual salary of a farrier in the U.S. is $55,000.
How often does a farrier work on a horse?
According to the 2011 American Farriers Journal Media Guide, the average full-time farrier works on nearly 270 horses per year and averages 7.1 visits to each horse per year. That adds up to over 1,900 trimmings.
Do you have to be strong to be a farrier?
Physically, farriers must be able to stand for long periods while bending and lifting a horse’s legs. This is a very physically demanding profession and requires a degree of strength and fitness. Farriers can work with a variety of breeds in different environments, from the farm to the racetrack.