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farrier charges?

Last post 07-03-2008 9:32 AM by JMFriedman. 8 replies.
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  • 07-03-2008 12:27 AM

    farrier charges?

     So I dont own a horse, but I like to gather estimated costs to see how much I would have to make to own a horse, so I know when I can afford one. If that was confusing it doesnt matter, I have a question to ask:

    First off, list what you get done, shoeing, trim, special shoes, etc.

    Second, give me a general idea of what your farrier pays *if possible round up to the next 5 or 10 dollars*

    Im also looking into being a farrier. I'd get to be around horses constantly, and if I eventually own one then hey I save a little money, right?

     Thanks for reading/replying!

  • 07-03-2008 12:50 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    Most of mine just get trims. Size doesn't matter to the cost (mini up to my Friesian). It's $35. My guys (2 that work together) actually charge $40 now but not for me :)

    I get front shoes on the thoroughbreds, they're $65 for front shoes and just trims behind.

    I THINK he charges $90 for four shoes? Not sure though b/c I never get all four feet shod.

    I always tip them as well.

    I know other farriers in my area that charge less (but I really like my guys so they're worth it) and I know others that charge more.

    Jessi

    www.CheyAutRanch.com


    Logo created by AshtonGal: http://my-horse1.piczo.com/tillysstallsigns?cr=7&linkvar=000044
  • 07-03-2008 12:53 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    thats pretty close to the ones Ive seen around here,

    Ive seen 25-35 for trims

    70 for front shoes and 110 for all four.

     

  • 07-03-2008 4:30 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    It really depends on your area, the qualifications/ experience of the person doing it.

    I've heard of some guys charging close to $200 for a set of shoes all the way around, and then there are some areas where you can the same job for $60. Just depends on the horse economy and average price of living in your area, and how much competition there is, as well.And that was just plain shoes, not anything special or corrective. A good trim averages $35 in most places.

     Learning to just enough to just do your own to "save a little money" is not a good reason to go into it. If you want to go full time,because it intrests you for other reasons, then I suggest you invest the money and time to get proper training (school or apprentice). If you are only ever going to be working on your own, by the time you invest in schooling (you don't want to "wing it", this is something that seriously can affect your horse's soundness for life) and invest in tools,( vehicle and gas if you want to go pro)you might find it IS cheaper to hire someone else..and trimming (ESPECIALLY SHOEING) is hot, sweaty work, or finger numbing cold work, and dangerous, depending. If you only ever do your own, you may not get enough experience to catch subtle problems before they get big.

     Asking around at local vets and feed stores will give you a chance to locate the farriers/trimmers in you area and talk to them first and see what their rates are and have an idea of who you liked and want to hire when you get a horse.

    Barefoot and Loving it!

    http://www.barefoothooves.net

  • 07-03-2008 6:13 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    I think it is wonderful that your are investigating into the costs of owning a horse before you just jump into it. And you should definitely consider the same as you gather info about farriery as a profession.

    When I first started my apprenticeship, everyone was sure to tell me that being a farrier is dirty, stinky, "back-breaking" work, never mind the fact that it can be incredibly dangerous. And it has been nothing less then that. Although it is incredibly rewarding, and being able to help horses to reach their potential is for me and I know for Boosiler the driving force behind our carrier paths. It is tough to say that you will be saving money when you cannot put a price on the wear and tear your body will take.

    I think you should consider getting as much horse handling experience and take the initiative to definitely apprentice with a reputable farrier, and then decide if it is really what you want to do. From there go to school. I cannot stress that enough. With there being no nice way to say this there are too many hack farriers out there who never get the education or the experience and end up harming so many blessed horses all for the sake of their $$$. Then Boosiler and I and other well trained professionals have to come along and rehab those poor suffering hooves.

    So if you're going to do it and you want to be successful, make sure your priorities are set straight look into apprenticeships, and schooling, and just what in fact the expenses are. For example health insurance is expensive but vital.

    Oh and as for pricing up here in NH average Trims - $40, Fronts - $70, and Full set - $100. Specialty shoes, pads, etc. vary greatly. Believe it or not that is the cheap end around here. Some of the older farriers are getting like $50 Trims, $100 for fronts, and $150 for a full set. While I was at school a guy that had been through the program in earlier years, used to stop by. Every shoe he used he had handmade it would take him any where from 2 to 4 hours to shoe a horse and he charged $350 for the job. He was an absolutely perfectionist about how that shoe went on. Now we should strive to do the best job every time, but that is a bit much for the horse at that point.

    I guess in short don't just do this job to save a couple bucks because you won't in the long run, and more importantly your horse, and others horses will suffer.

  • 07-03-2008 7:40 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    Ditto what everyone has already replied, and especially that it's great you are checking into the costs of owning a horse before getting one, make sure you also get some input on how much work it is to correctly care for one and that it is a HUGE responsibility! 

    I only shoe my horses in the front, but of course my farrier trims/files their back feet at the same time.  He is a certified farrier, which I found out over the years (the hard way) is very important, and he doesn't work on weekends.  He has a key to my gate and always comes while I'm at work.  Yes, I trust him totally, but then I would have to totally trust anyone who handles my horses!  He's the best, and if he wanted to come in the middle of the night on a Sunday night in the rain I'd say "ok!".  My vet recommended him when he diagnosed my 'old man' with navicular syndrome, but I was already aware of his great reputation.  I had to have a friend of mine, who was a current customer of his, call him and put in a good word for me before he would call me and make an appointment.  He charges $75 to shoe the front and trim the back for one horse.  I guess mainly what I'm trying to say is, you can't judge a farrier by his fee, and that good ones are worth their weight and your horse's combined in gold!  One other thing, be careful if you call around to some to get their prices, they don't like being compared to each other!  I suggest going by other owner's testimonies and by looking at their horses' feet, and your vet's advice.  I can't stress enough how important this aspect of horse ownership is - I'm sure you've heard "no feet, no horse".

    A good horse is never a bad color
  • 07-03-2008 8:40 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    Remember the cost of gas/diesel has to be factored in, plus steel has gotten very expensive too.  Then there is all the equipment cost as well.  Any one can call themselves a shoer, but there is training and a certificate for those who want to really do it well.  Connecting with and learning from an experienced and sucessfull farrier would be your best bet.  I pay $110 for full, $75 for half shoes, $30 for a trim every 6-8 weeks depending on the horse. (This is SoCal prices, usually higher because of the fuel costs.)

    K.C.
    /)__~
    </ </

    VISIT MY PICS!


  • 07-03-2008 9:28 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    Here is a really good site for cost for supplies.

    https://www.anvilbrand.com/store/catalog/aboutanvilbrand.php

    I am again away from any large urban area. So prices are really cheap. Also there is an Amish community and they are really cheap. Trims start at 10. The Amish does shoes on all 4 for 40.

    The AFA has a nice list of schools.

     

  • 07-03-2008 9:32 AM In reply to

    Re: farrier charges?

    I've heard that many shoers in my area charge upwards of $150 for shoes all around.   I pay $100 now for fronts only with a hind trim and $50 for a trim all around (not all of my horses need shoes).  That's a huge jump in price for my farrier.  I had been paying $65 for fronts and $35 for a trim.  But with the cost of shoes and fuel rising, I certainly don't begrudge him the money.  He does my guys every 6 weeks but he doesn't mind skipping one who simply doesn't need it (like the mini who wears his feet down sufficiently just chasing the QH up and down the paddock all day) even though it means a smaller tab at the end of the visit. I figure I'm paying for the job AND the loyalty factor.  

    Which, by the way, is something to consider.  When you look at the bottom line of horse ownership, realize that there's a little slop room for loyalty costs.  I'll call my vet, for instance, for something I might be able to handle without him (fall shots, for instance) just to keep him happy so he'll come when I do need him.  In exchange, he's happy to write me prescriptions rather than sell me meds at a high mark-up.  That's a little extra cost that kind of balances out in the end, but it's worth every penny, because like the farrier, my vet is an important component of my horses' care.  

     I'm delighted to see a prospective horse owner actually taking the time to find out the real costs. Good for you!

    BTW, my farrier got rid of all his horses.  He says he doesn't feel the need to own one anymore, but he absolutely loves being around them.  He sees all of his regular clients' horses as his own and they seem to feel the same way about him.  So becoming a farrier might be a good way to go!

    "Four things greater than all things are
    women and power and horses and war."
    ~Kipling

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