Horseshoeing Service

SAE:

Provide a horseshoeing service

Description:

-Horseshoers are in great demand due to the increase in the number of horses used for recreation and the small number of people entering this field as a profession. It is a very physically demanding job and therefore is usually done by men. It is a well paying profession and ranks at or near the top of the craftsmen's scale.

-Training is accomplished by attending a horsehoeing school for approximately two months, working as an apprentice under a journeyman, or both. It is recommended to work as an apprentice for a while to be sure that the type of work and the individual are compatable.

-An individual can get started with a minimum amount of equipment. Needed will be a pair of chaps, hoof nippers, hoof knife, hoof pick, hoof gauge, and rasp. A trimming box and foot stand are also needed, but these can be built in the shop. The cost of all of these tools should be no more than 200 dollars. Transportation will also be necessary.

-Students can earn very good wages, trimming horses hooves after school and on the weekends. However good basic skills should be acquired before attempting to charge customers.

-Before adding a shoeing service to the trimming business, the student should be very capable at this skill level. Also, shoeing will require more special tools, an inventory of shoes and supplies, and a truck for hauling all of this. Costs of the tools and supplies could run about 1000 to 1500 dollars.

Factors To Consider	Ranking: 1 = lowest 10 = highest
Time required	7
Investment	4
Equipment needed	4
Skills required	8
Facilities required	1
Land required	1
Labor Intensity	8
Potential for income	10
Transportation required	10
Expansion possibilities	5
Expertise needed	8
Advertising needed	6
Susceptible to disease	1
Susceptible to insects	1
Suitable for residential areas	6
	Other (specify)
Length of production cycle	Year around
Regional
When to start project	Anytime