Where is the biggest need for a farrier (Charlotte, Raleigh: insurance, college)

[freezing]

We are wanting to leave maine and move to the greensboro area. My husband is self employed as a farrier (shoes horses for those who may not know what that is). He is doing very well up here in Maine but we are just tired of the cold and the high cost of living. He is a little nervous about "starting over" again and getting all new customers. Does anyone know where the biggest need for a farrier would be or where the largest horse population would be so he could rebuild his clientele. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

[Niki]

I think maybe Tanglewood in Clemmons might have horse events. I'm not really sure, but it couldn't hurt to check.

[tippster]

I would guess Davie county has a good size horse population.

[roadpony]

What kind of horses does he shoe? That can make a difference. You might want to check out these NC equine resources:

NC Horse Council
NC Dept of Agric. Horse Marketing Specialist

There are a lot of horses throughout NC, but particular concentrations in Southern Pines and Tryon. Both of these areas focus mainly on hunter/jumper/dressage/sport horse type disciplines.

Among a wide range of equine facilities in NC, there three state-owned horse show arenas that hold events year-round: Williamston (eastern NC), Raleigh (at the state fairgrounds), and Asheville.

I have Saddlebreds and Hackneys that require a specialized type of shoeing, so I really have no idea which areas of the state might be underserved as it relates to farriers.

[roadpony]

Originally Posted by Niki

I think maybe Tanglewood in Clemmons might have horse events. I'm not really sure, but it couldn't hurt to check.

There is a boarding and trail riding barn at Tanglewood, but no major events. Tanglewood used to host a steeplechase race once a year. There's a group trying to revive it, but that's not really the basis of a year-round clientele that a farrier would need.

[Niki]

Ah. That's probably what I was thinking of. Thanks.

[hymnsinger]

I'll chime in, though I am much further west, near Boone. I am currently blessed with a horse (a standing ApHC stud with rare foundation QH bloodlines, see him on my Facebook page, look for Hymnsinger or PM me) that takes care of his own feet! He's barefoot and his feet stay perfectly trimmed with no intervention, ever! However, being in the horse business for 35 years and in WNC for 8, here are some insights.

Affordable hoof care has become harder and harder to find. There is no way I can afford $10/foot every 6 weeks for a barefoot trim, let alone what specialty care would cost. I was quoted heart bars (for a boarder) at $25/foot! with resets at $65. This is one of the reasons I can't afford another horse (or horses) right now.

Another issue is finding qualified hoof care. There are several self-taught farriers out here, that I wouldn't have on my place if they were the last farriers in NC! And again, the qualified farriers (educated at a "farrier college," etc.) are priced beyond my range. It's really sad. I know that the cost of farriery is way up, with insurance, transportation, and equipment, but at the same time, many back-yard horse owners can't afford decent hoof care. At least the cost of gas is down . . . will farrier prices follow? I guess the days of a $20 barefoot trim are over.

[ty fortier]

a farriers jod is never easy wether is just a trim or shoeing all four feet. there are many reasons why shoeing price are what they are. from hard labor to your sore in supply price and your expert knowlagement of your horse. thank your farrier for his hard work and pay his or her prices with a smile. NH Farrier

[erineieio]

My parent's farm is near the Forsyth/Stokes County area....and they're always getting calls asking for ferrier reccommendations. But it's probably too far of a commute for your husband if you do move to Greensboro...unless he gets a bunch of horses to do along a route in that area on a given day.

I'd say that word of mouth will be the best way for him to build his business, so he may need to start with emails/calling local farms once you move.

I noticed quite a few posts on craigslist: winston-salem classifieds for a ferrier the other day... you might try browsing those to see if you can see a pattern to where those people are located. Might check craigslist: greensboro classifieds too?

Good luck!

[cny2cnc]

You would probably do best in a central location, somewhere in the Piedmont area of NC. That way you could travel all over to service the horse folk--even up into southern Virginia. I live in Davidson County, and am about 1 hour to Charlotte, 30 minutes to Greensboro and Winston-Salem, and about 1.5-2 hours to Raleigh. Still see farms and horses around the area, and I know there's lots of horse folks down near Southern Pines. Also, you might want to try to find a large animal vet to ask whether they think your business could be viable in this area.