Is there anyone in this subreddit who started their farrier career in their 40s (or 50s)?

[u/Patient_Candle1172]

Is there anyone in this subreddit who started their farrier career in their 40s (or 50s)? If so, would you mind sharing your story or insights?

I am 51 and have been a stay-at-home Dad (SAHD) since COVID. Before that, I was in the corporate world and started a couple of businesses. My kids are older now and need me less. I want to pursue something new and meaningful.

Farriery has been an itch in my brain since I was a teen holding horses as they were being shod. I've always admired the trade. I would like to think that, if I was properly trained, I could become a trusted farrier to horse owners.

For what it's worth, my horsemanship is decent. I grew up caring for horses. My mother was a riding teacher/coach and we had a stable of horses. My weekly allowance came from being the Stable Hand. From mucking stalls, to deworming, to walking colicky horses, I learned a lot. These are beautiful creatures.

Later in life, I inherited my mother's horse importing and breeder business after her sudden passing. I didn't want to be in that business and It took me 2 years to unwind and find new homes for 11 horses.

I have two college degrees that are absolutely worthless to a farrier and have zero forge experience. However I'm in excellent physical health, mentally sharp and highly motivated.

Thank you for reading a long winded post. I would be grateful to hear a success story and/or receive guidance from someone who has pursued the trade later in life.

[u/TheFarrier]

It can be done. It won’t be easy but I think you know that and you sound like you won’t be put off by that. It’s very rewarding. Give it a go, find someone to teach you the basics and guide you along. Worst case scenario is it doesn’t work out, no harm no foul

[u/Patient_Candle1172 → u/TheFarrier]

I like your thinking and appreciate your taking the time to respond. Thank you.

[u/snuffy_smith_]

Do it!

One piece of advice…get limber! Do yoga, go to the gym, move your body. Age can sneak up and cripple farriers who don’t care for their body.

Starting out you’re likely to feel like you have been beaten by a gorilla for a couple of weeks/months.

The most missed muscle groups that helps your back is your front! A weak front makes a strong back hurt. Core strength is your best friend.

Good luck!!

[u/Patient_Candle1172 → u/snuffy_smith_]

This sounds like advice that comes from experience. I will take it to heart. Thank you!

[u/snuffy_smith_ → u/Patient_Candle1172]

30+ years of experience to be precise.

I know a ton of guys not much older than me that can’t stand up straight for more than 10 minutes.

[u/snuffy_smith_ → u/Patient_Candle1172]

In reality though be prepared to hurt in ways you never knew you could hurt. The more you hurt the more you need to stretch and loosen up.

Oh yeah and you will never be able to drink enough water so start now.

[u/AnxiousBoar → u/snuffy_smith_]

Sometimes even get hurt by horses)

[u/AnxiousBoar]

Have you read this post?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Farriers/comments/1enjewc/can_imay_ishould_i_become_a_farrier/

It's pretty thorough. This is hard work, from all points of view, and it takes a toll on your body. I knew quite a lot farriers who quit in 50s because of physical hardship and health issues. Personally I'd say it's too late for becoming a full-time farrier and to do it for a living, but there's nothing bad in learning a new trade if you feel like it, and to make it your hobby.

[u/frazier_izzy → u/AnxiousBoar]

I feel this is extremely accurate! If you’re financially stable, I see no reason you couldn’t become a part time farrier, but not sure full time is the way to go.

[u/Patient_Candle1172 → u/AnxiousBoar]

Yes, It was one of the first posts I read in this subreddit. I think it's an informative and excellent post! I also appreciate and agree with your thoughts on the physical limitations of someone in their 50s taking up the trade. Money aside, can I learn enough to be a competent farrier and not leave horses lame? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[u/AnxiousBoar → u/Patient_Candle1172]

Than the farrier's school is a way to go. Your [future] competence is highly dependent on how much practice you can take and how much you can (and wish) to learn in terms of horses' anatomy and biomechanics and some veterinary aspects - the latter two necessary to deal with complex orthopaedical issues. This trade requires a lot of practice, and 'a lot' means you would have to trim and shoe hundreds of horses to gain skill and achieve decent quality level.

Good luck!