Hoofcare Business _Who’s Directing Your Hoofcare Business?

by John Suttle

Are you in management or an employee in your hoofcare business?

As farriers, most of us own our hoofcare business. We’re the captain of the ship and crew as well. We have two roles to play.

As the owner of the business, we’re in management, and as the person working on the horse we’re an employee. Two very different roles.

As a hoofcare business owner and manager, the responsibility falls on us for:

Deciding on the purpose of the business and the service it provides.
Giving the business direction and deciding how will it earn its income.
Deciding on the specifics of delivering the service.
Giving the business an image and deciding how to present it to the public.
Designing policies and procedures so all the elements of the business work together.
Creating a cohesive image to attract clientele and provide the services that generate revenue.
Paying the employees a fair wage, covering the operating and administrative costs and earnings a profit.
Ensuring a steady flow of clients, keeping employees engaged and money coming in.
Making sure the employees are well trained and equipped to provide the service and represent the company as management intends.
Tracking the progress of the business and making adjustments so it sails smoothly towards its destination.
Building assets.

The management job is strategy and tactics. The role doesn’t directly earn income, but has a direct effect on how much income it’s possible to earn.

As an employee, our role is to:

Implement the decisions of management and represent the company while providing an exemplary service.
Performing the service that generates revenue for the company while meeting the clients needs.
Providing an experience for the horse and client that the client wants us to return and manage their horses hoofcare with them.
Faithfully represent the company’s mission in all activities forming a cohesive image for the public.

The employees job is to follow the strategy and tactics while delivering the service that earns revenue for the business.

These are two very different roles and skill sets. One requiring thought and planning, the other physical activity. But both must work together to build a thriving, profitable business.

In most of our hoofcare business, one person plays both roles with the focus on providing hoofcare for the horse since that generates income and pays the bills … Without the skills to perform the service, the business will fail … However, the business will run smoother and be more profitable when time is spent directing the business.

Both skill sets are essential.

Without managerial skills, a farrier is working for a wage and the business gets tossed about like a boat on a choppy sea; we’re constantly pulling in sail and changing course. We work longer hours with less income and more expense.

However, combine the two, take the time to become good at both and you can have a very profitable practice that clients love and are willing to pay a premium for. One where you earn a wage and the business earns a profit. One where you have benefits, business hours and a life after work.

We’re lucky, the farrier trade offers an attractive lifestyle. One where we are the captain of the ship.

The combination of management skills with the practical skills of being an excellent farrier can help us sail the seas of the hoofcare business and bring us safely into port.