Horseshoe maker: hand-forged shoes from your forge

Horse owners with special needs, other farriers and vets who want specialised shoes, and local riding or competition clients.

Per pair or per set of shoes made, plus a fitting fee when you shoe the horse yourself. Specialist and remedial work usually earns more than standard shoes.

• Blacksmithing and forge work
• Understanding of hoof balance and horse conformation
• Attention to detail and precise measuring
• Working with vets and other farriers

• Council approval for a forge at home or on a small unit, including fire, fumes and noise
• Public liability and product liability insurance for shoes you make and supply
• Burns, fire risk and safety gear, so check workplace safety requirements for your state
• Slow early demand, as you need to prove quality before others will trust your shoes
• Factory-made shoes are cheap, so focus on custom or remedial work to stand out

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the forge, tools and safety gear you buy and whether you set up at home or in a small unit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many custom and remedial orders you win. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week. Early demand can be slow while you prove your quality.

Check council approval for a forge at home or in a small unit, including fire, fumes and noise. Also check public liability and product liability insurance for shoes you supply, and your state's workplace safety requirements for burns, fire risk and safety gear.