Mobile farrier service
Trim and shoe horses at stables, agistment properties and private paddocks on a regular round.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A mobile farrier service that travels in a ute or van with a portable forge or shoe stock and tools. You trim hooves, fit and shape shoes, and fix hoof problems, usually every 6 to 8 weeks per horse.
Your first three steps
- Look into farrier training, such as an apprenticeship or a recognised course, and spend time working alongside an experienced farrier
- Price up a starter kit, a ute or van fit-out and portable gear, then get public liability insurance and an ABN
- Visit local pony clubs, agistment properties and saddleries to meet owners and book your first regular clients
Who pays
Horse owners, pony clubs, riding schools, agistment centres, small stables and hobby farms.
How it makes money
A set price per horse for trims, or for shoeing sets, with extra for remedial or special shoes. Regular clients on a cycle give steady repeat work, and a call-out or travel fee can cover long distances.
Skills that help
- Hoof care and horse anatomy knowledge
- Calm, confident horse handling
- Good fitness and a strong back
- Metalwork and shoe shaping
Watch out for
- Public liability and personal accident insurance, as working under horses carries a real injury risk
- Check whether your state or territory has any registration or training requirements for farriers
- Heavy physical work that is hard on the back and knees, so plan your hours and workload
- Check workers compensation requirements before you take on an apprentice or employee
- Unreliable clients and cancelled bookings, so consider a cancellation policy
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mobile farrier service
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a mobile farrier?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your vehicle, forge or shoe stock, tools and insurance. This is an estimate only, so price your setup before buying.
How much can a mobile farrier earn in Australia?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many horses and clients you service on your round. Horses are usually seen every 6 to 8 weeks. Hours start at about 15 a week.
Do I need a licence to work as a farrier in Australia?
Check whether your state or territory has registration or training requirements for farriers. Also check public liability and personal accident insurance, and workers compensation requirements before you take on an apprentice or employee.
Other ways to run this business
Similar farming and garden ideas
Small-acreage lamb or beef, sold direct
Raise a small mob of sheep or cattle on your own or leased land and sell meat boxes direct to local customers.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Full-care horse agistment property
Offer paddocks plus daily feeding, rugging and health checks for horse owners who are short on time.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Small breeding herd selling weaners and breeders
Keep a few breeding sows and a boar, and sell weaners and breeding pigs to small farms and lifestylers.
- A$6k-25k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Mobile farrier: shoeing at the stable or paddock
Travel to horse owners and fit custom-shaped horseshoes on a regular shoeing cycle.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile farm inputs supplier
Visit farms and growers in your district, take orders for fertiliser and crop protection products and deliver them.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local farm produce supplier to cafes and restaurants
Buy fresh produce direct from nearby growers and deliver it in bulk to cafes, restaurants and grocers.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Photo: Arcaion on Pixabay