Mobile farrier: shoeing at the stable or paddock

Recreational and competition horse owners, pony clubs, riding schools, agistment centres and small studs.

A set price per job, such as a trim or a full set of shoes, with extra for specialty or remedial shoes. Most horses are booked every 5 to 8 weeks, so regular clients give steady repeat work.

• Strong, safe horse handling
• Metalwork and hoof anatomy knowledge
• Physical fitness and stamina
• Reliable scheduling and travel planning

• Public liability and personal accident insurance, as working with horses carries real injury risk to you
• Check whether your state or territory has any registration or training expectations for farriers
• Heavy, repetitive physical work that is hard on the back and knees, so plan your daily load
• Cost of fuel and travel time between clients, which affects your real hourly earnings
• Poor shoeing can injure a horse, so work within your skill level and refer vets' cases appropriately

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the ute or van you use, whether you buy a portable forge or cold-shoeing kit, and the anvil and tools you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on how many horses you shoe and how far you travel. Plan for at least about 15 hours a week. Fuel and travel time affect your real hourly earnings.

Check whether your state or territory has any registration or training expectations for farriers. Also check public liability and personal accident insurance, and plan your daily load, as the work is physical. Work within your skill level and refer vets' cases appropriately.