Custom horseshoe forge workshop
Hand-make specialist and corrective shoes in your own forge for farriers, vets and owners.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
2,437 UK companies in this field, 16% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 01629 “Support activities for animal production (other than farm animal boarding and care) n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small forge or unit where you make bespoke horseshoes to order, such as corrective, therapeutic or specialist shapes, and fit them at the forge for horses brought to you.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local farriers and vets about what custom shoes they struggle to source
- Find a small unit, barn or outbuilding and check with your council whether the use is allowed
- Make a sample set of shoes and photograph them to show prospective customers
Who pays
Other farriers who want custom shoes made, vets working on hoof problems, and horse owners who bring their horses to you.
How it makes money
Paid per shoe or per set made to order, plus fees for fitting appointments at the forge.
Skills that help
- Hot forging and metalwork
- Knowledge of hoof anatomy
- Accurate work to a farrier's or vet's specification
- Building relationships with farriers and vets
Watch out for
- Fitting shoes to horses for payment may need Farriers Registration Council registration, so check before offering fitting
- Planning permission or business use for a forge, plus noise and fire risks to neighbours
- Public liability and buildings or contents insurance suitable for a forge
- Demand for made-to-order shoes may be uneven, so test it with a few farriers first
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a horseshoe forge workshop in the UK?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your premises, equipment and what you already own. These are estimates, so price up your forge, tools and insurance before you commit.
How much can a custom horseshoe maker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many farriers, vets and owners order from you. These are estimates. Demand for made-to-order shoes may be uneven, so test it with a few farriers first.
Do I need registration or permission to run a horseshoe forge?
Check before you start. Fitting shoes to horses for payment may need Farriers Registration Council registration. Also check planning permission or business use for a forge, noise and fire risks to neighbours, and suitable insurance.
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