Weekend barefoot trimming for local barns

Pleasure riders, small boarding barns, hobby farms and owners of retired or pasture horses.

A flat fee per horse per trim, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. Grouping several horses at one barn per visit raises what you earn per hour.

• Calm, confident horse handling
• Good understanding of hoof anatomy and balance
• Physical fitness for long periods bent over
• Clear communication with owners

• General liability insurance, and check whether it covers care of other people's animals
• Rules on who may trim or shoe horses vary by state, so check with your state and county
• Injury risk from kicks and strain, so work with experienced handlers at first
• Owners with lameness issues may need a vet or full farrier, so know when to refer
• Income is limited by how many horses you can trim, and the work can be seasonal in cold regions

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your tools and setup. These are estimates. This lighter version keeps travel and equipment needs low by focusing on barefoot trims at a few nearby barns.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many horses you can trim. Income is limited by horse numbers, and the work can be seasonal in cold regions.

Rules on who may trim or shoe horses vary by state, so check with your state and county. Also check that your general liability insurance covers care of other people's animals, and know when to refer lameness cases to a vet or full farrier.