The following article was published in the 2015 American Farriers Journal.

1. More than 9 million horses live in the U.S.  Most are trimmed and/or shod a number of times each year. Yet few owners are willing to take on this backbreaking task and responsibility for themselves.
2. Each year, more than 2 million horse owners call upon hoof-care professionals to properly prepare the most complex part of the horse’s anatomy – the foot.
3. Among horse owners, American Horse Council data show 74% own two to nine horses while 12% own 10 or more horses. Their data indicate owners spend an average of 22 hours per week with their horses. Some 28% of horse owners earn more than $100,000 a year.
4. The equine industry contributes $38 billion to the U.S. economy, and foot care is an essential part of this overall contribution.
5. An American Farriers Journal survey indicates many owners spend over $1,000 each year on foot care for each of their horses and many more dollars on all types of equine products that are recommended by farriers.

Data from the 2014 American Farriers Journal “Farrier Business Practices Survey” indicates the typical full-time farrier deals with 285 horses per year. He or she handles 1,710 trimmings and/or shoeings each year while dealing with 133 foot care clients and earns $103,598 (2014 data).