01/12/2025
Recently I've seen a few posts from trimmers advertising their prices, and had to cover jobs for others, and one thing that has really stood out to me is how unsustainable a lot of farrier pricing is. The days of $60 trims need to come to an end, especially for those businesses who are registered, qualified, insured, and paying their taxes. Farrier organisations generally suggest about $80-$85 / head in Australia, plus travel where needed. This would bring the cost of single horse trims closer to $100 / horse as a recommended industry standard, So... ever wondered where a $100 trim fee actually goes? (Hint, most of it doesn't go to your Farrier!)
Here’s a simple breakdown based *roughly* on my real-world business costs; fuel, vehicle wear, tools, BAS, booking/admin time, and the reality of running a rural mobile trade.
🥕 $40 – Business overheads
Fuel, tyres annually, vehicle servicing, rasps, tools, insurance, admin, bookkeeping, software, and the big one; saving for a new vehicle every 6–8 years (I’m already about to hit 500,000 km on mine!).
🥕 $18 – ATO obligations
GST, PAYG instalments, and tax withheld.
🥕 $5 – Superannuation
When you run a company in Australia, you must pay compulsory 12% super on your own wages, just like any other employer! Hoof trimming is physically demanding, and super isn’t optional anymore; it's part of keeping a long-term, sustainable career.
🥕 $37 – Useable income
This is what I’m left with to pay myself after running the business and keeping your horses safe and sound.
Hoof care is a highly skilled, physically demanding trade with significant ongoing costs; especially in rural areas with long travel distances. Transparent and sustainable pricing helps keep hoof care practitioners in business long-term so your horses receive consistent, reliable care.
Unsustainable pricing equals:
❌ No sick pay / emergency money
❌ No retirement plan
❌ Having to cram in bulk numbers and rush stops
❌ Burnt out / grumpy / late practitioners
❌ Poor industry retention - limited young people wanting to STAY in the trade as all the old guys leave
Which leads to a future where it will be VERY hard to find a farrier, and pricing could actually then skyrocket as a result, or... the possibility of more farriers refusing to provide for mobile services or attend small stops for recreational owners.
So for those of you who can see the value we Hoof Care Practitioners provide; thank you for supporting small, qualified local businesses ❤️
Your horses' feet (and your trimmer’s back!) appreciate it.
