Real property can be damaged, the ultimate being the death of the animal. Some farriers believe that a standard homeowner s policy will cover such a perceived liability. Virtually all such policies discount activities identified as a business pursuit. Without a separate business policy to cover any horse or equine-related activity, litigation is going to fall under the umbrella of perception, which means that a jury or judge is going to decide the real nature of your activity. As Ginnow points out, and this article has tried to reinforce, we are in a different arena.
Animals are no more predictable than people.
A West Coast farrier, who has been in business for twenty-six years and contracts with three farriers and a couple of helpers, manages the business in a very efficient and pragmatic manner, though not without figuring out some ups and downs along the way. He has to take care of the books, bill and schedule, handle the marketing and ordering, plus he shoes a number of horses himself a day. Given his current net worth, it is not under that spreading chestnut tree. His contractors are a direct tax deduction, his clients are happy, and the people who work with his business are given the incentive to advance their own skills while making a pretty decent living. I had to learn how to step back and supervise, and really let the guys go forward.