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Time Saver Tips: Working Smarter, Not Harder

Time Saver Tips: Working Smarter, Not Harder

I dedicate this one to my husband, Jason. Not because he’s particularly good at saving time, but because he’s given me plenty of examples of how not to.

If there’s one thing we all wish we had more of, it’s time – which is easily lost between long drives, bookwork, misplaced tools and forgotten stock. Oh and the one client who usually isn’t there, is there.. and you’ve been trying to leave for the past 45 minutes.

I’ve realised that saving time isn’t usually about one huge change. It’s the small habits that make the biggest difference. Tiny systems, routines and shortcuts that save a few minutes here and there suddenly add up across the week.

And importantly — working faster usually doesn’t mean rushing or cutting corners. In fact I’d argue it’s the opposite.

Keep Your Toolbox Setup Consistent

This is probably the biggest one for me.

Every tool lives in the same place. Every single day.

It sounds simple, but when you shoe horse after horse, muscle memory becomes incredibly important. You stop wasting time searching and your workflow becomes smoother without even thinking about it.

A few seconds saved on each movement quickly becomes half an hour by the end of the day.

There’s also a mental benefit. A tidy, organised setup makes the entire day feel calmer and less stressful — especially when things inevitably become chaotic elsewhere. Every missing tool brings you three minutes closer to your next emotional breakdown!

Watch my time saver tip on making sure your toolbox is tidy.

https://youtube.com/shorts/1KpcuHuc714

Set Up the Van to Work For You

A well-organised van saves an incredible amount of time during the day. I’ll check which horses I have in the next day, know what sizes they are, and make sure I’ve got those shoes in the van plus a spare set of each size. Loading tomorrow’s gear the day before, makes a huge difference. Future-you is always grateful for that little bit of preparation.

Think about having your anvil on a swing out and your grinder on a drop down, save space, save your back, save time setting up. Make sure everything you need is within comfortable reaching distance. Don’t have your fire swinging out the opposite way to your anvil.. 

Simple things help:

• dedicated spaces for race gear such as aluminium horseshoes, horseshoe nails and stall-jack 
• spare batteries / chargers if necessary, 
• spare consumables, such as hoofpad materials, thrush treatments
• emergency supplies permanently stocked. 
• Tip : old rasp can be made into a frog plate / bar insert 

It can also be incredibly frustrating waiting for horses to be brought up, but use that time to set up and prep. Sharpen your hoof knives if needed. Get out the hoof pads, line up your hoof impression material. Or.. do your invoicing! 

Watch Jason’s time saver tip on getting all your products ready in the truck as your horse is coming up to you

https://youtube.com/shorts/vOXAUbWaQ5w?feature=share

Good Consumables Save More Time Than You Think

One of the biggest false economies in any trade, is trying to save money by using products that don’t perform consistently.

A horseshoe nail that does something different each time you drive one in, or putting an actual hind toe shape into the frinds you got from the bargain bucket, all cost time. Lots of it.

When you’re working long days under horses, those little inefficiencies add up quickly.

Knowing your tools and consumables, such as horseshoes and horseshoe nails will perform properly allows you to focus on the horse instead of battling equipment. And honestly, anything that reduces unnecessary frustration before lunchtime is a win.

And remember your worth! Treat yourself.. I hate hate hate pushing a blunt rasp. When you can’t tell which ones your clencher and which ones your trimmer (or god forbid your hot rasp), it’s time. A sharp rasp helps you trim quicker with less effort, it’s a win all round for me!

Watch my video on the benefits of using a sharp rasp 

https://youtube.com/shorts/lgUZVbfobX4?si=vIh9GzK3W31TXJws

Prevention is Faster Than Treatment

This applies to hoof care just as much as anything else.

Preventative maintenance nearly always saves time compared to fixing bigger problems later on. This goes for client / vet / farrier relationships as well as hoof health issues!

Simple hygiene routines and consistent hoof care can prevent small issues becoming major ones. Trim scruffy frogs back properly, debride that shelly white line, fit shoes properly so you’re nailing into the white line!

It’s quicker, easier and better for the horse in the long run. This is especially true during wetter months when conditions can deteriorate quickly.

As for clients, make sure they know at the start that you want clear communication. You want to know if there is an issue first hand. Not third hand from the vet or the body worker or from suzie at pony club.

Confirm your appointments!!!! PLEASE. A quick message can prevent wasted travel, missed calls and awkward moments standing in a driveway wondering if anyone’s home. It only takes thirty seconds to send, but it can save hours of lost time across a busy week.

Book appointments in before you leave, send an invoice before you drive away. Ninety seconds tops and it’s done. No back and forth when they’re 2 weeks overdue trying to fit them in and no chasing through bank statements trying to remember if you charged them last time.   

Business management apps such as EQUINET farrier app which incorporate scheduling, client and horse records, inventory management and invoicing can save hours off your workload. 

Save Your Body, Save Your Time

Efficiency isn’t just about speed — it’s also about energy.

The more unnecessary movement you make during the day, the more tired you become. Small adjustments to positioning, tool placement and workflow can make a huge difference physically over time.

I try to minimise unnecessary bending, reaching and resetting wherever possible. Having tools where you naturally need them and creating efficient movement patterns helps reduce fatigue throughout the day.

Because once your body becomes exhausted, everything slows down. Keep every tool in your floor box in the same place so you can reach out and grab it without having to look up. Make sure your foot stand is within arms reach before you pick the foot up so you don’t have to make a separate movement to bring the leg forward after nailing on.

Working smarter physically is one of the biggest long-term time savers there is.

Working Parent Edition: Always Bring Snacks

Always carry snacks. More snacks than you think you could possibly need. If they wont eat them you will.

Spare clothes, wipes, emergency supplies and backup distractions permanently living in the ute have genuinely saved me more times than I can count.

Realistically, some days are controlled chaos. That’s just life.

Small Habits Create Big Results

Most time-saving habits aren’t particularly glamorous.

They’re the boring little systems:

• putting tools back immediately, 
• restocking before you run out, 
• replacing blunt gear early, 
• setting up properly before starting, 
• preparing tomorrow’s work today. 

But those small habits create smoother days, reduce stress and help you stay focused on doing good work.

At the end of the day, farriery is physically demanding enough already. Anything that helps the working day flow more efficiently is worth paying attention to.

And sometimes the best time saver of all is simply staying organised enough to avoid creating extra problems for yourself.

Although admittedly, leaving your husband at home probably still helps too.