‘We love it here:’ Illinois horse farrier hoping to relocate to Southeast Indiana

(MILAN, Ind.) – Ethan McQueen grew up in Lawrence County, Illinois and took a risk to open a horse farrier business. 

The 35-year-old admits that money was extremely tight when he started the company called X-Bar Ranch, and wasn’t having much luck in Southern Illinois. 

McQueen got a phone call from a Milan woman about three years ago who was seeking a farrier.

“I offered her a quote and she asked when I could come to Milan. I actually had to borrow money to even make the trip,” McQueen recalled. 

That trip would pay off as McQueen was eventually connected with more horse owners in Southeast Indiana. 

The majority of his business is now in our area and he often has to make the 3-hour drive every weekend to serve his clients. He added that there are many more horses in our area as opposed to Illinois. 

McQueen is now ready to pull the trigger and move his family to Southeast Indiana.

“I am hoping to have our house in Illinois on the market in the next two weeks, and really hope to find a house by Christmas,” he said. 

He’s hoping to find a home in Ripley, Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland or Jefferson counties. His preference is to find a home that hasn't been listed on the market yet.

McQueen is moving his fiance and four kids to the area, so he is looking for a house with enough room for his family as well as property for horses. 

“I absolutely love the area here and pretty much everyone I have met is great. I love the rolling hills and pastures and also the proximity to Cincinnati. This is where I want to base my company and also raise my kids,” McQueen told The 812. 

Another reason for the move: A difference in taxes. 

“I simply can't afford to stay in Illinois and another major reason for the move is the difference in tax rates,” he said. 

He is hoping to grow his horse farrier business in Southern Indiana once he moves. 

“I will be taking on more clients and one thing that has persuaded clients away from me in the past was the travel charge, and once we get in the area I will obviously get rid of the travel charge,” McQueen said. 

You can contact McQueen about real estate or the business by clicking here.