THOSE olden days seem so farrier away but even in the 21st century customers are ponying up to get their horses shod.

Northern beaches farrier Jake Freerichmond has a thriving seven-year-old business shoeing horses for casual riders, showjumpers and even top-flight trainers such as Gai Waterhouse.

“I really enjoy helping the horses and fixing problems that have risen … that’s really where my love is,” the 29-year-old said.

Mr Freerichmond’s is one of a few niche services around town that seem to belong to a bygone era but are still in great demand.

Kate Reid, senior jeweller at Larsen in Sydney’s CBD, said customers loved the personal attention they received, which included being guided as they made their own wedding bands using antique tools.

“When customers come in … they’re sitting with a jeweller straight off the bat,” Ms Reid said. “We want people to feel like they have an experience.”

Meanwhile, shoe shiner Peter Cooke said he struggled when he first opened Sydney Shoe Shine, but embarrassment faded and business is now booming.

Social commentator Mark McCrindle said personal, service-based niche businesses would always thrive.

“We have certainly lost that … When someone provides that it is surprising and pleasing,” he said.