Want to Get Fired by Your Farrier? Follow These "Tips"!

Joking aside, maintaining a good relationship with your farrier is crucial for your horse's well-being. It's a two-way street built on respect, consideration, and clear communication. Want to ensure your farrier enjoys working with you (and keeps coming back)? Then avoid these common etiquette blunders that can quickly land you on their "least favorite client" list.

Appointment Etiquette: The Do's and Don'ts

• Be Realistic: Your farrier's schedule is packed. They're juggling multiple clients and locations. Changing appointments, especially at the last minute, can create a domino effect, disrupting their entire schedule. Be considerate and make changes as far in advance as possible. A last-minute change is not only inconvenient but also disrespectful.
• Preparation is Key: It's your responsibility to have your horse ready for the farrier. This means clean, dry, and nearby. Imagine expecting your pediatrician to bathe your child before a checkup – it's simply not done. The same applies to your farrier. Don't make them deal with a muddy, unprepared horse. And if it's fly season, have fly spray applied before the farrier arrives, not while they're working.

Location, Location, Location

The work environment matters. Provide a clean, uncluttered, dry, well-lit, and well-ventilated space, away from high-traffic areas. Easy access to electricity and water is a plus. And please, for everyone's safety, keep dogs, toddlers, chickens, goats, and any other critters (including those "fireworks" you might be tempted to set off nearby) safely contained and out of the work zone. These distractions can lead to accidents.

Your Role: Attentive and Focused

When your farrier is working, your job is to hold your horse attentively. Keep them standing as square as possible, making it easy to lift each leg. Resist the urge to let your horse nuzzle the farrier or their tools. It might seem cute, but it's distracting and potentially dangerous. Chatting is fine, but don't let it divert your attention from your primary responsibility: keeping your horse relaxed, focused, and your farrier safe. Scrolling through social media while your farrier works is a major no-no. Be present and aware of your surroundings.

The Golden Rule: Payment

Farriers are providing a valuable service, and they deserve to be paid promptly. Have payment ready in their preferred form when the work is completed. Timely payment ensures they'll be happy to return. Chasing clients for payment is a frustrating experience, and it won't keep you on their client list for long.

Beyond the Basics

While fresh coffee, Christmas cookies, and (let's be realistic) a two-week Caribbean cruise are appreciated gestures, they're not essential. Focus on the fundamentals: respect, consideration, and clear communication. These are the cornerstones of a good working relationship with your farrier.

Want to become the ideal client and ensure your horse receives the best possible hoof care? My comprehensive course, Preparing Your Horse for the Farrier/Trimmer, will equip you with the knowledge and skills to collaborate effectively with your farrier and create a positive experience for everyone involved.

Click here to learn more and enroll in the Preparing Your Horse for the Farrier/Trimmer course today!